Lake Tana approaches ecological tipping point as water hyacinth spreads to 36 additional kebeles
via The Reporter Ethiopia8 min read
Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest freshwater lake, is nearing a critical ecological tipping point due to the spread of water hyacinth into 36 new kebeles. Environmental experts warn that without urgent action, the lake could become unnavigable, experience declining water levels, and lose its unique biodiversity. Chalachew Benalfew, a former weed control expert, stated that boat transportation would cease, water levels would drop, and biodiversity would disappear if current conditions persist. The invasive weed has spread from the eastern to the western part of the lake, with its resurgence attributed to weakened weed-control operations, increased environmental degradation, and nutrient enrichment from untreated wastewater. Manual community mobilization and mechanical harvesting are considered the most effective control methods, as biological and chemical approaches have shown limited results. A large-scale campaign five years ago removed 80 percent of the infestation, but momentum was lost due to political instability. Officials at the Amhara Regional Environmental Protection Authority EPA acknowledge the challenge, noting that only two of four mechanical harvesters are operational due to fuel shortages and lack of parts. The draft buffer-zone regulation to protect the lake and its tributaries from pollution has not yet been approved, leaving authorities without adequate legal powers to prevent harmful activities. The EPA is preparing for another large-scale campaign, but its suc
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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