Melca, Connecting the Pieces for
Sustainable Development by Kirubel
Tadele, Ethiopia
Mr Tadele explained that the word
Melca means a crossing point on a
river. Melca, therefore, symbolises
the
connections
between
biodiversity and culture, elders and
youth, and traditional ecological
knowledge and western knowledge.
Melca works to foster healthy
ecosystems, vibrant cultures and to
improve the lives of communities
through developing and spreading
innovative methods such as ecosystem rehabilitation, participatory mapping mechanisms,
community dialogue and teaching, revitalisation of traditional governance systems as well as
educating communities and local authorities, administration and judicial bodies on environment
and culture.
Mr Kirubel highlighted that the main problems encountered by communities that a BCP could seek
to address were:
Priority for development at any cost – unplanned industrial agriculture
Lack of empowerment and low awareness of cultural and environmental rights
Lack of implementation of laws
Internal dynamics such as population growth and urbanisation
Change in belief systems
Lack of an organised group for advocacy
Lack of livelihood options
Melca is currently focussing to (i) empower the Sheka community; (ii) identify policy options and
lobby for the issuance of comprehensive and integrated policies pertaining to community rights; (iii)
enhance law enforcement; and (iv) improve the livelihood of people through forest conservation
projects.
The results are quite encouraging as there is an obvious improvement in the livelihood of people.
Community leaders have organised themselves into a legal institution called the ‘Sheka Forest
Community, Culture and Biodiversity Conservation Association’. The clan leaders have improved
their level of negotiation with the government, which has been illustrated by a quick response from
the government to their demand for greater participation in decision-making in matters related to
land, culture and forest and a better law enforcement. Additionally, greater pressure has also been
placed on the Environmental Authority Act to improve environmental impact assessments. Lastly,
expansion of investments that have been destroying the forest are on hold.
Mr Kirubel concluded by drawing attention to additional challenges that will also have to be
addressed such as:
The priority for development and investment by the government;
The erosion of the traditional culture;
The demonising of traditional spiritual beliefs, sacred sites and traditional spiritual healers.
High turnover and lack of availability of local decision makers.
16