I grew up in northern Ethiopia, where towering ancient trees graced the skies. Exploring the forests and bushland was incredibly fulfilling and memorable. The fresh air, vibrant birdlife, and diverse wetlands were central to my childhood experience. My fascination with the natural world deepened when I first encountered a wetlands ecology course in college, and it has continued to flourish since I joined Wetlands International in 2021.
As a Programme Officer in the Ethiopia Office, I manage the planning, implementation, and monitoring of landscape restoration projects. My role involves strategic leadership, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and maintaining partnerships with government entities.
I am a versatile, honest, and proactive team player, adept at managing multiple responsibilities with pragmatism and under pressure. My established expertise spans integrated water resource management, landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, conservation agriculture, and climate-smart agriculture.
A dedicated conservationist, I find great satisfaction in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, grassroots communities, and various stakeholders. These interactions have enhanced my skills in human relations and management.
I derive immense joy from exploring wetland sites and experiencing the rejuvenation of nature, particularly when witnessing the tangible results of restoration efforts, such as revived springs. To date, I have supported grassroots communities in restoring over 3,500 hectares of degraded land.
I hold an MSc in Integrated Watershed Management and an undergraduate degree in Forestry, both from Hawassa University’s Wondo-Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources.
Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering in humanitarian projects, supporting the elderly, and traveling to both natural and man-made heritage sites.