የኢትዮጵያ ቅርስ ባለአደራ ማኅበር የእንጦጦ የተፈጥሮ ቅርስ ልማትና ጥበቃ ተግባሮች በጨረፍታ - Travel Note

Описание: Travel Note: Reflection
I was privileged to visit the Entoto Natural Park during my personal visit to Ethiopia in January 2019. This was following the request by Michael Sargent, one of the founding members of the Ethiopian Heritage Trust, and now the Chair of the UK branch based in London.
The Ethiopian Heritage Trust was founded in 1993 with the aim of conserving of natural beauty and historic buildings in Ethiopia. The Entoto Natural Park, which lies on the Entoto mountain range on the norther part of Addis Ababa covering 13 sq. kilometres, is its main project at the moment. (within the last few years nine species of indigenous trees were planted, including Acacia Abyssinia, Olea African (African Olive), Phoenix Reclinata (wild date palm), Dovyalis Abyssinica (Abyssinian gooseberry) and Cordia Africana (Wanza). This was replaceing the eucalyptus trees that were introduced into the country by Emperor Menelik II to meet fuel and construction demands at the time, but renowned for destroying the indigenous trees and shrubs; and by doing adversely affect the ecosystem. It is asserted that, greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms.

Micheal asked me if I could visit the park and take some photos for his archive. He introduced me by email to Ms Mesobeowrk Ketaw and Woizero Emebet, the officials of the Trust. I attended the 17th AGM, where I met the board and general members of the Trust. I was invited to address the meeting to report on my experience as a member of the Trust’s UK branch.
I was also asked to extend a warm expression of appreciation and acknowledgement to the Michael Sargent for his all rounded and dependable support; and through him to all the UK members and donors. I have visited Michael and Patsy at their residence upon my return to London and delivered the message verbally and showed them some photos and unedited footage.
The Trust assigned Ato Mulugeta Hirpa, the person in Charge of natural heritage development and conservation to show me around the park. Ato Mulugeta has, in my view, an impressive level of understanding of the background history of the Trust and its aims and objectives. His praiseworthy manner, coupled with his ability to explain articulately the activities being undertaken at the Entoto Natural Park, was so helpful to me to gather as much information as I did within a day’s visit.
The Trust very kindly allowed me to hold a book launch for my then newly published poetry book (Fiker New Quanquaye, in Amharic) at the HQ’s Hall, invited on my behalf as many member as possible and managed to assemble a considerable number of audience at a short notice. I am very grateful especially to Woizeo Emebet for her handling the organisation of the event so professionally. My thanks also goes to all the staff at the HO.

I declared at the launch that I have donated a quarter of the sales from the first publication of my book after expenses have been deducted. Many prominent members of the Trust expressed their view on my book but more importantly on my small but exemplary contribution to the noble objectives of the Trust.
This short video is only intended to share my experience of my visit and encourage as many of my viewers as possible who in general care for natural environment and historic sites and those of Ethiopian ones in particular, to get involved in the activities of the Trust in one way or another. I do not claim it to be a documentary production that does justice to the task The Trust.
Thanks for your time and support.