Enviro News Asia, Jimma — The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Jimma University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 30 April 2026 in Jimma, Ethiopia, to strengthen collaboration in climate research and biodiversity conservation.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for joint academic research aimed at supporting Ethiopia’s environmental initiatives, particularly in forestry and biodiversity sectors. The partnership aligns with the country’s Green Legacy program and focuses on generating scientific data to guide sustainable land use and forest protection.
GGGI’s representative in Ethiopia, Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya, stated that the collaboration addresses technical gaps in natural resource management. He emphasized that combining GGGI’s global policy expertise with Jimma University’s local research capacity will produce evidence-based solutions tailored to regional ecological conditions.
Jimma University President Jemal Abafita formalized the agreement, while Vice President for Research and Collaboration Mulumebet Abera highlighted the institution’s ongoing work in biodiversity and climate resilience. She noted that the partnership will enhance the application of research to address environmental challenges.
The cooperation includes joint studies to monitor forest cover, knowledge exchange between researchers and international experts, and the development of data-driven insights to improve green growth strategies at regional and national levels.
Both institutions aim to address technical challenges in climate adaptation by promoting landscape restoration and participatory forest management. The partnership is expected to strengthen Ethiopia’s environmental framework by integrating scientific research into policy implementation and ensuring that sustainability efforts are grounded in local data and practical application. (*)
