HIMALAYAN FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SHIMLA
Visit of High-Level Delegation from Ethiopia: A Report (17th March 2017)
As a part of the India Exposure and Experience Sharing Visit, a 15 member high level
the delegation headed by His Excellency Dr. Gemedo Dalle, Minister of Environment,
Forests & Climate Change and His Excellency Kebede Yimam, State Minister,
Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Ethiopia visited the Himalayan
Forest Research Institute, Shimla on 17th March 2017. Other members of this
the high-level delegation included;
- Dr. Wubalem Tardesse, EEFRI, Research Director General, EFRI
- Dr. Agena Anjulo, EEFRI, Deputy Director General, EFRI
- Professor Fassil Kebede, EFRI, Senior Researcher
- Dr. Teshome Tesema, EEFRI, Research Director
- Dr. Yigardu Mulatu, EEFRI, Research Director
- Mr. Birhane Kidane, EEFRI, Research Director
- Dr. Fefera Mengistu, Programme Coordinator, UNDP, MEFCC
- Mr. Ababu Anage, National Climate Change Specialist, UNDP
- Dr. Teshmore Tamrat, MEFCC, Director General, Research
- Mr. Samuel Kokebo, SNNPR, Head for Environment & Forest
- Dr. Belayneh Ayele, Amhara, Head for Environment, Forest and Wildlife
- Dr. Hassen Yusuf, Oromia Head for Environment, Forests and Climate Change
Once the presentation of Dr. Kapoor was over, Dr. Rajesh Sharma invited His
Excellency, Kebede Yimam, State Minister, Environment,
Forests & Climate Change, Government of Ethiopia to address
the house. In his speech, His Excellency in particular raked up
the issues of climate change, and productivity enhancement
including livestock production. All these issues are affecting the
forestry in Ethiopia, he added.
Thereafter, Dr. Rajesh invited His Excellency Dr. Dalle to address the house and
share his experiences and expectations. In his address, Dr.
Dalle informed that the Government of Ethiopia has found it
necessary to give the required attention to the activities of forest
and environmental protection, and forest management including
utilization activities by linking forestry research with the
related issues for better accomplishment of the objectives of
his Government.
After his address, the delegation raised several issues about forestry
research and interacted with the Scientists. The Hon’ble Minister discussed the
research commonalities and the areas where the Institute can help Ethiopia for
which each of the Scientists of HFRI interacted with the delegation in the most
professional way. His Excellency, Dr. Dalle thought that the Institute can
prepare a project with the concerned Department of the Ethiopian Government where
the professional competence of the Scientists can be utilized in the most scientific
way.
Once this discussion was over, Dr. Kapoor informed me that HFRI, Shimla is a regional
research Institute of Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education, Dehradun and
accordingly, such bilateral issues are processed at the Council level in consultation
with the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India,
New Delhi. Adding to it, His Excellency, Dr. Dalle informed us that this delegation will
also, visit the ICFRE Headquarters and this issue will be tagged accordingly.
Other issues, revolving around research activities including the implementation of research
activities, etc. were also discussed.
The delegation appreciated the efforts of HFRI, Shimla for promoting the cause of
forestry research in particular and environment in general in this unique part of the
world. He further added that his Country and Ministry are giving due attention to
activities related to forestry and climate change and in the process, this delegation is
visiting India for capturing the experience of the various counterparts.
While concluding, His Excellency Dr. Dalle, thanked HFRI for their hospitality, the
scientific discussion held and further assured that every effort will be made by his
country for taking up some collaborative works, especially in the field of forestry,
productivity enhancement of forests, biodiversity assessment, climate change, etc.
In the end, Shri Satya Prakash Negi, IFS, CF proposed the vote of thanks to the visiting
delegation. He hoped that this visit will be useful in future endeavors in
both counties mainly about forestry research.
