HoA-REN Member Million Belay Nominated for Prestgious Forestry Award

Addis Ababa - December 27, 2011 -

The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) recently nominated Horn of Africa Regional Environment Network member Million Belay of Movement for Ecological Learning and Community Action (MELCA) Mahabir as one of its finalists from Africa for the International Forest Heroes Award of 2011. The award, launched as part of the UNFF's International Year of Forests 2011 activities, recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to nurturing forest resources. The announcement was made during the Forest Day at the Climate Change negotiations convened in Durban, South Africa.

By his nomination Mr. Belay, was recognized for his over two decades of activism in relation to conservation of existing forest and reforestation of deforested areas in Ethiopia; his nomination was solidified with his active engagement in the afforestation of Entoto, a hillside location on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. His activism in synergizing culture and biodiversity conservation boosted his nomination, according to the official announcement. MELCA Mahiber was established in Ethiopia as a non-profit organization in 2004 with a vision of seeing bio-cultural diversity conserved for healthy ecosystem and sustainable life.

Three finalists from every region are in the running for one prestigious award in each region. Mr. Belay is one of the three finalists from Africa. One of the three finalists, Mpathelene Makulele of South Africa, is also a member of the African Biodiversity Network, in which MELCA-Ethiopia is a member organization.

According to UNFF, some of his activities in relation to forest and forest biodiversity include:

• Coordinating the planting of more than 137,000 indigenous tree seedlings on the hills of Entoto,
• Starting a program called cultural biodiversity in Ethiopia and in seven African countries where children and youth plant trees, learn about the cultural significance of biodiversity and advocate for their protection,
• Coordinating the advocacy and conservation of forests in Ethiopia, notably the Sheka forest.

A total of 90 nominations from 41 countries were submitted. The regional breakdown: Asia (24); Africa (20); Latin America and the Caribbean (18); Europe (15) and North America (13). The range of experience for each hero varies, with some having life‐long experience with forests, including an 84­ year old, and 15 and 16 year olds, who are just starting out. The impact of some of the heroes is far reaching, with their projects being duplicated on national and global levels.

Winners will be announced and awarded at the Forests 2011 closing ceremony at the United Nations in New York in January 2012.

Sources: UNFF and Ethiopian Forest Forum