A first directory of Ethiopian wetlands: Descriptions, ecosystem services, causes of degradation and recommendations for restoration and sustainability

The objective of this report is to present an overview of the current ecological condition and restoration options for degraded wetlands in Ethiopia using practical approaches and recommendations. After a brief introduction of the profile of Ethiopia in general, the international, national and regional policies and regulations that touch on wetlands are discussed in detail in chapter 1. In chapter 2, the wetlands are listed in relation to their distribution in the 12 drainage basins of the country. In chapter 3, the major causes of the degradation of wetlands in Ethiopia are mentioned. In chapter 4, the degradation status of 16 wetlands is discussed and they are ranked from high to low degradation, with priorities set accordingly for their restoration. Chapter 5 discusses at length the type of restoration approaches to be used for degraded wetlands and the history of alteration of the 16 degraded wetlands considered in this report. In chapter 6, detailed guidelines for wetland restoration are given.

In terms of climate change adaptation, the following strategies are suggested among others:

• Climate change adaptation seeks to reduce key vulnerabilities of natural and human systems against actual or expected climate change effects, and when possible, take advantage of beneficial opportunities;
• Support and improvement of governance for climate change adaptation;
• Build livelihood resilience to climate change;
• Improved disaster risk management.