When you look down at Northern Ethiopia from above, you see a mostly brown landscape with roads crisscrossing it. However, scattered throughout this expanse are pockets of green forest, all thanks to the presence of churches. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido church, with a membership of around 50 million, has more than 3,500 churches nestled within forests across the Ethiopian countryside. These forests are considered sacred and are seen as an integral part of the religious structures built around them, providing a peaceful and sheltered environment.
This reverence for nature stands in stark contrast to the larger environmental challenges facing the country. In the early 20th century, forests covered 40% of Ethiopia’s land, but this has dwindled to a mere 4% due to population growth and the demand for agricultural land to feed the country’s sizable population, currently the 12th largest in the world.
The remaining 4% of forested land is zealously protected by the church. These forest patches are ancient, with some churches dating back 1,500 years, indicating the longstanding presence of these forests. Not only do these forests provide shade for the people and wildlife in the region, but they also serve as crucial habitats for a diverse range of biodiversity, supporting the country’s ecosystems in the face of deforestation from agriculture and overgrazing from herding. Additionally, they play a role in safeguarding water supplies, maintaining soil quality, and providing a crucial environment for pollinators that benefit both the forest and nearby crops.
A study published in the journal PLOS One in March 2019 highlighted the significant impact of human and livestock activities on the overall health and biodiversity of these church forests. The trampling of human feet and animal hooves can disrupt the size, density, and interconnectedness of these ecosystems. To address this issue, some churches have constructed stone walls to prevent cattle from damaging the forests. Studies have shown that these walls have led to a significant increase in the growth of new plants. This underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to plant new vegetation and restrict clearing activities to maintain the health of these vital ecosystems. The conservation efforts of the church community are closely intertwined with the interdependence of these forests.
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