JIMMA, ETHIOPIA, MAY 7, 2025 – The annual review meeting of the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Forested Landscape (CSMFL) project took place in presence of representatives from the Swedish Embassy in Ethiopia, funding the project, and implementing partners, GGGI, Environment and Coffee Forest Forum (ECFF) and International Development Enterprises (iDE). The CSMFL project is dedicated to the sustainable management of biodiversity-rich natural forests in Southwestern Ethiopia and improving the livelihoods of surrounding communities. The annual meeting helped to assess the achievements of the past year, analyze key challenges, and strategically plan for the future of the project. The review process was informed by a recent two-day field visit (May 5-6, 2025) that showcased the project’s tangible progress to a delegation from the resource partner, government representatives, and community leaders from the project areas.

Village Economic & Social Associations (VESA) group

Youth managed nursery site

A significant point of discussion was the project’s success in effectively integrating forest conservation with the improvement of livelihoods for forest-dependent communities through participatory forest management (PFM) mechanisms. The establishment of Village Economic and Saving Associations (VESA) was also widely acknowledged as a key achievement contributing to community resilience and alternative income generation.  

Project lead Abraham Woldemichael presented a comprehensive overview, emphasizing the project’s commitment to gender participation and community engagement for equitable benefit sharing. Key achievements highlighted during the recent field visit included the completion of a Gender Capacity Needs Assessment (GCNA), capacity-building initiatives on gender mainstreaming and climate action, and training on the Water, Energy, Food, and Forest nexus. The completion of a feasibility study for 820 solar home systems, the installation of 500 such systems, and the establishment of three medium-scale Solar Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS), each capable of irrigating 80-120 hectares were also some notable progresses.  

Discussion during a field visit in Kaffa Zone

Mr. Johan Romare, Deputy Ambassador and Head of Development Cooperation at Sweden Embassy in Ethiopia

Deputy Ambassador of Sweden to Ethiopia, Mr. Johan Romare, expressed his positive impressions following both the field visit and the review meeting’s presentations. He emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts, noting that “change happens when government, communities, civil societies, and the private sector come together.” He also expressed his satisfaction with the CSMFL project’s ability to foster such collaboration and highlighted the early signs of real impact, particularly in empowering individuals as “change agents” who are contributing to both their own livelihoods and the protection of biodiversity and forests. He added that meeting these individuals in person was truly motivational.  

GGGI Ethiopia, CR, Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya

GGGI Ethiopia Country Representative, Mr. Daniel Ogbonnaya, lauded the project’s significant impact on communities, stating, “This project is truly touching lives.” He also expressed his appreciation for the community’s vital role in the project’s success, emphasizing their commitment to biodiversity and forest conservation as crucial for food security, economic growth, ecosystem services, climate change efforts, and overall resilience. He concluded by affirming the project’s aim to serve as a catalyst for lasting and sustainable development in Ethiopia.  

The CSMFL project, implemented by a consortium led by GGGI Ethiopia with ECFF and iDE as implementing partners, has so far benefited more than 50,000 people, with women comprising 40% of the total. Moving forward, the annual review meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to continue advancing this work in Southwestern Ethiopia, focusing on both conserving forests and enhancing livelihoods.

Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) installed by the project

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