EOTC-DICAC Strengthens Efforts to Protect and Restore Ethiopia’s Church Forests

In a continued commitment to environmental protection and cultural preservation, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church – Development and Inter-Church Aid Commission (EOTC-DICAC) has expanded several initiatives aimed at conserving and restoring church forests across Ethiopia.

These sacred groves small patches of indigenous forest surrounding Orthodox churches have served as spiritual sanctuaries and ecological havens for centuries. As deforestation and environmental degradation intensify, EOTC-DICAC, in collaboration with local and international partners, is implementing targeted conservation programs that include:

🌲 Reforestation and Native Tree Planting: Supplying indigenous seedlings and training church communities in sustainable tree propagation and care.

🛠️Community Capacity Building: Providing training for clergy and community in forest management, environmental theology, and practical conservation methods.

🐝Livelihood Integration: Supporting forest-based income alternatives such as beekeeping, plant cultivation, and eco-tourism ensuring economic benefits alongside conservation.

📖 Environmental Education: Promoting awareness through Sunday schools, youth groups, and parish programs that teach the importance of forests in scripture and daily life.