BiT-BDU Hosts Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Lake Tana Water Hyacinth and Water Quality Monitoring

[December 27, 2024 Bahir Dar, ISC/BiT]

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Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University (BiT-BDU), hosted a Scientific Project Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Remote Sensing for Community-driven Applications: from WA+ to Co-learning (RS-4C), focusing on Lake Tana Water Hyacinth and Water Quality Monitoring. The workshop aimed to bring together stakeholders to address the challenges of water hyacinth infestation and water quality degradation in Lake Tana.

Dr. Muluken Zegeye, Deputy Scientific Director for Research and Community Service at BiT, opened the workshop by welcoming stakeholders and guests. He emphasized the importance of the workshop as a platform for fostering collaboration among key parties to tackle the critical issues facing Lake Tana, such as water hyacinth infestation and water quality deterioration. He also highlighted the lake's potential as an economic resource and called for collective efforts to ensure its sustainable development, which would benefit both local communities and the state.

Dr. Minychl Gitaw, Deputy Scientific Director for Administrative Affairs at BiT and Project Co-PI, presented his study titled "Water Quality Characteristics of a Water Hyacinth-Infested Tropical Highland Lake: Lake Tana, Ethiopia." The research examines the impact of water hyacinth infestation on the water quality of Lake Tana, a significant water body in Ethiopia's tropical highlands. His presentation provides valuable insights into the ecological consequences of the invasive species on this critical water body.

Dr. Goraw Goshu, Director of the Blue Nile Water Institute and Project PI, presented the progress of the project "Remote Sensing for Community-driven Applications: From WA+ to Co-learning (RS-4C)." He provided insights into the project process, key partners involved, challenges encountered, and the activities completed so far. Additionally, he shared findings from a study on the watershed export of nutrients and its impact on the water quality and ecological health of Lake Tana, a critical water body in Ethiopia’s highlands.

Dr. Ayalew Wondie, General Manager of the Lake Tana and Other Water Bodies Protection Agency, BOE, presented insights into the "Challenges and Opportunities of Water Hyacinth Management in Lake Tana." He emphasized the importance of tackling the invasive species issue to protect the lake’s ecosystem. Following that, Dr. Assefa Tessema from Wollo University discussed the challenges of water management in the Lake Hayq-Ardibo Catchment within the Awash Basin, Ethiopia. His presentation focused on current management practices and their effectiveness in addressing water-related challenges in the region.

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion on water hyacinth management and water quality improvement in Lake Tana. Experts debated the use of remote sensing technology for environmental management and explored opportunities for collaboration in monitoring and controlling invasive species. The discussion highlighted the need for collective action and cross-sector collaboration to sustainably manage Lake Tana’s water resources.

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