Kindeya Gebrehiwot

Kindeya Gebrehiwot at the HighLand2006 conference in Mekelle

• 1996: MSc Environmental Forestry at University of Wales (Bangor)[5]
• 2003: PhD at University of Göttingen, Germany[4]
• 2013: Appointed as President of Mekelle University by Ethiopia's Ministry of Science and Education[6]
• 2017: Full Professor at Mekelle University[6]

Kindeya Gebrehiwot's research area encompasses sustainable management of dry tropical forests and reforestation. Such deciduous dry forests of the Sahelian regions are the poor parents when it comes to research on the ecology and conservation of natural resources, given their relatively lesser importance in terms of biological diversity. However, they play an extremely important role in ensuring the ecological balance in dry areas, in contributing to the diversity of natural habitats, in protecting soils from erosion, and in regulating the water cycle. These forests also contribute to the protection of the livelihoods of the inhabitants of Abergelle where the research is mainly conducted. The supply of energy, materials, food and commercial products is considered.[7]

Kindeya Gebrehiwot (centre) at the HighLand2006 excursion to Miheni exclosure

Sustainable forest management that meets social, economic and environmental objectives requires an in-depth knowledge of how this type of forest ecosystem works. Studies have focused on resilience to withstand the pressures of exploitation, and regeneration capabilities. Kindeya's research makes an important contribution to improving this knowledge.[8] It is this knowledge that allows the Tigray society to tackle the problem of maintaining forest resources (especially Boswellia papyrifera incense species) in relation to their vulnerability (hydrological stress, grazing, and overexploitation, mainly). The economic importance of products from this species, particularly incense, must also be taken into account. Kindeya's research has identified a number of needs, not only in terms of future research, but also in terms of management plans and legal framework.[4] Realistically, Kindeya discussed the dilemma between the self-sufficiency needs of the neighbouring population: how to combine the exclosure of Boswellia forests with the need for people to support themselves in an area that is naturally very dry. Suggested solutions include a ban on access to livestock (exclosure) or even local restrictions on incense harvesting.[9]

• Board Chairman of Tigray Development Association[10]
• Board member of Mekelle 70 Enderta F.C.

• 2004: Prize of the Belgian Development Cooperation[5]
• 2015: Award for his great and indispensable assistance in carrying out the Ethiopia-Witten relief efforts to equip and develop hospitals and schools in the northern Ethiopian province of Tigray[3]
• 2019: University of Hargeisa Medal[11]

• Publication list on Google Scholar[12]
• PhD thesis: Ecology and Management of Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst. Dry Forests in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia[13]