Many of these forests protect some of the country’s last standing forests, brimming in biodiversity and a tranquil sense of harmony on Earth. Part of these unique traditions are the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Forests, often referred to as simply as the church forests, and found mostly in the highlands of Ethiopia. These church forests were considered holy grounds, and access to them was restricted to religious ceremonies and activities. For Aba Gebresilase, protecting the church forest is a spiritual duty inherited from his forefathers. In the buffer area of the forest, where farmlands meet the church forest, signs of this encroachment are already visible.

Source: Ethiopian News June 27, 2024 13:19 UTC