Launch of the NL–Ethiopia Agri-Biodiversity Strategy: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Development
On December 11, 2025, the official launch of the NL–Ethiopia Agri-Biodiversity Strategy marked a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between Ethiopia and the Netherlands, aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. This event, supported by a range of partners, emphasizes the importance of strategic collaboration in achieving climate-resilient agriculture and robust food systems.
Objectives of the NL–Ethiopia Agri-Biodiversity Strategy
The strategy is meticulously designed to align with Ethiopia’s national priorities, including the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), and the National Food Systems Pathway (NFSP). It draws insights from both international and bilateral commitments, reflecting the Netherlands’ dedication to biodiversity, climate, and agri-food systems.
Key Thematic Areas
The implementation of the strategy focuses on three priority thematic areas:
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Sustainable Agriculture
- Emphasizing climate-smart agricultural practices, nature-based solutions, and soil health.
- Aims to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources.
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Restoration of Degraded Land
- Centers on soil and water conservation, afforestation efforts, and the promotion of agroforestry systems.
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Protected Area Systems
- Focuses on sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
Across these themes, six cross-cutting enablers will support the strategy’s implementation, ensuring a holistic and lasting impact.
Showcasing Current Initiatives
During the launch, various Netherlands-supported initiatives in Ethiopia were highlighted to demonstrate how biodiversity considerations are effectively integrated into ongoing projects. Notable examples include:
- TRAIDE Ethiopia‘s development of the cocoa value chain.
- SHER Ethiopia‘s wetlands restoration projects.
- Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute‘s biodiversity mainstreaming efforts.
- Land restoration initiatives led by ORDA through church forests.
Collaboration for Biodiversity Mainstreaming
The LN-Addis team, in partnership with the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) and through the Climate and Energy Response Facility (CERF), is advancing an initiative aimed at mainstreaming biodiversity within Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. This initiative seeks to cultivate a cross-organizational commitment to integrate biodiversity considerations into agricultural planning and practices.
Closing Ceremony Highlights
The event culminated in a handover ceremony where Alwin Quispel, Counsellor for Agriculture and Nature, officially presented the strategy document to representatives from various sectors, symbolizing the “Dutch Diamond” approach. This approach underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts among government, private sector, research institutions, and civil society for successful strategy implementation.
Quispel emphasized the importance of the strategy as a framework for aligning resources and efforts, inviting all stakeholders to engage actively in exploring collaboration opportunities arising from the strategy.
Access the NL-Ethiopia Agri-Biodiversity Strategy Document
To delve deeper into the strategy and its components, you can access the full document here.
Stay Updated
Further updates on the progress and developments related to this strategy will be shared soon. For any inquiries or more information, the LAN team in Addis can be contacted at ADD-LVVN@minbuza.nl.
This initiative promises a pathway towards achieving sustainable agricultural practices and robust biodiversity conservation in Ethiopia, backed by strong Dutch support. Stay tuned for more insights into how this partnership will unfold and the positive impacts it aims to deliver.
