EN 
AM Welcome to the Center of Origin & Diversity, Ethiopia!
Establishment and History
A Plant Genetic Resources Center, Ethiopia (PGRC/E) was initially established in May 1976 through a bilateral technical cooperation agreement between the Governments of Ethiopia and Germany. The main objective was to rescue the country’s plant genetic resources from adverse impacts of various human activities and natural calamities and thereby, support crop improvement programs. In 1998, it was re-established as the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation and Research (EBIR) broadening its mandate and duties to implement Ethiopia’s obligation to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD). In 2004, the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (EBI) was amended. Finally, in 2013 the institute has the current structure and renamed as Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI).
Mandates, Duties and Responsibilities
Ethiopia has set clear national policy directives on conservation of biological resources. In the past, conservation efforts focused on plant genetic resources and priority was given to field crops. Since 1998, the Institute was given a wider mandate of conservation and sustainable utilization of all forms of biological resources including plants, animals and microbial genetic resources as well as associated indigenous knowledge. Ecosystem management is also recognized as one of the areas to be given priority. As to the importance of biodiversity and our dependence on biological resources, conservation efforts give emphasis to local and national needs and values. The Institute, thus, has power and duties related to the conservation and promoting the sustainable utilization of Ethiopia’s biodiversity. This includes maintaining and developing international relations with bilateral and multilateral bodies having the potential to providing technical assistance. The Institute, on the basis of national legislation, has the responsibility and duty to implement international conventions, agreements and obligations on biodiversity to which Ethiopia is a party.
Vision
By 2040, a thriving biodiversity economy that enriches Ethiopian’s people and nature realized.
Mission
Undertake study and research on the proper conservation of Ethiopia’s Biodiversity and associated indigenous knowledge; Establish participatory conservation mechanisms; Ensure fair and equitable Access and Benefit Sharing; Promote sustainable utilization of biodiversity for sustainable development.
Objectives
To ensure that the country’s biodiversity and the associated community knowledge are properly conserved and sustainably utilized, and the country and its communities get fair and equitable share of the benefits arising from their utilization.
Message from the Director General
Dear Visitors, Partners, and Fellow Ethiopians,
Ethiopia is recognized as one of the world’s most biodiverse nations. Our rugged highlands, vast lowlands, and the rift valley lakes hold the genetic codes of the wild relatives of our staple food, and the endemic wildlife that defines our national identity. The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute bears the profound responsibility of being the steward of these natural assets since its establishment in the 1970s.
We envision beyond conservation. We are tasked with the dynamic challenge of ensuring that Ethiopia’s genetic resources contribute to the prosperity of our people while remaining protected for the future. Our motto is ‘Conservation PLUS’. It is about unlocking the hidden value of our genetic resources to enrich the people and nature of Ethiopia.
One of our focuses is inventory and research for enhanced conservation and sustainable utilization of our genetic resources and associated indigenous knowledges. We cannot protect what we do not know. Our researchers are continuously working to discover, document, and map the incredible diversity of our genetic resources. We will continue to uncover, identify, and understand Ethiopia’s genetic resource potential through the implementation of digital tools.
In terms of conservation and security, the EBI, through its network of in-situ and gene bank facilities, is securing the biological foundation of Ethiopia’s food sovereignty and ecosystem health. In addition to the gene bank facility at the headquarters in Addis Ababa, we are in the final stages of launching a state-of-the-art duplicate gene bank facility in Fiche, North Shewa. Our gene bank facilities have the capability to conserve the genetic resources of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Expansion of safety duplicate gene banks will continue to ensure agricultural resilience to climate change while protecting indigenous genetic heritage. The expansion and strengthening of in-situ conservation mechanisms, such as community seed banks and biosphere reserves, should also receive due attention.
We are also committed to the principles of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). We believe that the communities and the nation that preserve our genetic resources must be the primary beneficiaries when they are used for commercial or scientific purposes. The negotiation tables are aligned with national interests and community benefits. Notable recent actions may include, but are not limited to, the collaborations established with Docomo Oils PLC on Osyris quadripartite, CGS Sementi on Eragrostis tef, and Etcare on Spirulina.
There is a real challenge of climate change, habitat loss, and invasive alien species. We cannot succeed alone. Whether you are a student seeking knowledge, a researcher looking for collaboration, or a citizen wanting to contribute, your engagement is vital.
Dr. Karta K. Kalsa
Director General
Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Organization
The institute consists of seven lead executive offices, namely: Animal Biodiversity Research Lead Executive Office, Crop & Horticulture Biodiversity Research Lead Executive Office, Forest & Range Land Plants Biodiversity Research Lead Executive Office, Genetic Resources Access & Benefit Sharing Research Lead Executive Office, Microbial Biodiversity Research Lead Executive Office, Training, Consulting, Project Monitoring and Support Lead Executive Office and Centers and Botanical Gardens Coordination. There are also ten administrative executive offices, namely: Audit Executive Office, Basic Services Executive Office, Ethics and Anti-corruption Executive Office, Human Resource Administration and Competency Executive Office, Information Communication Technology Executive Office, Organizational Change Executive Office, Procurement and Finance Executive Office, Public Relation & Communication Executive Office, Strategic Affairs Executive Office and Women’s Inclusion and Social Affairs Implementation Executive Office. The Institute establishes seven (7) additional biodiversity centers in Metu, Hawasa, Harer, Mekele, Goba, Bahirdar and Asosa, two (2) botanical gardens in Jimma and Shashemene and one (1) duplicate gene bank located in Fiche to enhance the accessibility of biodiversity conservation and research. The Director General (DG) and the Deputy Director General (DDG) leads the institute which supported by the management committee. The management committee consists of all the executive officers.
