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Knowledge transfer to ensure sustainable
Eco Region management
The Bale Eco Region Sustainable
Management Programme (BERSMP) is working
with community based organizations to
ensure sustainable management of Eco
Region through knowledge transfer.
BERSMP in partnership with MELCA Mahiber,
Movement for Ecological Learning and
Community Action,
is building young people’s capacity to
establish connections between the young
and the elderly, traditional culture to
Westaern culture, and people to their
environment according to the
Bale Zone MELCA Programme Coordinator.
“The objective of the training is to
sustainably conserve the Eco-Region
through an indigenous biodiversity
conservation system. At present we are
training 16 students from two high
schools”, explained Tesfaye Tola, MELCA
Bale Programme Coordinator.
 Conserving
the Eco-Region
Haji Kemal Hassen is a traditional
healer. He says he used to ask elders
about the type and use of the trees and
plants around Bale. “I can confidently
say that I know 70% of the trees and
plants (and their respective uses) here
in Bale.”
Haji has witnessed the deterioration of
some plants and trees, in both number
and variety. “I have started to record
the names of some of the trees and
plants. Learning about their values
encourages students to make informed
decisions and to spread knowledge.”
Determination
to value trees and plants
 Jemila Ousman, one of the student
trainees, said, “The plant and tree types that the traditional healers
taught us are common in our area. I did
not know their medicinal value. I will
promote their use and will try to plant
some of the tree species in my
homestead”.
Mohammed
Hussien used to fell trees. The
‘contemplation’ chapter of the training
helped him reflect upon the consequences
of his actions. “I will share the
knowledge that our trainer shared us. I
will also encourage my classmates to
plant some of the valued species of
trees”.
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