The 2024 Green Action Week Campaign in Ethiopia – ISD-Ethiopia
“Sharing Communities”, The 2024 Green Action Week Campaign
The 2024 Green Action Week Campaign, held in the Werebabo district of the South Wollo zone, Amhara region executed the theme of “Sharing Communities” with impressive results, focusing on sustainable consumption and environmental awareness. The campaign aimed to cultivate a culture of mutual support among community members, which has shown significant positive outcomes through various organized awareness programs.
Throughout the campaign, the importance of avoiding pollution—air, water, and soil—was emphasized as a foundational element for sustainable use of resources. Initiatives encouraged community members to ensure access to clean drinking water, clean air, and chemical-free food, aligning with the overall goal of environmental preservation. The need for tree planting and safeguarding local water bodies was highlighted, reinforcing the campaign’s message that collective effort can mitigate the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
A central focus of this year’s campaign was raising awareness about the patterns of migration, particularly the common trend of women migrating to Arab countries. This phenomenon was addressed with the understanding that such migration exacerbates local community challenges and adversely affects women’s potential to contribute to agriculture and environmental conservation. Through empowerment, the campaign aimed to remind the community that hard work in their homeland can lead to substantial improvements not just for individuals but for families, the local environment, and the nation.
The campaign featured presentations of research papers illustrating how deforestation and environmental degradation are directly impacting local water bodies, along with studies documenting the challenges faced by women who illegally migrate. Stories were shared by men and women who had experienced life in Arab countries, who recounted the hardships of migration and how they found greater fulfillment and success upon their return to their home country.
As a significant outcome of the campaign, a conclusion program was held where twenty women returning from migration, who currently lack employment or income, were each provided with chicken chicks. This initiative serves not only to provide them with a source of income but also emphasizes the concept of “sharing communities,” which fosters a collaborative spirit among participants.
Overall, the campaign has made meaningful strides in promoting sustainable practices, addressing migration issues, and supporting the local community to improve both social and environmental conditions. The collaborative spirit embodied by the theme “Sharing Communities” has been pivotal in achieving these objectives. Continued efforts and support will be essential in sustaining this momentum for ongoing improvement and awareness in the future.
