Ethiopia's House of Peoples' Representatives has unanimously approved an updated forest conservation and development proclamation after 55 years. The new law, numbered 1400/2018, aims to safeguard forest biodiversity and establish modern management systems. It replaces an outdated framework from decades ago.
In its fifth-year fourth regular session today, Ethiopia's House of Peoples' Representatives unanimously passed a revised forest conservation and development proclamation, marking the first update in 55 years. This new framework, designated as Proclamation No. 1400/2018, seeks to protect the biodiversity and integrity of forest ecosystems while introducing contemporary oversight and regulation mechanisms.
The approval followed extensive discussions on a report from the Standing Committee on Agriculture Affairs. Under the updated law, individuals causing harm to forests face imprisonment ranging from one to five years. Additionally, enforcement officials can make immediate arrests when witnessing violations or smuggling activities.
Committee member Ato Solomon Lale stated, "The proclamation safeguards the current forest coverage through assessments and planning, while enhancing productivity to secure the country's economic viability." This legislation addresses Ethiopia's environmental and economic challenges by strengthening sustainable forest management practices.
