A Community-Centered Adaptation Example from Ethiopia- (Bishan Guracha) Wetland Restoration
I would like to share an inspiring example of a community-led climate adaptation plan from the Bale Zone in Ethiopia, known as the Bishan Guracha wetland restoration initiative.
How the plan was designed and implemented:
This initiative emerged as a response to the severe degradation of wetlands due to overgrazing,deforestation, and climate-induced droughts. Local communities, supported by the local government and an Ethiopian NGO (MELCA-Ethiopia), began participatory mapping and dialogue sessions. Together, they identified the wetland as crucial for water access, livestock grazing, and biodiversity. They co-designed a restoration plan that included controlled grazing, tree planting around the wetland, and the establishment of community bylaws to protect the area.
Reflection based on the given criteria:
· Represents community values: Yes — the plan respects the indigenous Gada system and local customs of natural resource management, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific approaches.
· Addresses challenges: It directly tackles land degradation, water scarcity, and loss of pasture — key threats to livelihoods in this pastoralist and agro-pastoralist region.
· Adequately assesses vulnerability: Through community meetings and seasonal calendars, vulnerabilities were assessed in relation to climate variability, livestock dependence, and women’s water-fetching burdens.
· Demonstrates conflict resolution: The initiative included mediation between farmers and pastoralists over land and water use, resulting in agreed-upon grazing schedules and shared conservation responsibilities.
· Meets the community’s expectations and needs: Improved water availability, restored pasturelands, and strengthened social cohesion have been reported, aligning with community priorities for resilience.
· Contributes to the community’s adaptive capacity: By restoring the wetland ecosystem, communities are better buffered against droughts. The establishment of community-led monitoring and governance structures also builds long-term institutional capacity for adaptation.