OROMIA STATE UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT

MASTERS PROGRAM IN LEADERSHIP AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Title: - Review of Ethiopian Environment policy

Submitted to: - Adem Kedir (PHD)

Prepared by: Group 4 member

1. Taye molla (ID.No W/15/1324)
2. Naol Ambaye (ID. No W/15/1321)
3. Mekonnen Dendena (ID.No W/15/1319)
4. Begna Mekonnen (ID. No W/15/1306)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

June 01, 2023

 Review of Ethiopian Environment policy
Introduction
Ethiopia is rich in a wide range of agro-ecological zones in which a variety of agricultural activities
and farming systems operate. These agricultural activities and farming systems affect the quality
of the environment and sustainability of natural resources in different ways, which should be one
of the prime concerns of national development policies. Article 44 (1) of the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia [FDRE] Constitution of 1995 declares that ‘[a]ll persons have the right to a
clean and healthy environment’ [[13] p.16]. Article 92 (1) also states that “government shall
endeavor to ensure that all Ethiopians live in a clean and healthy environment”. Based on this
constitutional framework Ethiopian government developed National Environment Policy.in this
policy we try to review the environment policy of Ethiopia.

Desirability of the policy

The Ethiopian government has developed an environmental policy with

1. The purpose of promoting sustainable development while protecting the country's natural
resources.
2. The policy aims to address various environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil
erosion, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
3. One of the key objectives of the Ethiopian environmental policy is to promote sustainable
land use practices. This includes measures such as reforestation, soil conservation, and the
promotion of sustainable agriculture.
4. The policy also seeks to protect biodiversity by establishing protected areas and promoting
the sustainable use of natural resources.
5. Another important desirability of the policy is to address climate change by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. The policy includes
targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy sources
such as wind and solar power.
6. The Ethiopian government has also recognized the importance of addressing
environmental issues at the local level. The policy encourages community participation in
environmental management and promotes the establishment of local environmental
committees.

Was the policy necessary as reflected in its policy goals?

The Ethiopian environment policy, as reflected in its policy goals, is a necessary policy that
addresses the critical environmental challenges facing the country.

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The policy aims to achieve sustainable development by balancing economic growth with
environmental conservation and protection. One of the primary goals of the Ethiopian environment
policy is to promote sustainable land use practices. This includes measures such as promoting
afforestation and reforestation, conserving biodiversity, and improving soil quality. By
implementing these measures, Ethiopia can reduce land degradation and improve food security,
which is critical for the country's economic growth.

Another critical goal of the Ethiopian environment policy is to address climate change. Ethiopia is
one of the countries most affected by climate change, with rising temperatures and unpredictable
rainfall patterns affecting agriculture and food security. The policy aims to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions through measures such as promoting renewable energy sources and improving energy
efficiency. Furthermore, the Ethiopian environment policy seeks to promote sustainable water
resource management. This involves measures such as improving water supply and sanitation
services, protecting watersheds, and promoting efficient water use. By addressing these issues,
Ethiopia can ensure that its water resources are sustainably managed for future generations.

In conclusion, the Ethiopian environment policy is a necessary policy that addresses critical
environmental challenges facing the country. By promoting sustainable land use practices,
addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable water resource management, Ethiopia can
achieve sustainable development while preserving its natural resources.

Is the policy document comprehensive enough?

 It is difficult to definitively say the Ethiopian environmental policy document is
comprehensive enough. Despite The policy document outlines several key objectives,
including the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, the prevention and
control of pollution, and the promotion of public participation in environmental decision-
making,
 The policy lacks clear implementation mechanisms and accountability measures, which
may limit its impact on the ground. Additionally, there are concerns about the enforcement
of environmental regulations in Ethiopia, which may undermine the effectiveness of the
policy.

Does the policy provide clarity in terms of serving as procedure and guidelines?
According to the Ethiopian Environmental Policy, the government is committed to promoting
sustainable development and ensuring a clean and healthy environment for its citizens. The policy
outlines a number of procedures and guidelines that are aimed at achieving these goals. One of the
key features of the policy is the emphasis on public participation in environmental decision-
making. The policy recognizes that environmental issues are complex and involve a wide range of

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stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, civil society groups,
and local communities. The policy encourages public participation in all stages of the decision-
making process, from planning to implementation and evaluation.
Another important aspect of the policy is the focus on environmental education and awareness-
raising. The policy recognizes that many environmental problems are caused by a lack of
understanding or knowledge about how human activities affect the environment.

To address this, the policy calls for increased investment in environmental education programs
that target different segments of society, including schools, universities, and community groups.
The Ethiopian Environmental Policy also includes provisions for environmental impact
assessment (EIA) for all development projects. This is intended to ensure that potential
environmental impacts are identified and addressed before projects are approved and implemented.
The EIA process involves a systematic analysis of the potential impacts of a project on the
environment, as well as measures to mitigate or prevent these impacts. Overall, the Ethiopian
Environmental Policy provides a clear framework for promoting sustainable development and
protecting the environment. Its emphasis on public participation, education, and impact assessment
reflects a commitment to ensuring that environmental decisions are made in a transparent and
accountable manner.

Has the policy document addressed and communicated the sectorial or

institutional/national or general values and purposes/objectives?
Yes, the Ethiopian environmental policy document has addressed and communicated both sectorial
and institutional/national values, as well as general purposes/objectives. Sectorial values and
objectives are addressed in the policy document through specific sections dedicated to different
sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, and energy. For example, the section on agriculture outlines
the need for sustainable land use practices, soil conservation, and integrated pest management to
promote food security and protect natural resources.

The forestry section emphasizes the importance of forest conservation and restoration for
biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and community livelihoods. The energy section highlights
the need for renewable energy development to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve
access to modern energy services. Institutional/national values and objectives are also addressed
in the policy document through overarching principles and goals that apply across all sectors.
These include promoting sustainable development, protecting human health and well-being,
ensuring intergenerational equity, and promoting public participation and transparency in
decision-making processes.

The policy document also outlines specific institutional arrangements for environmental
governance, such as establishing an Environmental Protection Authority to oversee
implementation of the policy. Overall, the general purpose of the Ethiopian environmental policy
is to promote sustainable development while protecting natural resources and human well-being.

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This is achieved through a combination of sector-specific strategies and overarching principles
that guide environmental governance at the national level.

Would the policy at hand be effective?

The Ethiopian environmental policy at hand has the potential to be effective. The policy which
was launched in 2011, aims to address the country's environmental challenges by promoting
sustainable development and natural resource management. One of the key components of the
policy is the establishment of a regulatory framework that governs the use of natural resources.
This includes the creation of protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, to
conserve biodiversity and prevent habitat destruction. Additionally, the policy seeks to promote
sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, as well as encourage the use of renewable energy
sources. Furthermore, the Ethiopian government has taken steps to enforce environmental
regulations and hold individuals and corporations accountable for their actions. For example, in
2019, the government shut down several factories that were found to be polluting waterways and
causing health problems for nearby communities.

However, there are also challenges that may hinder the effectiveness of the policy. One major issue
is inadequate funding for environmental programs and initiatives. Additionally, there is a lack of
public awareness and participation in environmental conservation efforts. Overall, while there are
obstacles to overcome, the Ethiopian environmental policy has the potential to be effective in
addressing the country's environmental challenges if properly implemented and supported.

Compatibility of policy with legal requirements and practices as benchmark.

Differently put, is the policy current and relevant to the institution or sector
that it meant to serve?
Ethiopia has made significant progress in the development of environmental policies and
regulatory frameworks over the past few decades. The country has recognized the importance of
environmental protection and sustainable development, and has implemented a number of policies
and programs to address various environmental challenges. One of the key factors in assessing the
effectiveness of Ethiopia's environmental policy is its compatibility with legal requirements and
practices. Article 44 (1) of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia [FDRE] Constitution of
1995 declares that all persons have the right to a clean and healthy environment’ the policy must
be consistent with existing laws, regulations, and standards, and should not conflict with other
policies or initiatives. It is compatible to the policy the policy of institution or sector it is meant to
serve. Ethiopia has developed sector-specific policies and regulations to address specific
environmental challenges. For example, the country has implemented a Forest Proclamation to
regulate forest management and conservation, and a Water Resource Management Policy to
promote sustainable use of water resources.

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Policy implementation. Is the policy being followed or monitored in practice,
or is there a need to address and improve policy implementation?
The Ethiopian environmental policy, introduced in 1997, aims to protect the country's natural
resources and promote sustainable development. The policy is based on the principles of
intergenerational equity, public participation, and the integration of environmental concerns into
all aspects of decision-making. In practice, however, there have been challenges in implementing
and enforcing the policy. One major issue is the lack of capacity and resources at both the national
and local levels to monitor and enforce environmental regulations. There is also a need for greater
public awareness and participation in environmental decision-making processes. Despite these
challenges, there have been some positive developments in recent years. In 2019, Ethiopia
launched a Green Legacy Initiative aimed at planting four billion trees across the country in one
year. This initiative has been praised as a significant step towards achieving the country's
environmental goals. Additionally, Ethiopia has made progress in addressing specific
environmental issues such as deforestation and land degradation. The government has
implemented programs to promote sustainable land management practices and reforestation
efforts. Overall, while there are still areas for improvement, it appears that Ethiopia is making
efforts to follow and implement its environmental policy.

Organization of the policy document

Technical Styles, Drafting and formatting. Is the policy well drafted?

To determine whether a policy is well-drafted, WE must consider technical styles, drafting, and
formatting. A well-drafted policy should be clear, concise, and easily understandable to its
intended audience. It should use plain language, avoid jargon or technical terms that may not be
familiar to the reader, and provide definitions for any terms that are used. The organization of the
Ethiopian environment policy document is structured in a logical manner that makes it easy for
the reader to follow and understand. In technical styles, the policy use consistent terminology
throughout the document. It is free of spelling and grammatical errors, and use proper punctuation
and capitalization. The policy also considered the audience for which it is intended. If the policy
is intended for a specific industry or profession, it may need to include technical terms or jargon
that are specific to that field. However, if the policy is intended for a general audience, it should
use plain language and avoid technical terms as much as possible. But although have the above it
lacks a clear table of contents that clearly indicate the subject matter of each section.

Does it function as written? Or should it be revised or changed?

Ethiopian Environmental Policy and Strategy (EEPS) was first introduced in 1997 and revised in
2007. Its main objective is to promote sustainable development by integrating environmental
considerations into all sectors of society. The policy covers a wide range of issues, including

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biodiversity conservation, land use management, pollution control, and climate change adaptation.
The EEPS is a comprehensive policy that outlines clear goals and objectives.

Recommendation
There are some concerns about its implementation.

1. One issue is the lack of enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the
policy.
2. Additionally, there are challenges related to capacity building and resource
allocation, which can hinder the effective implementation of the policy.
3. Another area of concern is the impact of large-scale development projects on the
environment. Ethiopia has been pursuing ambitious development goals in recent
years, including the construction of dams, highways, and industrial parks. While
these projects have the potential to bring significant economic benefits to the
country, they also pose risks to the environment and local communities. Critics
argue that these projects are often approved without adequate environmental impact
assessments or consultation with affected communities.

Overall, while Ethiopia's environmental policy framework is comprehensive, there are challenges
related to implementation and enforcement that need to be addressed. Awareness of environmental
issues is generally low at policy level. Inconsistency at institutional level, lack of
complementarities between institutions, and between environmental and investment policy and
proclamations, the situation is also aggravated by the fact that most ministries do not have
environmental departments. Lack of multidisciplinary experts and expertise, lack of public
participation guidelines, Lack of monitoring guidelines, an effective mechanism for accountability
should have to develop. We recommend those concept should have to inculcate to the policy.

Conclusion
To sum up Ethiopian environment policy is necessarily to revise or update policies to ensure they
are effective in achieving their intended goals while balancing economic development needs.

The End!!