Across eight priority wetlands in Ethiopia, BRIGHT (Basin Management Support for Resilient, Inclusive Growth and Harmonized Transformation) is demonstrating how restoring ecosystems can go hand in hand with strengthening communities and their livelihoods.

Wetlands are playing an important role in supporting both people and nature. They are providing water, supporting agriculture and livestock, sustaining biodiversity and contributing to the livelihoods of communities that depend on these ecosystems. At the same time, increasing pressure from land degradation, changing land-use practices and climate-related challenges is placing these valuable ecosystems under growing strain.

BRIGHT is responding to these challenges by bringing ecosystem restoration, sustainable livelihoods and community participation together.

Connecting Healthy Ecosystems with Sustainable Livelihoods

The programme is recognising that the health of wetlands is closely connected to the wellbeing of the communities living around them.

Rather than treating conservation and livelihoods as separate priorities, BRIGHT is supporting approaches that address both. Communities are being engaged in identifying environmental challenges and exploring practical solutions that can improve the condition of their natural resources while supporting their livelihoods.

This approach is helping demonstrate how investment in healthy ecosystems can also contribute to more resilient communities.

Putting Communities at the Centre

Local communities are playing an important role in shaping restoration and management activities.

Their knowledge and experiences are helping identify the pressures affecting wetland ecosystems and inform appropriate responses. Through participation and engagement, local people are contributing to decisions around the resources on which they depend.

The programme is also bringing together government institutions, local organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen coordination and support more effective management of water and wetland resources.

Building Resilience Through Healthy Wetlands

Healthy wetlands provide essential ecosystem services that support both environmental and human well-being.

They help regulate water, provide habitats for biodiversity and support agricultural and livelihood activities. Their role is becoming increasingly important as communities experience changing rainfall patterns, water pressures and other impacts associated with climate change.

Through restoration and improved management practices, BRIGHT is helping maintain these ecosystem functions while supporting communities in becoming more resilient to environmental and climatic pressures.

Turning Knowledge into Action

Evidence, local knowledge, and experience are informing the work being carried out through the programme.

Communities and stakeholders are contributing to identifying challenges, assessing the condition of ecosystems, and developing responses that are appropriate to local circumstances. The lessons emerging from this work are helping demonstrate which approaches can be strengthened, adapted, or replicated elsewhere.

This combination of scientific knowledge and community experience is helping build a stronger foundation for sustainable wetland and water resources management.

Looking Ahead

The work being undertaken through BRIGHT is demonstrating that ecosystem restoration can contribute to both environmental recovery and improved livelihoods.

By bringing communities, institutions and other stakeholders together, the programme is helping create approaches that recognise the connection between healthy ecosystems and resilient societies.

As implementation continues, the experiences and lessons emerging from Ethiopia’s priority wetlands are contributing to a wider understanding of how integrated water resources management, ecosystem restoration and community-led action can work together.

Ultimately, protecting and restoring wetlands is about more than conserving nature. It is also about supporting the people, livelihoods and communities that depend on healthy ecosystems.