Putting research knowledge into Action: The missing link for sustainability of Lake Tana Ecosystem, Ethiopia.

Abstract

There is always a trade-off between environmental protection and development in most
dynamic and complex ecosystems. Therefore, understanding the big picture of the human
environment nexus, with its complex interactions is essential. Despite the positive impact
on the country’s drive towards food security and poverty alleviation, development activities
that have been taking place around Lake Tana catchment are casting doubt on the
sustainability of the region. Unless timely, protective policy intervention measures put in
place, there might be a serious environmental degradation which ultimately ends up with a
complete collapse of the whole ecosystem. The paper tries to analyze the importance of
integrating different knowledge systems and transferring research knowledge into policy
framework and immediate intervention in the Lake Tana ecosystems by which researchers,
policy makers at governmental level and user groups at community level can achieve
desired outcomes through the sustainable resource use, development and application of
innovative approaches.