Sheka Forest

Sheka is a Zone in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region where one of the few remaining wet forests are found in Ethiopia. It is one of the few areas in the country where 47% of the total area is covered by forest. The forest of Sheka is known to have high social, economic and cultural values. It is where a number of big and small rivers originated and flow to different directions. As an example Baro River is started from Sheka forest. As such it is believed that any manipulation disturbing that ecosystem will result in a serious disruption of the normal functioning of the natural habitat in the area and all its surroundings. Despite these facts the Sheka forest is currently under a threat mainly from private investors who are interested in using the area for agricultural investment. Hence MELCA has determined to work in Sheka to contribute its part to the effort for the protection and conservation of the forest. MELCA-Ethiopia has been initiating and involved in the implementation projects