10th and Concluding Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture on 5 June

10 lectures in 7 months, and We are Concluding...

Ethiopia's first ever academic lecture series, Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture Series on Environment, Development and Society concludes on 

5th June (Friday) World Environment Day!

From 5th December 2014 (Nelson Mandela Memorial Day), it was a journey through the roads of wisdom!!

Concluding Lecture, Speaker: Prof. P. Natarajan, Department of Biology, Ambo University

Topic: Sustainable Technologies for Ensuring Food Security: An Approach to Livelihood Enhancement

Time, Date: 9.30am, Friday, 5 June (World Environment Day, 28 Genbot, 2007 EC)

Flyer for 10th and Concluding Lecture by Prof. P. Natarajan. 

9th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture on 26th May

A session that history buffs cannot desist! 

A gift from the Land of Rising Sun!!

Speaker: 

Prof. Mami Yamada, Professor Extraordinary, Meiji Gakuin University, Japan

Topic: 

Power of Women: Case of a Japanese noblewoman who engaged to the Prince of Ethiopia in 1934

Time, Date: 

9.30am, 26 May 2015 (18 Genbot, 2007)

Venue: 

Library Hall, Micro Business College, Ambo campus

Flyer for the 9th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture by Prof. Mami Yamada on 26th May at Ambo Campus of Micro Business College. 

8th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture on 16th May

Welcome to all those who are interested, to the 8th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture

Speaker: 

Dr. Akhila S. Nair 

Asst. Professor, Environmental Science Programme, Department of Biology, Ambo University

Topic: Gender facets of Climate Change

Time and Date: 9.30am, 16 May 2015 (Saturday) {8 Ginbot, 2007 EC}

Venue: Gedo campus of Micro Business College

Flyer for the 8th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture by Dr. Akhila S. Nair at Gedo Campus of Micro Business College on 16th May (Saturday). 

Value of this gift touches the sky!

Gift for star gazers: Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema presenting three Galileoscope telescopes to President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun. Community reach programme Head, of Entoto Observatory and Research Centre, Mr. Alemayo (R) and Coordinator for research, development and communication, Mr. Sivakumar K.P. are also seen. PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA, MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE

It was a matter of elation and ecstasy for Micro Business College, when Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema gifted three telescopes for the college. President of the college, Mr. Abera Tilahun, received the telescopes. While handing over the exceptional gift, Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema said that the telescope was a gift for the Micro Business College community for making basic levels of star gazing and sky watch. Each of the three Galileoscope telescopes, developed by leading astronomers and optical designers, have 50mm (2 inch) F/10 refractor kit, 20mm eyepiece and Barlow lens. 

Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema reiterated the Ethiopian Space Science Society’s (ESSS) and Entoto Observatory and Research Centre’s (EORC) commitment to see that the science of space is made popular all over the country. He added that a branch of the ESSS can be opened in Ambo under the auspices of the college, provided stipulated terms and conditions are accepted by the parties. Head, Community outreach programmes of the EORC, Mr. Alemayo was also present.

Towering honour...

As honour towers...: President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun presenting an image of sky-kissing Auxum tower of Ethiopia to Dr. Solomong Belay Tessema as a mark of honour at the conclusion of the latter’s lecture that marked 7th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture at Ambo campus of the college on 15 April.  Head, Community Outreach programmes of Entoto Observatory and Research Centre, Mr. Alemayo is also seen. PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA, MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE.

Space for questions...

Dr. Akhila S. Nair

What is special with Lalibela to be your place for installations? 

International and Ethiopian studies could find that the atmospheric features like less cloud and height etc make Lalibela an appropriate venue. Factors like wind speed, cloud formation, temperature difference etc are also favourable there. 

Ms. Deepsikha Saikia

What kind of awareness do you provide for university students? 
Do you provide any forecasting service?  Solar/Lunar eclipse?

We provide awareness programmes like one-day basic astronomy training. Also donate telescopes. We are able to forecast solar and lunar eclipses. No weather forecasting now. 

Mr. Abera Tilahun

Can our students enter the space science branch?
I felt women presence is scanty in Ethiopian space science? 

Demand is so high for space science now. It can integrate many schools of knowledge like space commerce, space business, space law and so on. Women have due presence. For example, one of our founding memebrs was Ms. Addiswoth Girma. Many girls join our training (Quotes names). 

Mr. Nahum Gezahun

Currently Ethiopia Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) is using a foreign satellite. Can the EBC make use of EthioSat once the latter is realized? 

Presently EBC is spending more than 1 billion USD per year for using foreign satellites. Once our EthioSat is realized, of course EBC can save this considerable money. 

Mr. Megersa Nuresa

What is the relationship between technological development and space science? 
Any collaboration between EORC and Ministry of Technology? 

EORC is ambitious of setting a model and international curriculum for others by not taking away space science from mainstream subjects. The MoT is financing our observatory. In turn we are advisor for the ministry in its policy making.

Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema (R) answering to questions from audience. President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun looks on.
PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA, MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE

About challenges of science education

President of Micro Business College,
Mr. Abera Tilahun during his
Opening Remarks, prior to
the 7th Wangari Maathai Memorial
Lecture by Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema
at the college’s Ambo Campus
on 15 April.  PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA
MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE

Opening remarks by the President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun, as usual gifted a worthy prelude to the 7th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture by Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema. This time, Mr. Abera Tilahun was viewing at science education as chieftain of an educational institution. Though science education and scientific wisdom were essential for the emancipation of humankind, providing scientific education needed huge lot of investment. “I am sure that regarding science education, developing countries like ours is facing certain stiff challenges. Science education is one of the branches that demands pretty more infrastructure [...] and rapid updating of the syllabi”, he said. 

Mr. Abera pointed that specialization has become the order of the day.  Astrophysics, for example, is a specialization that has found many followers. “All such specialization demands huge investment of human resource and money” he reiterated. Mr. Abera said that being a costly subject, investment on space science by developing countries usually raised many questions as to why a poor country should go after such expensive exploration. “Of course, sentiments behind those questions are right. But equally right is the sentiment for investing in the areas of space science, considering the immense of benefits the space could reap”, Mr. Abera opined.  

He said that it has been agreed in principle that the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi would be supporting the college to establish a science and environment faculty at Uru-Gamo. Mr. Abera Tilahun expressed hope that once realized, probably within a year, the Uru-Gamo campus would start producing a rural network of able young scientists in the field of environment and natural science. 

Ethiopian eyes to sky: Entoto Observatory and Research Centre

Ethiopia's eyes to sky: Enoto Observatory and Research Centre (EORC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Photo courtesy: EORC. 

• Started Graduate program training in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Satellite technology, Earth Observation, and Space Science
• 
  
• Only institute to lead research and education in astronomy and astrophysics, Earth observation space science and satellite technology 
• 
  
• Becoming influential institute in Africa 
• 
  
• Working to become Center of Excellence in the region

Dr. Solomon Belay's lecture gifts a flight to celestial facts

Unraveling the space: Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema (R), Associate Professor, Astrophysics, Addis Ababa University; and Director, Entoto Observatory and Research Centre providing International Human Space Flight Day special 7th lecture as part of the ongoing Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture Series at Micro Business College’s Ambo campus on 15 April.  President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun is also seen. PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA, MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE 

International Human Space Flight Day special 7th Wangari Maathai Lecture carried its audience to all thrills and frills of imagination. Thanks to Ethiopia’s leading space scientist and researcher, Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema who lectured on a topic titled ‘Journey of Ethiopian Astronomy and Space Science’. Dr. Solomon was presenting the evolution and progress of the space science in the country, with a seasoned speaker’s grace. His presentation comprised of the history of global space science, major contributors and major milestones. 

For Ethiopia, space science is in its budding stage, but flourishing with all vigour and vitality. The rationale of a country with poor economy taking up space exploration, had received huge lot of cynicism in the beginning. Founder leaders of the Ethiopian Space Science Society including Mr. Tefera could substantiate the country’s need for space interventions, considerably eliminating doubts about the veracity of the programme. 

Space stories always provide that pinch of thrill that should excite listeners. Lecture by Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema was not different. The entire talk was made into a theatrical experience. Thanks to plenty of photographs and plush information delivered through 135 slides. Talent of a scientist-teacher in Dr. Solomon was vivid as he got his audience stuck to the presentation, watching the slides without blinking their eyes. 

“Astronomy can contribute globally to education at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels and can enable less developed, poorer countries to participate in cutting-edge scientific research” he began saying this. The introduction was irresistible for all those who were eager to know about the past, present and future of the space science. Speaker made it clear that all branches of science – technology, culture, society as well as natural science and research have got plenty of opportunity to be linked into space science. 

Audience irrespective of their different interests, backgrounds and specialization, was left dumbfounded when the majestic truth that sky visible to the naked eye was really just a hint of a vast and complex cosmos, within which our home planet was but a pale blue dot!  Dr. Solomon also unraveled the antiqueness of astronomy through presenting Ethiopian Zodiac; as well as Islamic and Egyptian contributions to the field. 

Yet another attraction of his speech was that he could make scientific facts understandable for the heterogeneous audience. Thus made palatable were Kepler’s laws, Galileo’s findings, Newton’s laws of motion, and use of cosmological constant by Einstein. 

The Ethiopian Space Science Society was established in 2004 with 49 members. Currently it has grown in size and capacities and nurtures the darling dream of realizing the country’s first ever satellite programme, EthioSat 1. In 2012/2013, ESSS could mobilize support from 32 public universities;  and a private university to establish the Entoto Observatory and Research Centre.

The lecture was followed by vivacioius feedback session with audience asking questions and the speaker answering to them. Earlier, President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun during his opening remarks stressed on the challenges and opportunities of science education. Coordinator for Research, Development and Communication, Mr. Sivakumar K.P. welcomed participants. Vice Dean, Mr. Megersa Nuresa proposed vote of thanks.  

Human Space Flight Day special 7th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture on 15th April

Now elevate your imagination beyond skies... 

Spend a couple of hours with Ethiopia's leading space scientist!

International Day of Human Space Flight special 

7th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture

Speaker: Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema, Associate Professor, Astrophysics, Addis Ababa University; and Director, Entoto Observatory and Research Centre.

Topic: Journey of Ethiopian Astronomy and Space Science

Time, Date: 9.30am, 15 April 2015 (Wednesday) {7 Miazia 2007 EC}

Venue: Library Hall, Ambo campus, Micro Business College

Flyer for Human Space Flight Day special 7th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture by eminent Ethiopian Space Scientist Dr. Solomon Belay Tessema on 15 April at Ambo campus of Micro Business College. 

Efficient water management system, need of the hour: Abera Tilahun

President of Micro Business College,
Mr. Abera Tilahun giving opening remarks
during 6th Wangari Maathai Memorial
Lecture at Woliso campus on 24th March. 

President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun opined that to make use of its extremely low levels of hydraulic infrastructure, the country needed highly efficient water management system. He was giving opening remarks during the 6th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture Series at Woliso campus of the college on 24 March. He added that since rain-fed subsistence agriculture is the base for the country’s socio-economic growth, water management must receive a prime place in the developmental plans. 

“Our country is blessed by 14 major rivers to get the nickname, Water Tower of Africa. Disappointingly, our water flows out without optimum use, due to lack of proper irrigation systems”, he said. Quoting statistics, Mr. Abera added that the country uses just 1.5 percent of its river water for irrigation and mere 1 percent for power production. 

He said that it should not be ignored that when developed countries like the USA, for example invested a mere 1 litre of water for producing 1 calorie food; developing countries like Ethiopia needed to use 100 litres for growing 1 calorie food. 

He reiterated that his college believed in Wangari Maathai’s great ideal of doing small things to bring big changes. He expressed optimism that the college’s upcoming Wangari Maathai Integrated Rural Development Scheme of Uru-Gamo would contribute to the watershed management of Guddar river area, finally adding to the well being of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.  Mr. Abera requested Prof. Tafa Tulu to provide necessary advice and guidance in this regard for the college.  

As respect flows for a water expert

Picture speaks: President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun presents a framed painting depicting two women collecting water from a stream, to Prof. Tafa Tulu, speaker for the 6h Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture.PHOTO: SIVAKUMAR K.P.

Prof. Tafa Tulu receives Certificate of Honour from Mr. Abera Tilahun. PHOTO: SIVAKUMAR K.P. 

6th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture: Audience

Participants of World Water Day special 6th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture join for photo with speaker, Prof. Tafa Tulu at Woliso campus of Micro Business College on 24 March. PHOTO: SIVAKUMAR K.P., YADETA YADESA.

Questions and answers on water facts

After the lecture it was time for the participants to open their minds and make a free discussion with the presenter. Like a seasoned teacher, Prof. Tafa Tulu was attending to and providing answers and explanations in a notably simple language to make even the toughest technical aspects palatable for the heterogeneous audience. To depict a few:

Mr. Yadeta Yadesa

How would you support us in making optimum water useage at our campus?

“I will provide all technical support. I saw the acquifer you have identified and established. We can think of integrated agriculture with fishery, poultry and horticulture”. 

Mr Takalegn Diribsa

Our Town administration needs your training. Please tell us how we can bring these ideas to our villagers?

“Water technology needs equality in access. Roof water harvesting is not a difficult thing. My latest idea is to establish a self contained village where water, food and energy are produced for their need and sefl-suficient”.

Ms. Asnagech Tafera

Micro Business College’s lecture series needs appreciation. Prof. Tafa Tulu’s lecture should be held all over the country. This is something that our people should learn. 

“I have no hesitation in sharing my knowledge for the welfare of our countrymen”.  

How does water technology contribute to climate change adaptation?

Prof. Tafa Tulu's lecture marking 6th in the Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture Series on Environment, Development and Society provided some interesting aspects of water conservation that can adapted by the well-informed and lay people alike. PHOTO: SIVAKUMAR K.P.

The question, how water technology contributes to climate change adaptation, was sufficiently answered by the speaker. With simple practice of rain water harvesting, following can be easily achieved: 

• Diversification of household water supply

• Increased resilience to water quality degradation

• Reducing the pressure on surface and groundwater resources

• Recharge of groundwater aquifers

• Mitigation of flooding by capturing rooftop runoff during rainstorms

• Providing short-term security against periods of low rainfall and the failure or degradation of other water supplies

6th Lecture gifts drops of water wisdom

All about the elixir of life: Prof. Tafa Tulu
delivering World Water Day special
6th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture at
Woliso Campus of Micro Business College on 24, March.
PHOTO: SIVAKUMAR K.P. 

World Water Day special 6th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture on Environment, Development and Society was held successfully at Woliso campus of Micro Business College on 24 March. 

Highlight was the lecture by Ethiopia’s one of the leading experts in water technology, Prof. Tafa Tulu. Titled, ‘Climate change adaptation through appropriate water technology’, his lecture was well received by the audience comprising of Planning Supervisor, South West Shoa Zone, Mr. Takalegn Diribsa, community elders, teachers and students of the campus. 

Prof. Tafa Tulu’s long experience as a guide and teacher of the subject area was vividly displayed throughout the lecture. He began with introducing climate change, reasons behind it and different manifestations of the phenomenon. The gravity of the issue was explicit in the World Health Organization’s statistics the speaker has quoted. Out of 800,000 annual deaths due to climate change, about 150,000 are due to air pollution to which children are the most Susceptible. In addition are its effect on food, animal and plant resources. 

A gifted teacher, Prof. Tafa Tulu presented six major water technologies that can contribute considerably to mitigate the climate change effects. These include: Rainwater harvesting from roofs; Surface water harvesting; Groundwater harvesting; Desalination; Water reclamation and reuse; and Water safety plans (WSPs).

For those who were technically sound enough, Prof. Tafa Tulu’s lecture had enough technical information to quest their thirst. For those novices to the subject, there were numerical values and graphical representations, making things clear.   

 Since our Woliso campus has school classes also, there were enthusiastic young talents, who added life to the event.  His elaborations on the different types of bunds; flood harvesting and rainwater harvesting were eagerly received by the audience, which was proved by an active interaction between the lecturer and the audience. President of the Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun in his opening remarks commented about the integral place of water starting from individual human body to the sustenance of the blue planet. 

Coordinator (Research, Development and Communication) of the college, Mr. Sivakumar K.P. welcomed participants. Vice Director of the college’s Woliso campus, Mr. Yadeta Yedesa proposed vote of thanks. Mr. Abera Tilahun honoured Prof. Tafa Tulu with a Certificate of Honour and a paining depicting two Ethiopian women fetching water from a stream - an appropriate memento for a water expert.

MBC, CSE signs Memorandum of Understanding

Together, for a cause: President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun (L) and Deputy Director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, Mr. Chandra Bhushan sign a Memorandum of Understanding on 17th March. Also seen are Coordinator (Research, Development and Communication)of the college, Mr. Sivakumar K.P.; Programme Manager, CSE, Mr. Nivit Kumar Yadav and Vice Dean of the college, Mr. Megersa Nuresa. PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT. 

Another significant feat during the 5th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Micro Business College (MBC) and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, India. 

The MoU was signed between the Deputy Director of the CSE, Mr. Chandra Bhushan and the President, Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun. The MoU envisages an understanding for five years regarding research, training and capacity building in aspects related to environment and society.

Both the organizations would make the next step of identifying exact areas of association so as to achieve specific goals. Both Mr. Chandra Bhushan and Mr. Abera Tilahun expressed the optimism that an association between their institutions would provide both the parties extensive learning opportunity. As part of the MoU, Micro Business College would be sending its resource persons for getting due training from the CSE. 

It is also envisaged that the CSE would send its resource team for providing guidance and support for the science and environment related community reach programmes undertaken by the college. Mr. Abera Tilahun expressed hope that the MoU could become a means for the uplift of the country’s rural people.

In search of a version of sustainable development suitable for Ethiopia

Mr. Abera Tilahun, President, Micro Business College  remained a keen listener for Mr. Chandra Bhushan (behind). PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA, MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE

President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun, in his opening remarks mentioned about the ambiguities persisting with the concept of sustainable development. The sustainable development was defined by its founder, the Brundtland Commission of 1987 as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations to meet their own needs. 

Since then scholars used to challenge its precise meaning. Mr. Abera recalled that the founder of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi the late Anil Agarwal was one of the scholars who challenged the ideology, evoking worldwide debate. For example, Anil Agarwal used to question as to whose future generations’ needs would be safeguarded; that of affluent developed countries or that of the deprived developing economies. Mr. Abera expressed his solidarity with the concept of ‘Red-Green Environmentalism’ introduced by Anil Agarwal, for it takes into consideration not merely conservation, but the livelihood and resource needs of the people. 

Mr. Abera said that the concept of development is still intertwined with differing paradigms. For example, the World Development Summit of 1995 underpinned ‘People’s initiative and empowerment’ and ‘strengthening capacities of the people’ in the development process. The World Development Report of 1997 called at States to have central role to economic and social development, not as a direct provider, but as a partner, catalyst and facilitator.  Experts like Amartya Sen and Martha Sussbaum favour the capabilities approach or human development approach. There is the latest Green Economy Paradigm introduced two years back by the United Nations Environment Programme.  

“Our country is now running fast on the tracks of progress and development. Micro Business College community is also playing its humble role as a contributor to the country’s progress. To attain sustainable development in its most appropriate meaning, we need to know which version of the sustainable development is best suited for our country”, he said. He expressed happiness for getting an acclaimed thinker and speaker, Mr. Chandra Bhushan from an esteemed organization like the Centre for Science and Environment that remains enriched of the heritage imbibed from a luminary like Anil Agarwal. 

Honouring the guest

Ethiopian respect: President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun presents a leather portrayal of historic Auxum tower of Ethiopia to Deputy Director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, Mr. Chandra Bhushan, on the conclusion of 5th Wangari Maathai Lecture on 17th March. Programme Manager, CSE, Mr. Nivit Kumar Yadav; Head, Library of the college, Ms. Tarikwa in traditional Oromo outfit; and Coordinator (Research, Development and Communication), Mr. Sivakumar K.P. look on. 

PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Mr. Chandra Bhushan receives Certificate of Honour from Mr. Abera Tilahun.PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA, MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE.  

Wangari Maathai Day Special 5th Wangari Maathai Lecture: Audience Profile

Audience gathered for Wangari Maathai Day special 5th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture by Mr. Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Director, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi on 17 March at Ambo campus of Micro Business College. PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA, MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE

5th Wangari Maathi Lecture: Questions and Answers

Making it clear: Mr. Chandra Bhushan (middle) answering to questions raised by audience members during Wangari Maathai Day special 5th Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture at Ambo campus of Micro Business College on 17 March. Also seen are President of  the college, Mr. Abera Tilahun (L) and Vice Dean, Mr. Megersa Nuresa.  PHOTO: TESHALE CHALUMA, MICRO BUSINESS COLLEGE. 

Wangari Maathai Day special 5th Wangari Maathai Memorial  lecture was followed by an active interaction. Audience asked questions on diverse aspects to the speaker, Mr. Chandra Bhushan who provided convincing replies. The question-answer session could be in brief, sketched as below:

Prof. M.I. Zuberi

Change from large scale manufacturing to small scale production. Is it really possible?

Action is better than futile discussions. 250gm of fossil fuel  and half litre of water are needed for making a water bottle. 2.5kg of wood  and 100 litres of water are  required for producing 1kg of paper. A student getting 20 percent is disqualified; but we accept vehicles that have just 20 percent fuel efficiency. [...]

Dr. Akhila S. Nair

Aspects encompassed in the Gross National Happiness Index of Bhutan?

50-60 indicators are  there in the GNH index. These include certain important  aspects like Health, Food, Education and even Leisure. Also it  prompts the country to attain equality.  In egalitarian societies, there is no place for poverty.  [...]

Ms. Deepsikha Saikia

More service and less product. How is it possible? Happiness, can it be rightly defined?

Service industry is more efficient than the product industry. We need more talk time not phones; shelter, not many houses.  Happiness may be abstract, but we know certain  common reasons all over the world for unhappiness.   Hence our effort should be to  eliminate  reasons of unbapiness. [...]  

Mr. Ananya Tesfaye

Rich countries have a major place in causing global warming. Cant’ they contribute to control it, too?

In unequal societies, some would get more opportunities; and a section of people would always get sidelined. Coming is the Paris Conference. We are hopeful of using that as a  platform for convincing rich countries to help poor coountries.  [...]

Mr. Abisa

Certain countries cause technological pollution; there is also cultural pollution.

After 1980s, there is an export boom. Ethiopia exports teff, but it can cause domestic scarcity. All over Africa, land is given for commercial farming and export. Large scale farming won’t build capacity. Machines won’t give jobs, too. I don’t believe in   technological  or cultural pollution. To me, every culture is good. [...]

Mr. Kanna Woyesa

Greedy countries, governments and individuals. How to briddle this greedy race?

Certain emulative models are available. Scandinavia, for example, imposes 60 percent tax over the wealthy people and pools that for supporting the poor. Man after all, is a greedy species.  I appreciate the idea of socialist capitalist society. Collect from those having too much and give it for those don’t have [...]  

Mr. Behaynu Addisu

Our country is taking certain measures by 2025. We are committed to make use of our resources.

Ethiopia is a country with vast resources, splendorous nature and salubrious climate.

Tragedy of African nations is that the poorest people live in the richest land. Important are capacity building and good governance. Singapore showed it in 50 years. We have the oldest wisdom. Should’nt follow  the US and the Europe [...]

Mr. Melaku Etefa

Is there any legislation to prevent the developing world from contaminating this planet?

Of course, there are international conventions and forums to  rectify and stop mistakes. International court is also set up.  The world still revolves in such a way that the might is always the right.

[...]