International Journal of scientific research and management (IJSRM)

||Volume||1||Issue|| 2 ||Pages|| 63-75||2013||

ISSN (e): 2321-3418

Review of sustainable Environmental Resources management policies, plans,

proclamations and Strategies: Amhara National Region State, Ethiopia
Solomon Addisu1, Yihenew G.Selassie2, Berihun Tefera3 , Goraw Goshu4
1
MSC in Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University,
Bahir Dar, P.O.Box 79, Ethiopia
2
PhD in Soil Science, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University,
Bahir Dar, P.O.Box 79,Ethiopia
3
MA in Regional and Local Development Studies, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences,
Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, P.O.Box 79,Ethiopia
4
MSC in Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University,
Bahir Dar, P.O.Box 1701, Ethiopia

Abstract
African agricultural inventions and cultivation techniques tend to be adapted to local ecological conditions and
sensitive to the critical need to preserve fragile natural resources. Poverty reduction and macroeconomic
growth is a legitimate concern for Ethiopia and the health of its citizens, since implementation capacity is
hindered by inadequate funds. Nevertheless, a focus on poverty reduction cannot ignore the implications of
development for the environment. Land degradation in the Ethiopian highlands, areas above 1500m above sea
level, has been a concern for many years. Soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and deforestation are common, but
little has been done to determine their impact on productivity. The Ethiopian experience indicates that
sustainable, conservation-based strategies aimed at increasing food production for domestic consumption and
bringing about the more equitable distribution of resources merit greater attention. Ongoing land degradation
in Ethiopia requires urgent action, and has been addressed at different levels of society, including widespread
soil and water conservation activities, and the introduction of technologies, which integrate local knowledge
and farmer's initiatives. In our experience, and in line with studies reviewed elsewhere, natural resources
conservation in Ethiopia is directed towards an integration of food self-sufficiency of the environment, and
frequently follows a participatory approach. In Amhara National Regional State, policy, proclamation, plan and
directives have been developed, and appeals and arbitration committees have now been formed. An information
and documentation system is being instituted where data would be collected and compiled at Kebele level, while
digital formats have been used at the regional level. “Sustainability” is a multidimensional and dynamic
concept, encompassing considerations of interrelated economic, social and environmental factors. In order to be
sustainable, development must be socially and environmentally sustainable, as well as economically sustainable.
Although economic, social and environmental factors are all incorporated into the conceptual framework of any
project, their relationship to sustainability needs to be clarified.

Key word: Sustainable Environment, Institutional roles, legal frameworks,

Introduction through liberalization of markets, decentralization
of planning and resource management and
The policies of the national and regional
widespread investments in improved infrastructure.
governments in Ethiopia have emphasized
Moreover, promoting use of improved agricultural
conservation based agriculture led industrialization
inputs, such as improved seeds and fertilizer and
Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 63
availability of short-term agricultural credit, and The manner in which environmental issues are
promoting development of farmer organizations addressed in the coming years will have a
and other local organizations are the ultimate target significant influence on the well-being of the
of the national and regional policies, pans, strategies Ethiopian people, and on surrounding nations
and proclamations . whose ecosystems are “dynamically interlinked”
with Ethiopia (McKee, 2007). In this context, the
Ethiopia is one of the most important biodiversity
development of strong institutions and networks is a
hotspots of the world, but also one of the most
necessity to address environmental degradation and
degraded (FFE, 2011b; Conservation International,
management of natural resources. A key component
2007; McKee, 2007). The country faces numerous
of environmental management is how policies, once
environmental challenges such as deforestation, soil
adopted, are carried out. The concept that “policies
erosion, loss of biodiversity, and declines in soil
gain force through implementation” applies directly
fertility and water quality (FFE, 2011a; Bekele,
to environmental policy (Weimer & Vining, 2005).
2008; EPE, 1997). These problems pose significant
The issuance of a policy establishes the problem at
risks for Ethiopian citizens since – as emphasized in
hand, and how it should be addressed.
the 1997 Environmental Policy of Ethiopia –
Implementation meanwhile refers to “the efforts
“natural resources are the foundation of the
made to execute the policies – efforts that don’t
economy.” Political, social, and economic
always achieve the intended goals” (Weimer &
challenges can both contribute to and be
Vining, 2005). Eugene Bardach developed a
exacerbated by environmental degradation. Much of
metaphor for understanding policy implementation
Ethiopia’s population is dependent upon on the
that provides a way of conceptualizing the
environment as their principal source of income
environmental policy process. Bardach’s metaphor
(HoAREC, 2011; US DOS, 2011; McKee, 2007;
likens implementation to a machine – in order for it
EPE, 1997). This leads to a cycle of environmental
to work all, of the parts must be assembled and kept
degradation and poverty: to survive, people “are
in place. To begin, a working machine (effective
forced to disregard the long-term well-being of the
policy) is dependent upon proper design (correct
environment and thus degrade it further” (MoFED,
theory); without this, the “machine” will not work,
2002, p. 121). Recurrent droughts, famines, poor
and the desired policy results will not be achieved
infrastructure and periods of political unrest serve
(Weimer & Vining, 2005). If the correct design
as additional challenges for environmental
(effective policy) is in place, but the necessary parts
management within Ethiopia (Ogbaharya & Tecle,
for policy implementation (essential policy
2010; EPE, 1997).
elements) are either lacking or unreliable, then the

Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 64

machine (policy) will be ineffective (Weimer & institutions, and the current state of institutions in
Vining, 2005). Ethiopia and Amhara National Regional State. To a
comprehensive understanding of this review, we
Another aspect of policy implementation concerns sought informants from multiple different
cooperation. Cooperation becomes a factor in stakeholder groups policies plans and programs. As
projects large in scope and scale that can involve such, they offer valuable insights into the
many actors (Heikkila & Gerlak, 2005). In short, environmental policies of Ethiopia, as well as into
environmental policy implementation can be Amhara regional state government relationships and
extremely complex, often crossing traditional the experience of environmental institutions.
administrative boundaries and requiring a great deal
of knowledge and expertise. Actors in Results
environmental policy issues range from government
The Evolution of Environmental Institutions in
bodies (at federal, regional, and local levels) to civil
Ethiopia
society organizations (CSOs), academics, scientists,
A review of many published and unpublished
think tanks, corporations, and the general public.
materials, reports, books and magazines showed
that prior to the period of Italian occupation (1936-
The environment will continue to be one of the
41), while there were rules that addressed aspects of
most important determinants of Ethiopia’s welfare
the environment in Ethiopia, formal environmental
in the future (EPE, 1997). Environmental
decrees were rare. The resource laws during the
institutions play an important role in policy
Italian occupation focused on the economic
development and implementation, acting as
potential of Ethiopia’s natural resources rather than
instruments of change in improving environmental
their ecological value. During this period, the
quality. Despite this, there has been relatively little
Italians issued over twenty forest decrees and
research on the roles of environmental institutions .
implemented destructive forestry programs to fuel
This review analysis represents one of the first
infrastructural development (Bekele, 2008). After
efforts to contextualize the work of environmental
the return of the Ethiopian imperial government
institutions in Ethiopia within a national and
(1941-1975), government policy focused on the
regional policy framework.
development of the agricultural sector for domestic
consumption and export; as a result, national forest
Methods land was redistributed for conversion to agricultural
In order to gather background and historical land (Bekele, 2008). While the 1955 Constitution
information, an extensive literature review explored introduced the principle of conservation, it took
the evolution of environmental policy and years for forestry policies to develop and even
Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 65
longer for any implementation to take place. The activities in the environmental sector were
period of 1955-1968 is described by Bekele as destroyed in protest against decades of top-down
“probably one of the most distressing phases in rule (Bekele, 2008; Keeley & Scoones, 2003).
forestry management” in Ethiopia, where the After a brief period of transitional government, the
highland forest estimated in 1937 at nearly six current federal republic system, led by the Ethiopian
million hectares was reduced by almost half to three People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF),
million hectares in the early 1960s. was instituted in 1995 (Ogbaharya & Tecle, 2010).
The violent change in government from the Derg
In 1975, the militaristic Derg regime succeeded the regime to the current EPRDF was accompanied by a
imperial government, drastically changing drastic ideological shift in environmental
Ethiopian environmental management. management that was manifested in the
Environmental policies produced during the Derg administrative structure of the government and the
era (1975-1991) were grounded in the socialist development of formal environmental institutions.
ideologies of the regime (Bekele, 2008). The EPRDF’s approach to land management, which
Environmental legislation from this time period views land as a common property resource owned
“emanated from the socialist principles in which the by the state and by the people, exemplifies the
role of the State as owner of land and manager of recent shift towards a more inclusive approach to
related resources was magnified and individual environmental policy in Ethiopia (Bekele, 2008).
initiative greatly discouraged” (Bekele, 2008, p. The period after the Derg regime can be
340). The environmental policies of the Derg characterized by a move towards political
regime were characterized by top-down decentralization, i.e., “a transfer of decision-making
management policies which, although they often power and administrative responsibility from the
incorporated extensive conservation and tree- central government to the periphery” (Wamai,
planting initiatives, were accompanied by the 2008). Ethiopia has pursued decentralization as a
disintegration of “customary institutions of natural means of improving service delivery, resource
resource management” (Ogbaharya & Tecle, 2010). allocation, regional development, and the
This resulted in situations where “thousands of meaningful participation of the people in decision-
hectares of land belonging to communities and making processes (Wamai, 2008; MoFED, 2002).
individual households came under plantation by In theory, this administrative and fiscal
force” (Bekele, 2008) without regard for local decentralization was meant to result in more
participation or community empowerment. As a participatory, responsive, government structures and
result, when the Derg government lost power in by extension, improved environmental
1991, most of the conservation and development management. The first wave of decentralization

Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 66

policies in 1995 resulted in the establishment of a management institutions in Ethiopia. In 2002, the
federal republic government, and in 2002 a further establishment of independent environmental
set of decentralization initiatives relegated more agencies at the regional level was codified in the
fiscal and administrative power to local government Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs
administrations (McKee, 2007). Proclamation (McKee, 2007), known as Regional
Environmental Protection Agencies (REAs), these
Today, most large-scale environmental
groups were originally responsible for
administration is dispersed between the federal
implementation of national and regional
government, and administrative subdivisions,
environmental policies. The federal EPA has since
including nine ethnically based regions and two
assisted Regional States in developing their own
chartered cities, Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa (US
environmental conservation strategies, through
DOS, 2011). In 1995, the Ethiopian Environmental
provision of equipment, training and environmental
Protection Authority (EPA) was established as a
education (MoFED, 2002). The second stage of
response to the Rio Agenda 21, which emphasized
decentralization introduced by the federal
“the necessity of integrating environment and
government in 2002 established the district) as the
development at policy, planning, and management
center of socioeconomic development.
levels for improved decision making” (Ruffeis et
al., 2010, p. 31). The EPA is the primary agency at
Environmental Policy in Ethiopia and Amhara
the federal level responsible for managing
regional State Today
environmental issues, and its responsibilities reflect
As most of the literatures showed, the
the Rio Agenda 21 goals. The responsibilities of the
environmental policy of the federal and the regional
EPA include the development of environmental
states are basically similar. In some instants, the
legislation and policy, setting of standards,
federal laws and policies are applied to the Amhara
monitoring of environmental policies, implementing
region without any change. Similar to the
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for
development of formal environmental agencies,
proposed development activities, negotiating access
most of the environmental laws in place today in
& benefit sharing agreements, and undertaking
Ethiopia were developed after a national backlash
capacity development in relevant agencies to ensure
removed Derg regime policies that were perceived
integration of environmental management into
as authoritarian (Bekele, 2008; Keeley & Scoones,
policymaking (McKee, 2007).
2003). As Damtie (2011) notes, within Ethiopia “a
separate enactment of environmental laws is a
Regional environmental authorities represent
recent phenomenon in the history of making laws,”
another significant level of environmental
although some earlier laws had dealt with

Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 67

environmental matters directly or indirectly. The (Bekele, 2008). The EPE stresses the importance of
majority of the environmental laws in effect today sustainable development, stating that its overall goal
were developed after the transfer of power to the is:
EPRDF in 1995 (Bekele, 2008). …to improve and enhance the health and quality of
life of all Ethiopians and to promote sustainable
social and economic development through the
After the Derg regime, a breadth of environmental sound management and use of natural, human-
made and cultural resources and the environment
legislation was written addressing many
as a whole so as to meet the need of the present
environmental sectors. Beginning as early as 1994 generation without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
with the Water Policy Law, until the more recent
To fully understand the implications of this process,
2007 Wildlife Policy, a number of sectoral policies
one must understand the main objective of the
were written, covering areas such as forests,
current government that drives it. The thrust of the
conservation, rural land use, and impact assessment,
EPRDF’s sustainable development plan has been
among others. The strength of these policies varies
motivated by what has been described as Ethiopia’s
significantly: some, like the Environmental Policy
complex, deep and structural poverty: 44% of the
of Ethiopia (EPE) and its predecessor the
population was living below the poverty line in
Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia (CSE), are
2000 (MoFED, 2002). The Plan for Accelerated and
widely regarded as well-written, comprehensive
Sustained Development to End Poverty (PASDEP)
environmental policies. Others, such as the Rural
of 2006 and its predecessor, the 2002 Sustainable
Development Policy, appear to lack crucial policy
Development, and Poverty Reduction Program
elements, or have been criticized for promoting
(SDPRP) state that the “main development goal” of
development interests over environmental
the Ethiopian government is poverty eradication
protection (Bekele, 2008). Issued in 1997, the
(MoFED, 2006, 2002). The main mechanisms to
current federal environmental policy, the EPE,
achieve this goal are an “overriding and intentional
spans numerous sectoral policies and various cross-
focus on agriculture,” and the strengthening of
sectoral policies (Bekele, 2008). This policy, unlike
private sector growth and development of industry
those of previous regimes, addresses
(MoFED, 2002).
implementation principles, evaluation, and policy
The government’s focus on agricultural and
review, and explicitly recognizes a role for
industrial development has potentially large
participatory management. The EPE also addresses
implications for Ethiopia’s environment. This
the importance of involving local communities,
potential conflict (and undeniable link) between
NGOs and professional associations, indicating in
environmental protection and economic
its text the relevance of decentralization of power
development goals was addressed in a section of the
and collaboration between pectoral interests
SDPRP entitled “Environment and Development,”
Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 68
which holds accountable the EPA for ensuring makes clear the need to address the link between
“harmonization” of economy and environment environmental degradation and poverty (PASDEP,
through the laws established in the EPE, so neither 2006). If development is to be sustainable in the
sector suffers as a result of protection of the other long run, policies such as EIAs and development
(MoFED, 2002). In contrast to the SDPRP, the permits should be enforced to dissuade short term
PASDEP features an expanded section on interests from undermining the central goal of
environmental degradation as a result of poverty reduction. Sustainable development in
development and increased agricultural pressures, Ethiopia is crucial considering that, as cited
addressing explicitly the fact that “reversing previously, “natural resources are the foundation of
environmental degradation and poverty eradication the economy” and of social and While sustainable
are mutually reinforcing imperatives and have to be development can address the issue of inadequate
implemented together in Ethiopia’s development capital within Ethiopia in the long run, short term
initiatives” (MoFED, 2006). The SDPRP mentions solutions such as financial assistance can serve to
the potential of Environmental Impact Assessment address the capacity issues that hinder
(EIA) laws to enable integration of environmental implementation of environmental policies today.
consideration into development planning (MoFED, Keeley and Scoones have noted that the
2002). The extent to which these EIAs have been establishment of the EPA as a separate government
consistently implemented has been debated, body from other ministries has left it with a limited
however, and as such, the ability of these laws to budget and also weakened the influence of
prevent environmental degradation is unclear conservationists in the Ministry of Agriculture
(Ruffeis et al., 2010). (2000, p. 105). In the short term, attracting foreign
Poverty reduction and macroeconomic growth is a financial assistance for environmental projects
legitimate concern for Ethiopia and the health of its could strengthen the EPA’s efforts. In the long term
citizens, since implementation capacity is hindered however, in accordance with Ethiopia’s focus on
by inadequate funds. But a focus on poverty sustainable development and eventual independence
reduction cannot ignore the implications of from foreign aid, the future of the environmental
development for the environment. The link between sector could possibly warrant a ministry similar to
environmental degradation and negative health and the existing Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
economic impacts is a concept solidified in Development, or the Ministry of Water Resources
mandated EIAs, yet often overlooked to make room (MoFED, 2002). Establishment as a ministry would
for development investment (Bekele, 2008). It is endow the EPA with a budget of its own to build
reassuring, however, that the PASDEP, Ethiopia’s implementation capacity to address the
“guiding strategic framework” for development, environmental goals outlined in the EPE, and

Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 69

perhaps address environmental issues in other relevant ministries.

Table 1: Summry table of federal and regional Environmental Management policies

No Policy Description and Objectives Remark
1 Forest Policy The basic aim of the policy is to meet public demand in forest Federal
products and foster the contribution of forests in enhancing the and
economy of the country through appropriately conserving and regional
developing forest resources. level
2 Soil & Water SWC policy is ensuring that land users are aware of their Federal
Conservation obligations and rights and that they pass over properly conserved and
Policy land to future generations, finding solutions with regarding to regional
reduction loss of natural resources (soil erosion) and the users to level
have feeling of sense of ownership, which is also stated in the land
use policy of the region
3 Wildlife The major objective of the policy is to create conducive Federal
Policy environment whereby the country’s wildlife and their habitats are &
protected and developed in a sustainable manner, and to enable the Regional
sector to play an important role in the economic development of the
country.
4 Environmenta The EPE’s overall policy goal may be summarized in terms of the Federal
l Policy of improvement and enhancement of the health and quality of life of and
Ethiopia all Ethiopians, and the promotion of sustainable social and regional
economic development through the adoption of sound
environmental management principles. Specific policy objectives
and key guiding principles are set out clearly in the EPE, and
expand on various aspects of the overall goal. The policy contains
sectoral and cross-sectoral policies and also has provisions required
for the appropriate implementation of the policy itself.
5 Regional The primary hindrance to proper land and land resources Regional
Land Use and management had been absence of clearly defined land use policy
Administratio that guides the proper use of land. The periodic redistribution of
n Policy land eroded the tenure security of land users, especially of the
farmers. Realizing this, the regional state has approved regional
land use and administration policy. This policy has a goal of
supporting the improvement of the living standard of the population
through the wise use, protection and development of natural
resources
6 The Ministry of Water Resources has formulated the Federal Water
Water Resource Policy for a comprehensive and integrated water resource
Resource management. The overall goal of the water resources policy is to enhance
Policy and promote all national efforts towards the efficient and optimum
utilization of the available water resources for socio-economic
development on sustainable basis. The policies are to establish and
institutionalize environment conservation and protection requirements as
integral parts of water resources planning and project development.
Table 2: Summary of federal and regional Environmental Management strategies
N Strategy Description and Objectives Remark
o
Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 70
 1 Conservation Since the early 1990s, the Federal Government has undertaken a number of Federal
Strategy of initiatives to develop regional, national and sectoral strategies for environmental
Ethiopia (CSE) conservation and protection. Paramount amongst these was CSE, approved by
the council of ministers, which provided a strategic framework for integrating
environmental planning into new and existing policies, programs and projects.
The plan comprehensively presented the exiting situation within the country and
gave priority actions plan on the short and medium term. In particular, it
recognizes the importance of incorporating environmental factors into
development activities from the outset, so that planners may take into account
environmental protection as an essential component of economic, social and
cultural development
2 The conservation strategy of the region, which was approved in Regional
Regional July 2000, includes sectoral and cross-sectoral umbrella policy
Conservation objectives for the management of the regions natural, human-made
Strategy and cultural resources. The principles and strategies expected to
provide the region with an adequate umbrella strategic framework
for the effective management of the environment.
3 Regional Food Rural household production and productivity is constrained by Regional
Security inefficient agricultural practices, insufficient access to land,
Strategy insecure land tenure, limited non-farm income opportunities and
the relative inefficiency of agricultural inputs, output and factor
(land, labor and capital) markets. These conditions are particularly
acute in the arid and semi-arid areas of the region, where the
majority of the food insecure population resides. The detailed
aspect aspects of the strategy are highlighted as follows: with
regard to agricultural production in mixed farming system, the aim
is to enhance supply or availability of food through increasing
domestic food production where soil moisture availability is
relatively better. Subsistence farming has to be transformed in to
small scale commercial agriculture. Household base integrated and
market oriented extension packages would be employed.
4 Environmental Related to water resource development the strategic document Regional
Management underlined the need for environmental impact assessment for all
Strategy of major water conservation, development and management projects.
ANRS (1999) According to the document environmental assessment process
shall include costs and benefits of protection watershed forests,
wetlands and other relevant key ecosystems in the economic
analysis of such major water resource projects. The strategic
document further stated development plan for small scale and
micro irrigation projects within the context of regional, zonal and
local level agricultural planning and development in close
collaboration and participation of local communities

Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 71

Table 3: Summary of federal and regional Environmental Management Plan
No Plan Description and Objectives Remark
1 Plan for The document has identified more pillars (strategies) and a few of Federal
Accelerated them are new. Two of the previous pillars, viz., “scaling-up to and
and reach MDGs” and “a geographically differentiated strategy” are regional
Sustainable dropped. But, they are included elsewhere, albeit in a less
Development conspicuous manner. As a matter of fact, the main objective of the
to End PASDEP as stated in this document is to at least realize the
Poverty MDGs. The pillars of the PASDEP are listed below:
(PASDEP) 1. All rounded capacity building (new);
2. Accelerated, broad-based and sustainable economic growth (the
focus is redefined: this is now not only on growth as was the case
in EV, but also on broad-based and sustainable growth);
3. Balancing population and economic growth;
4. Unleashing the potential of Ethiopian women;
5. Strengthening infrastructure development;
6. Strengthening human resource development (new);
7. Managing risk and volatility (new);
8. Capacity development to realize development goals (new);
9. Creation of employment opportunities
2 Growth and A five year Growth and Transformation Program (GTP) is
Transformati launched by the government starting from this year to increase
on Plan mainly the production and productivity of agricultural crops
(GTP through an intensive use of agricultural inputs (fertilizers,
improved seeds, etc.), irrigation, and conserving and developing of
the natural resource base through a watershed management
approach. The GTP policy centers in enhancing farmers’
knowledge to increase productivity; capacity building of extension
system to support and improve farmers’ knowledge and skills; and
rapid transfer of proven technologies.
3 Agricultural AGP with the objectives to increase agricultural productivity and
growth plan market access for key crop and livestock products in targeted
(AGP) districts with increased participation of women and youth. AGP is
essentially an investment window for four regions including the
Amhara region to prepare demand driven investment ready
proposals and seek funding. The funding will be on a competitive
basis among the regions. Other components of AGP support
activities that are considered necessary for improving irrigated
agricultural productivity such as irrigation extension, adaptive
research to improve availability of improved inputs, etc.

Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 72

Table 4: Summary of federal and regional Environmental Management Proclamations and legislations
No Proclamation Description and Objectives Remark
s and
legislations
1 Environmental The following three Proclamations are currently being used.
framework These represent a framework building on the policies and
legislation strategies set out in the CSE and the EPE, which sets out basic
and general provisions for the regulation of environmental
matters in a coherent and holistic manner, and will be
supplemented in due course by more sector-specific legislation.
2 Proclamation The Proclamation for the Establishment of Environmental Protection
on Institutional Organs, No. 295/2002, was issued to establish a system that fosters
Arrangement coordinated but differentiated responsibilities among environmental
for protection agencies at Federal and Regional Levels. The proclamation
Environmental recognizes assigning responsibilities to separate organizations for
Protection environmental development and management activities on the one
hand, and environmental protection, regulations and monitoring on the
other is instrumental for the sustainable use of environmental resources,
thereby avoiding possible conflicts of interests and duplication of
efforts.
3 Proclamation The Proclamation on Environmental Pollution Control (Proclamation
on No. 300/2002) is mainly based on the right of each citizen to a healthy
Environmental environment, as well as on the obligation to protect the environment of
Pollution the country. The primary objective of the Proclamation on
Control Environmental Pollution Control is to provide the basis from which the
relevant ambient environmental standards applicable to Ethiopia can be
developed, and to make the violation of these standards a punishable
act. The Proclamation states that the “polluter pays” principle will be
applied to all persons. Under this Proclamation, the EPA is given the
mandate for the creation of the function of environmental inspectors.
These inspectors (to be assigned by EPA or regional environmental
agencies) are given the authority to ensure implementation and
enforcement of environmental standards and related requirements.

Conclusion objectives; c) generate alternative strategies to

In Ethiopia, balancing poverty and socioeconomic pursue those objectives; d) implement strategies to

needs with environmental concerns creates very devise policies, motivate employees, and allocate

pressing problems. To meet this challenge and to resources so that the formulated strategies can be

realize the spirit of the World Summit on executed; e) monitor the execution of strategies and

Sustainable Development held in Rio de Janeiro, make adjustments according to feedback; and

Brazil, 1992, a number of countries have f) assess whether the strategies actually fulfill the

formulated strategic environmental sustainability countries’ mission statements. Therefore, Ethiopia

policies to: a) include environmental concerns in is one of those countries which has tried to draft

their mission statements; b) develop long-term different policies, plans, strategies etc and put in to

Solomon Addisu , IJSRM volume 1 issue 2 May 2013 [www.ijsrm.in] Page 73

effect both at federal and regional level. A number Finally, workable appeal and grievance procedures
of proclamations and supporting regulations were have hardly materialized. Therefore, given that the
made that contain provisions for the protection and Environmental management must be an integral

management of the environment that reflect the part of any social, economic and cultural as well as

principles of the Constitution and Environmental political development.

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