Kindeya Gebrehiwot


Kindeya Gebrehiwot is an Ethiopian academic and politician serving as State Minister, Advisor to the Ministry of Education. He was a professor of Forestry at Mekelle University, researching forest regeneration, particularly frankincense trees. He studies the threats to this flagship species, particularly in relation to regrowth and tapping. He was also President of Mekelle University.

Career

Research on Ethiopia's incense trees

Kindeya Gebrehiwot's research area encompasses sustainable management of dry tropical forests and reforestation. Such deciduous dry forests of the Sahelian regions are the poor parents when it comes to research on the ecology and conservation of natural resources, given their relatively lesser importance in terms of biological diversity. However, they play an extremely important role in ensuring the ecological balance in dry areas, in contributing to the diversity of natural habitats, in protecting soils from erosion, and in regulating the water cycle. These forests also contribute to the protection of the livelihoods of the inhabitants of Abergelle where the research is mainly conducted. The supply of energy, materials, food and commercial products is considered.
Sustainable forest management that meets social, economic and environmental objectives requires an in-depth knowledge of how this type of forest ecosystem works. Studies have focused on resilience to withstand the pressures of exploitation, and regeneration capabilities. Kindeya's research makes an important contribution to improving this knowledge.
It is this knowledge that allows the Tigray society to tackle the problem of maintaining forest resources in relation to their vulnerability. The economic importance of products from this species, particularly incense, must also be taken into account. Kindeya's research has identified a number of needs, not only in terms of future research, but also in terms of management plans and legal framework. Realistically, Kindeya discussed the dilemma between the self-sufficiency needs of the neighbouring population: how to combine the exclosure of Boswellia forests with the need for people to support themselves in an area that is naturally very dry. Suggested solutions include a ban on access to livestock or even local restrictions on incense harvesting.

Community service

Recognitions and awards

  • Gold medal of the Haromaya University as an outstanding student of the year 1993.
  • DAAD Scholarship Award - 1999
  • 2004: Prize of the Belgian Development Cooperation
  • Best Research of the Year 2010 at Mekelle University
  • 2015: Award for his great and indispensable assistance in carrying out the Ethiopia-Witten relief efforts to equip and develop hospitals and schools in the northern Ethiopian province of Tigray
  • 2019: University of Hargeisa Medal