Ethiopia - A new guideline aimed at addressing water pollution through integrated and science-based governance has been released by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in collaboration with pollution control authorities in Ethiopia. Using the Akaki Catchment as a model, the publication presents a coordinated, catchment-scale framework to prevent pollution, strengthen monitoring systems, and clarify institutional roles and responsibilities.
The Akaki Catchment, located in and around Addis Ababa, has long faced significant water quality challenges due to rapid urbanization, industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and inadequate wastewater management. Recognizing the urgency of restoring river systems and safeguarding public health, the new guideline proposes an integrated governance approach rooted in scientific evidence and multi-sectoral coordination.
Developed under the One Health initiative, the framework acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By applying a catchment-level strategy, it moves beyond fragmented interventions and instead promotes preventive measures, improved compliance monitoring, and stronger collaboration among federal, regional, and local authorities.
The guideline emphasizes three key pillars:
Pollution Prevention: Promoting source control, improved waste management, and environmentally sound industrial practices to reduce contaminants entering water bodies.
Strengthened Monitoring Systems: Enhancing water quality surveillance through standardized data collection, laboratory capacity development, and transparent reporting mechanisms.
Institutional Alignment: Clearly defining roles and responsibilities among government agencies to ensure accountability and coordinated enforcement.
The initiative was implemented with support from CGIAR’s Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods program and in collaboration with Ethiopian academic institutions including Bahir Dar University and Addis Ababa University. The partnership reflects a growing recognition that sustainable water management requires both policy innovation and academic engagement.
By piloting the approach in the Akaki Catchment, stakeholders aim to create a replicable model that can be scaled across other river basins in Ethiopia. The guideline provides practical tools for authorities to restore degraded waterways, protect downstream communities, and build long-term resilience against pollution pressures.
The release of this publication signals an important step toward integrated water governance in Ethiopia. It demonstrates how coordinated institutional action, supported by scientific research and local partnerships, can contribute to cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable water systems.
As water quality challenges intensify globally due to urban growth, industrial expansion, and climate change, such catchment-based models offer valuable lessons for countries seeking to align environmental protection with public health priorities.
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