[Dec. 29, Mekelle, Ethiopia]: The stakeholders’ validation workshop for the Tseba-Ayna Catchment was conducted from 29 December 31st December 2025 at Axum Hotel in Mekelle. The workshop is part of ongoing efforts under the BRIGHT Project in the Tekeze Basin to conduct a situation assessment and develop a comprehensive catchment management plan, key activities of the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the basin.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Tena Alamirew, Deputy Director of the Water and Land Resource Centre (WLRC), highlighted WLRC’s continued engagement in water- and land-focused research and development interventions. He noted the Centre’s close collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) in the successful implementation of the BRIGHT Project, including the support in the establishment of the Tekeze Basin Administration Office.
Dr. Michael Mehari, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Water and Energy, on his part indicated MoWE’s involvement in water-centred initiatives in the Tigray region, including the BRIGHT Project, which the Ministry co-implements with WLRC.
Dr. Berhane, Resident Basin Coordinator for the Tekeze Basin, presented the procedures and methods applied in conducting the baseline situation assessment and in developing the Tseba-Ayna Catchment Management Plan which was followed by presentations by representatives from the core assessment teams on findings of the situation assessment across four thematic areas. Over 90 participants from government offices, agricultural bureaus, universities, and other stakeholders participated in the workshop, where the draft catchment management plan and proposed quick-win interventions were presented, discussed, and validated by stakeholders.