[WLRC, Arba Minch, September 30, 2025] The Basin Management Support for Resilient, Inclusive Growth and Harmonized Transformation for the National IWRM Programme of Ethiopia (BRIGHT) Project partners and stakeholders held a one-day kick-off meeting to commence implementation of strategic IWRM-Guided Interventions in Hare Catchment with Joint Engagement of partners and stakeholders. The meeting, organized by the Water and Land Resource Centre (WLRC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE), was held at Haile Resort, Arba Minch, on September 30, 2025.
The main objective of this kick-off meeting was to officially start implementation of the high priority key interventions thorough joint engagement of key institutions and stakeholders in the Arba Minch Zuria, Chencha Zuria and Dita Weredas and kebele that were recently annexed into Arba Minch Town Municipality. The proposed interventions were identified through the intensive baseline assessments that were conducted in the woredas and kebeles.
The BRIGHT Project Manager at WLRC, Dr. Mamaru Moges, emphasized the importance of joint actions on the proposed interventions as success would depend on the coordinated efforts of government institutions, universities, and the community. He thus called for stakeholders to confirm their commitment to implement the interventions jointly and to clearly express their responsibilities in the implementation of the actions and sustainable management of the Hare Catchment.
The coordinator of the Hare Catchment Baseline Study and Director for the Division of Land and Ecosystem at WLRC, Dr. Yilkal Anteneh, presented the detailed methodology and findings of the study, proposed interventions based on logical framework, as well as, he presented quick-win interventions in the Hare lower catchment, specifically at Arba Mich Zuria Woreda kebeles (Chano- Mille, Chano-Dorga, Chano-Chalba and Kola- Shara kebeles) within the remaining three months of 2025. He indicated the need to draw a dcetailed Memorandum of Joint Action (MOJA) which will serve as a guiding framework document to build trust and share responsibilities among each stakeholder to implement the proposed interventions. The BRIGHT project implementing partners and key stakeholders reviewed and approved for action the selected key interventions and quick-win actions. Finally, they had adequate consultation on the MoJA, which all stakeholders unanimously agreed on its importance and signed it. It was clarified that the actions will be supported by the BRIGHT Project and other concerned stakeholders. WLRC, MoWE and RVLB and and Arba Minch University will be the technical leads and co-implementers while the water and agriculture bureaus, departments and offices of the South Ethiopia Region, Gamo zone and the three weredas, Arba minchi town Municipality, and local communities in the intervention sites will be the lead implementers of the actions. The Stakeholders committed to commence the joint actions as of October 2025.
South Ethiopia Region Water, Irrigation and Mines Bureau D/Head Dr. Daniel Dale indicated that the project will help reduce soil erosion, restore degraded lands, ensure water quality and sustainability, ensure proper use of irrigation infrastructure, and build climate-resilient environment and economy. That way, “BRIGHT aims to increase access to water supply, irrigation water use, and thereby improve peoples’ livelihoods, environmental sustainability and reduce the siltation problem that is affecting Lake Abaya”, said Dr. Mamaru of BRIGHT.
Gamo Zone Agriculture Department Head Magesso Mashole on his part indicated that the Project will benefit communities and environments of 32 kebeles in Dita, Chencha Zuria, and Arba Minch Zuria Weredas, Arba Minch Town and Lake Abaya. Senior government officials in the South Ethiopia Region and Gamo Zone warmly welcomed the launching of the interventions in the Catchment and expressed their commitments to support the interventions in any means possible, including mobilising the local administration and communities to take leading roles in the process. The Hare Catchment extends over 25,000.00 hectars of undulating land.