A three-day international forum aimed at exchanging views on how best to achieve Ethiopia's zero carbon emission target by 2025 began in Addis Ababa yesterday (October 30).

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, State Minister of Agriculture of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ato Sileshi Getahun, emphasized the government's determination to give special attention to agro-forestry as a means to achieving the zero carbon emission target. Director of the Ethiopian Environmental protection Authority, Dr. Tewoldebirhan G/Egziabher, indicated that Ethiopia's Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy (CRGE), developed in 2011, is currently being implemented, further highlighting the country's commitment to mitigating the dangers associated with climate change. The Green Economy Strategy has been earmarked for seven sectors that offer the highest greenhouse gas abatement potential: Power Supply; Buildings and Green Cities; Forestry (REDD+); Agricultural/Soil-based Emissions; Livestock; Transport; and Industry. Implementation of the CRGE strategy requires a total investment of $150 billion over the next twenty years. Participants from a variety of countries are attending and presenting research papers during the course of the forum which is expected to conclude on Thursday.