The Bishan Guracha wetland Restoration (Bale Zone, Ethiopia)
How the Plan was Designed and Implemented
This community-led initiative responded to severe wetland degradation from overgrazing,deforestation, and climate-induced droughts. The process began with local communities, supported by the NGO MELCA-Ethiopia and the local government, holding participatory mapping and dialogue sessions. They co-designed a restoration plan that included controlled grazing, tree planting, and establishing community bylaws to protect the area. Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms were used to build consensus, demonstrating genuine local ownership from the outset.
Reflection Based on the Criteria
Here is how this initiative aligns with the key principles of community-centered adaptation:
· Represents Community Values: The plan integrates the indigenous Gada system and local customs of natural resource management, respecting and utilizing traditional ecological knowledge.
· Addresses Challenges: It directly tackles land degradation, water scarcity, and loss of grazing land—the community's most pressing climate and livelihood threats.
· Adequately Assesses Vulnerability: The participatory mapping and discussions enabled the community itself to identify and prioritize the wetlands as their most critical vulnerable asset.
· Demonstrates Conflict Resolution: By using local governance structures and bylaws, the community collaboratively managed shared resources like grazing land, preventing and resolving potential conflicts.
· Meets Community Needs and Expectations: The plan focused on practical outcomes: securing reliable water sources, restoring grazing areas, and protecting biodiversity, which directly support local livelihoods and well-being.
· Contributes to Adaptive Capacity: By strengthening local institutions, bylaws, and collective action, the community built a lasting foundation to manage future climate risks and environmental challenges.