News published: 16 June 2026

On 05 June 2026, Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden hosted a series of commemorative programmes to mark World Environment Day. The event signified a double milestone, marking the 53rd global anniversary and the 33rd national celebration of environmental awareness in Ethiopia. The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including university leadership, environmental experts from Dilla town and neighbouring districts, agricultural students, and youth members from environmental clubs representing local schools.

During the opening ceremony, Dr Habtamu Temesgen, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, addressed the accelerating impacts of climate change driven by both natural and man-made factors. He warned that environmental crises such as rising temperatures, wildfires, devastating floods, and landslides are progressively worsening. To mitigate and adapt to these risks, Dr Habtamu emphasised the necessity of a unified approach, calling for active participation from local communities and administrative bodies to reinforce the green development initiatives already launched by the government.

Furthering the call to action, Dr Eshetu Yirsaw, Director of the Botanical and Ecotourism Garden, highlighted that the primary goal of the celebration was to foster deep community awareness and inspire individual responsibility towards environmental protection. Additionally, Dr Tewodros Bekele, a researcher and lecturer at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, presented a foundational paper tracking the history of World Environment Day, the root causes of climate change, its global ramifications, and practical local responses, which sparked an extensive discussion among attendees.

The celebration concluded with a practical demonstration of environmental stewardship. Participants actively contributed to the nation’s green initiatives by planting tree seedlings directly within the grounds of the university’s botanical and ecotourism gardens. This hands-on action reinforced Dilla University’s institutional identity and ongoing mission as “The Green Earth University”, showcasing its commitment to blending academic discourse with community-driven environmental action.