The MoU is signed between Dr. Tafere Melaku on behalf of Debre Markos University and Dr. Feleke Woldeyes on behalf of Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute which will be effective on February 16, 2021.

The purpose of this MoU is to establish a relationship by and between Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) and Debre Markos University (DMU) whereby the parties may exchange information and seek and implement programs and activities of mutual interest.

The mutual interest is based on collaboration in the exchange of information on a wide range of Natural Resources and Environment Management related issues especially biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization, access and benefit sharing from genetic resources.

Dr. Feleke Woldeyes, Deputy Director General of Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute speaks “I am hopeful that we will be effective in our collaboration with Debre Markos University because Gojjam in general and the Choke Mountain Landscape in particular is a potential area of biodiversity and DMU is actually engaged in.”

According to Dr. Feleke, the area of DMU, Gojjam, is well known in traditional medicine and thus we are expected to register the knowledge of traditional medicine and medicinal plants. Church Forest is also a potential area of biodiversity access. We have also potential resource of animals, yet not exploited enough.  The problem observed in scholars in our country is problem of identifying the potential and benefit of our natural resources.

Dr. Tafere Melaku, President of Debre Markos University, explains “If we do not conserve biodiversity we inevitably loss huge natural resources like Abay River and if we need to save Abay we must conserve the biodiversity found in Choke Mountain. Having these points in mind we have been thinking about working on biodiversity issues with the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute. Now, what is expected from us is implementing the activities we have agreed to work on.”

Debre Markos University has shown remarkable works in planting diverse tree species in plant nursery sites established in the campus. In doing so, the university has provided trees to the surrounding community and to other universities.  For the contribution it has made to Meqdela Amba University’s campus beautification Debre Markos University received appreciation award, Dr. Tafere added.

Mr. Endeshaw Kassa, Director of Project Development and Partnership Directorate of Debre Markos University, says “the university is committed to enter into action in the near time and implement the activities we have agreed on.”

Mr. Ediget Merawi, Director for Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Bahir Dar Centre speaks “ This MoU is prepared in general terms that it incorporates several detail activities. Apart from the MoU we have been engaged in church forest, domestic and wild animal breed and conservation so far with Debre Markos University. The university is also working in indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional medicine which is a valuable asset for our future work on biodiversity.”

Dr. Haimanot Reta, Officer for Indigenous Knowledge Centre of Debre Markos University says “the area, Gojjam has sensitive wetland and afro-alpine ecological zone; we have to work on this area. The project for indigenous knowledge of Debre Mrakos University has also identified problems concerning medicinal plants. Thus, we have potential areas to work together.”

Finally, delegates of Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute and Debre Markos University Officials visited the plant nursery sites in the campus.