Realizing the sustainability of Ethiopia’s rich natural environment through education

On March 3 and 4, a PLANE3T Project symposium was held in Ethiopia under a theme of environmental education and with cooperation from joint researchers from Bahir Dar University and Injibara University.

On the first day of the international symposium, over 60 participants attended, including the presidents of both universities, researchers, and local media. Keynote speeches were delivered by guests, such as State Minister Afework Kassu (from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Ethiopia) and Director Yokozeki (from the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa), along with a research presentation by a university faculty and a panel discussion using the study material, “Knowing Our Worth: Conversations on Energy and Sustainability,” with dialogue between Soka University founder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda and Dr. Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker. After the closing of the event, all participants viewed the algae culture pond and the experimental rooms established by PLANE3T within the campus of Bahir Dar University, making the entire day one of great success.

On the second day, the participants toured Injibara University, which is lush with green, along with taking in the view of a lake located in the city, further confirming the significant possibilities of the town of Injibara, centered on the university, toward serving as a model location for environmental and sustainability education.