Hawassa University’s Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources (WGCFNR), in collaboration with international partners, hosted a high-level multi-sectorial dialogue on September 15, 2026. Held under the theme "African Fire Dialogue: From Balem to Addis Ababa — Building an African Agenda for Fire-Resilient Landscapes," the event gathered experts, development partners, government representatives, researchers, and community leaders.
Officially opening the event, Dr. Chirotaw Ayele, President of Hawassa University, emphasized that protecting forests from wildfires is critical to achieving Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and related national development goals. He reaffirmed the university's commitment to strategic partnerships that advance both national targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Welcoming delegates, WGCFNR Dean Dr. Teshale Woldeamanuel highlighted the dialogue as a collaborative platform to bridge local knowledge with global expertise. Dr. Teshale also presented the college's 50-year legacy as a premier research and academic institution specializing in forestry, land management, and wild life, outlining its vision to serve as a regional center of excellence.
In his keynote address, Mr. Joost van Montfort, Director at Tropenbos International, shared global lessons on community-led fire management. He stressed the importance of recognizing indigenous community efforts and integrating them into evidence-based policy decisions.
Additionally, Kefyalew Sahle, a GISc lecturer at WGCFNR, delivered a data-driven presentation on Ethiopia’s wildfire trends, local best practices, and the college's ongoing contributions to wildfire mitigation.
The multi-day dialogue continues tomorrow with field visits and interactive workshop sessions.
