Ethiopia: Strengthening the Science–Policy Interface through a National Biodiversity Platform
How the platform started
Ethiopia’s National Biodiversity Platform (NBP-Ethiopia) was formally established in May 2022 to strengthen the interface between science, policy, and practice on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Hosted by the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI), the platform was created to bring together researchers, policymakers, civil society, the private sector, Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) holders, and the media in a structured and inclusive way. Its establishment was informed by national policy needs and aligned with IPBES approaches to evidence-based decision-making.
Where things stand now
NBP-Ethiopia is an active and functioning national platform with over 170 members drawn from federal institutions, universities, research centres, regional authorities, NGOs, and community representatives. The platform is guided by an Executive Committee, supported by thematic sub-committees, and operates under a clear strategic direction. In 2025, the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and the Annual Work Plan for 2025 were presented to and approved by the Executive Committee, confirming the platform’s medium-term vision and priorities.
National Biodiversity Platform Annual Action Plans
Key successes and achievements
NBP-Ethiopia has made steady progress since its establishment, including:
- Regular Executive committee and sub-committee meetings, including leadership transitions that strengthened institutional ownership within EBI in 2025 .
- Active use of IPBES assessments, including the Nexus Assessment and the Invasive Alien Species Assessment, in national discussions, policy dialogues, and preparatory work for IPBES plenaries .
- Organisation of national stakeholder workshops and parliamentary briefings, including dedicated sessions with the House of Peoples’ Representatives to raise awareness on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and policy gaps .
- Contribution to major national and international observances, such as the International Day for Biological Diversity and World Environment Day 2025, using these moments to link biodiversity to sustainable development, livelihoods, and land restoration.
- Development and approval of a national biodiversity and ecosystem services reporting template, supporting more consistent reporting across institutions
- Participation and Networking in regional and sub-regional forums (peer-to-peer learning forums), sharing NBP-E experiences to parties and taking lessons
Latest updates
Workshops, publications, and field activities.
Sub-committees orientation meeting on Ethiopia’s national biodiversity platform.
The Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre and Network – Addis Ababa University (HoA-REC&N-AAU) convened a pivotal meeting aimed at launching the engagement of sub-committees
