On 12 June 2014, a project workshop entitled "Biodiversity and development - Different biodiversity narratives and their implications for international cooperation" took place in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Organized by Ecologic Institute in cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the workshop provided an opportunity to learn from experts and stakeholders active in the fields of development, biodiversity and nature conservation.

Results showed inter alia that political frameworks and legislation on nature protection exist in Ethiopia, but that they are often not sufficiently implemented and enforced at the local level. There is not only a need for substantial increase in capacities at all levels, but also for more cross-sectoral thinking and activities. Furthermore, it was pointed out that champions need to be identified in political and practical circles to convey messages on biodiversity protection of other stakeholders, researchers and practitioners.

Another important issue was the establishment of mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for all kinds of development projects before permissions are granted, especially when purchasing land and making investments in agriculture.

The results will feed into general recommendations to be developed for biodiversity policy and international cooperation in the project “Quality of Life, Well-Being and Biodiversity. The role of biodiversity in future development models“.