“Reversing the Degradation of Ethiopian Wetlands”: Is it Unachievable Phrase or A Call to Effective Action?

Abstract

Ethiopia is endowed with different types of wetlands, which have several ecosystem services. However, the social, economical and ecological benefits of these wetlands are not utilized properly and sustainably, as of their potential, due to several anthropogenic and natural factors. This review showed that the wetland degradation is growing at alarming rate in many parts of wetlands, and if this trend continues without any mitigation measures, the wetland ecosystems will lose their function, biodiversity and restoration potential. In spite of these facts, this study strongly suggests that it is possible to reverse the degradation of Ethiopian wetlands by adopting sustainable wetland management, which is based on socio-ecological approach. Accordingly, it is very important to harmonize intersectional plan among relevant institutions, strengthen the capacity of institutions, conduct an intensive awareness creation and problem solving researches, find an alternative livelihood options to the local community, and involve all relevant stakeholders and respective decision makers in wetland management practices..