2nd Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture: Dr. Belay Simane gifts must listen facts on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

An expert's voice: Dr. Belay Simane, Associate Professor, Addis Ababa University offers second Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture on Environment, Development and Society at Library Hall of Micro Business College's Ambo campus on 12th January. Photo: WEST SHOA ZONE GOVT. COMMUNICATIONS AFFAIRS OFFICE.

The second petal for the flower, Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture Series on Envir

onment, Development and Society was unfurled at the Library Hall of the Micro Business College’s Ambo campus at 10am on 12th of January 2015. Speaker was Dr. Belay Simane, Associate Professor, Addis Ababa University who is also a member of the National Technical Committee, Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Dr. Belay Simane is one of the most sought after speakers on the subject matter of the country’s prestigious project, GERD. 

For the Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture Series, Dr. Belay Simane came with an impressive topic titled, ‘Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for GERD: Need for Broader Cooperation in the Eastern Nile Basin’. 

This time, there were increased participation from government institutions. Photo: WEST SHOA ZONE GOVT. COMMUNICATIONS AFFAIRS OFFICE.

Students keenly listening to the talk. Photo: WEST SHOA ZONE GOVT. COMMUNICATIONS AFFAIRS OFFICE.

Through his 30-minutes’ long presentation and nearly 20 minutes of interaction with the audience, Dr. Belay Simane was elucidating on the intriguing aspects related to the impact assessment process of the dam construction. A seasoned speaker, he led the audience through the corridors of past, present and future factors of the GERD, the flagship of Ethiopia’s present and future developmental needs of all sorts. 

He has used a scientific but diplomatic language in gently elaborating on the anxieties about the dam the neighbouring countries have and the Ethiopian initiatives to eliminate speculations and bring out a clarity of ideas. Ethiopia’s readiness and resolve to establish a warm relationship with its neighbours and commitment towards the welfare of all countries on the Nile basin was resplendent all through his talk. The fact that 11 countries are party to the Nile River only signifies the concerns that countries might arise in this regard. 

Dr. Belay Simane, answering to questions during an interactive session. Photo: WEST SHOA ZONE GOVT. COMMUNICATIONS AFFAIRS OFFICE.

Ethiopia’s is a humble, but righteous claim based on the truth that 44 percent of the country’s total river flow is by virtue of the Blue Nile. Abbay, Tkezee and Baro Akobo rivers constitute about 85 percent of the Nile flow. This being a daylight truth and natural fact, Ethiopia has the right to have due share of the benefit out of this river. It is also a truth that the GERD has dismantled the long remained political hegemony of the River Nile. 

Dr. Belay Simane has also placed before the audience certain statistics that speak on the dire need for the country to go for prudent management and utilization of the Blue Nile water. Ethiopia is a country with its power demand increasing by 25 percent each year. The country would need additional 10000 MW power by 2015 which would remain a distant dream without GERD. It is a Class A category dam demanding due Environmental and Social Impact Assessment which were done. Dr. Belay pointed to certain negative and positive impacts the dam could cause in the socio-economic and environmental spheres. 

Participants join for a group photo with the Chief Guest and speaker, Dr. Belay Simane. Photo: WEST SHOA ZONE GOVT. COMMUNICATIONS AFFAIRS OFFICE.

It was while elaborating on this particular area that Dr. Belay Simane called for integrated efforts from all walks of life for the sustainability of the GERD. He was making the point clear that the issue of convincing different parties and getting consent from in and out of the country is well under the control of the government. But government could not do everything. For containing sedimentation, for sufficient afforestation, for maximum utilization of the GERD through various agricultural means including the vast scope for fisheries, there needs the timely research, studies and implementation of scientific wisdom at the grassroots. For this, Dr. Belay Simane underlined that institutions like Micro Business College and Zonal and Woreda administrations can play a pivotal role. Earlier, the event, as usual began with a brief video on Wangari Maathai. The message was to be ‘humming bird that provides whatever possible – though smaller – for the upkeep of our environment’. Earth Anthem was played in duly honouring the Blue Planet. Coordinator for Research, Development and Communication, Mr. Sivakumar K.P. welcomed the participants. 

In his opening remarks, President of the College, Mr. Abera Tilahun shared some of the thoughts that inspire the college community to continue its efforts for the well being of the environment. He stressed on consistency being a quality that ensures trustworthiness of individuals and institutions. ‘The long trust earned by the Micro Business College was duly attributed to the consistency in service and quality it has been keeping up’ he said. 

Mr. Abera Tilhaun described that the Wangari Maathai Memorial Village Industry Scheme of the Gedo campus and Wangari Maathai Memorial Integrated Rural Development Project of the Uru-Gamo would deal with the sustainable management of watersheds of Gudar River and Jijiga River of Chaliya woreda. Ultimately such grassroots initiatives would be the college’s humble contribution for plugging the menace of soil erosion and controlling the sedimentation of the GERD. He said it was nostalgic of him to recall nearly thirty years’ old friendship he has been enjoying with the chief guest of the day, Dr. Belay Simane.  

Cascading love: President of Micro Business College, Mr. Abera Tilahun presenting a painting of the Blue Nile Falls to the Chief Guest, Dr. Belay Simane. Photo: TESHALE CHALUMA

Representative of West Shoa Zone Administration, Mr. Fufa Teso handing over a Certificate of Honour to Dr. Belay Simane. Photo: TESHALE CHALUMA

 Mr. Abera Tilahun presented an attractive painting of Nile Falls to Dr. Belay Simane as a mark of the college’s admiration towards the latter. A post card picture of the water falls inscribed ‘To Dr. Belay Simane, who understands the heart throbs of the GERD’ and a Certificate of Honour were also gifted to the chief guest.