[WLRC, October 2025] — The Water and Land Resource Center (WLRC) presented a panel discussion on “Scaling Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Solutions in Ethiopia” during the 2nd Water and Energy Week, organized by the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) and partners on October 29, 2025.
The Director General of WLRC Dr. Gete Zeleke in his keynote speech addresses the importance of managing water resources at their actual source, the catchments and watersheds, rather than merely focusing on water distribution at the tap. He highlighted WLRC’s substantial achievements in establishing learning watersheds, observatories, and development interventions, which serve as vital platforms for implementing integrated water resources management in Ethiopia. Dr. Gete underscored the need to scale up and replicate the experiences from learning watersheds to enhance the livelihoods of upstream communities, generate significant economic benefits, reduce dam sedimentation, and protect lakes. He further emphasized that IWRM initiatives should build on the principles and approaches of learning watersheds. Additionally, he recommended the introduction of Investment for Water Services or Payment for Ecosystem Services mechanisms — whereby all water users contribute funds to support IWRM activities within a nationally guided framework.
During the panel discussion, Dr. Amare Bantider and Dr. Bizuneh Asfaw from WLRC, together with other panelists, explored topics including “Learning Watersheds as a Source of Water Resource Sustainability” and “Transforming Water Systems Monitoring: Unlocking Opportunities through Digital Innovations.” In addition to the panel presentation, WLRC also participated in side events and policy dialogues focused on integrated water resources management.
The 2nd Water and Energy Week, held from October 27–31, 2025, at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa under the theme “Harnessing Water and Clean Energy for Sustainable Growth,” brought together policymakers, researchers, and development partners. WLRC also maintained an exhibition booth showcasing its ongoing projects, innovations, and contributions to sustainable water and land management across Ethiopia.