Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society
40 years young environmental NGO in Ethiopia

From a Caretaker Committee to an Institution

Four decades back, keen environmentalists, advocates of sustainable use of natural resources rather humanitarians came together to forward their ideas, brainstorm and develop it into achievable terms. In this connection, the volunteers made their dreams true and opened a new chapter for the protection of the country's environment on 21 June 1966 by forming a nucleus for Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society, an indigenous environmental NGO that was officially established in September 1966 here in Addis Ababa . The interest group formed a Caretaker Committee from among 32 founding members which include:

In subsequent meetings convened, the enthusiastic members developed a constitution that set out fundamental laws/bylaws and objectives of the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society to clearly define its scope towards the protection of the country's environment and to plan environmental undertakings. The agreed objectives mainly focused on:

•  to do research on the country's flora and fauna; and

•  to disseminate information that can create awareness in the hearts of the people for Ethiopia 's wild life, so that their numbers may not decrease and laws may be enacted for their care and up-keep.

To meet the above objectives, the Committee started up indoor/outdoor activities revealed by organizing field trips to areas of environmental interest and arranging lectures that promote environmental issues with particular emphasis on Ethiopia 's environment. These fora served noted researchers and prominent professionals to share their knowledge and experience related to major environmental problems of the country, which certainly was part of the global agenda. Their illustrative explanations that substantiated the lectures had been vital to initiate live discussions, exchange ideas and views on environmental issue presented at various indoor programs. The awareness creation activity further paved the way to the production of environmental publications in which topical issues on the environment appeared. Accordingly, Walia No. 1, the first journal of the Society came out in January 1969 addressing issues such as "Wildlife Conservation in Ethiopia", "A Guide to the Birds of Lake Abiata" and others with a message from the patron , His Imperial Majesty Haile Sellassie I (click here to read the message). Since then, prominent scholars in the field of conservation have contributed articles to upgrade Walia to a quasi-scientific journal of the Society which is produced annually focusing on salient environmental issues and policies of the country. The production and distribution of Newsletters among members was equally important to enable them appreciate their environment better. These activities are still among the core activities currently carried out by the Society.

It is evident, over the years efforts have been made to transform the Society into an institution, to strengthen its financial status, to develop its human resource and to increase its assets including vehicles and modern office facilities. Furthermore, the staff have persistently worked with the Board of Management to bring the EWNHS to one of the strongest environmental NGOs in the country. Over the years, the Society has received recognition at sub-regional, regional and international level. For instance, the EWNHS is one of the strongest Partners of BirdLife International in Africa , and plays a very important role in promoting BirdLife's regional and global initiatives for which the founding members and the Caretaker Committee should be congratulated. Needless to say, the Caretaker Committee is a base for the enormous growth of the Society and a stepping stone to visionary EWNHS. Needless to say, donors, partners and friends of EWNHS have supported the Society for over the years through thick and thin.

On 21 June 2006 we observed the 40 th anniversary of the establishment of the EWNHS praising the founding members whose diligent work provided a solid foundation for building a reputable indigenous environmental NGO in the country. The Board of Management, members, the Secretariat and staff of the EWNHS owe the founding members of the Society particularly the Caretaker Committee a deep sense of gratitude on behalf of friends of EWNHS and the Ethiopian people at large.