The Murulle Foundation believes that the most important factor for
successful conservation of forest and wildlife resources is the involvement
and empowerment of local communities. The Murulle Foundation realizes
that conservation efforts cannot succeed unless local villagers can
meet their basic needs. TMF works to incorporate this belief into each
of its projects.
Water Supply System
In
2002, TMF constructed a water supply system for the village of Buko
located adjacent to the Odo Bulu Project area. Previously , most people
had to walk two to three miles to get to the main water source on Mount
Sokona. The willingness and desire of the local communities in Odo Bulu
to develop and implement conservation strategies that protect forest
and wildlife resources is unique in the agriculturally dominated highland
communities of Ethiopia. As a result, The Murulle Foundation is optimistic
that the conservation strategies in the area will be successful.
Private Tree Plantation
In
2001, the local Goba Forestry Department, with funds supplied by The
Murulle Foundation, in cooperation with local farmers and authorities,
planted 44,000 Eucalyptus globulus, 700 Pinus patula,
100 Grevillea robusta, 100 Acacia melanoxylon and 100
Hagenia abyssinica tree seedlings. The seedlings were planted
in an effort to supplement the fuelwood needs of the communities surrounding
Odo Bulu and to reduce or forestall the use of the old-growth forests.
Eucalyptus is an exotic tree species but can already be found in many
parts of Ethiopia. It is one of the fastest growing trees available
and should provide a suitable harvest in a relatively short amount of
time.
After successfully working with farmers and local and regional
authorities to initiate and oversee the planting of the seedlings,
The Murulle Foundation's next and most crucial step is to promote
good husbandry and silvicultural practices that will maximize wood
production and socioeconomic benefits while having a minimal impact
on soil fertility, soil erosion, agricultural crop production, water,
and native plant and wildlife species. In order to achieve this,
a thorough educational and monitoring scheme will be implemented
in the area.
Community Forums
TMF
organized several workshops with members of communities surrounding
the Galama Mountains in 2001 to For example, TMF research projects involve
local communities and empower regional land managers to discuss issues
and concerns related to land use practices and wildlife conservation
in the Galama Mountains. These were accomplished with the participation
of several peasant associations in the villages of Digelu and Tischo.
Additionally, interviews were conducted with regional and government
resource managers from the Ministry of Agriculture to identify conservation
initiatives and constraints that hinder their efforts in the region.
School Supplies
TMF
donates supplies to schools and clubs located near TMF projects. Most
recently, TMF purchased school supplies for primary schools near Bale
Mountains National Park; the materials were distributed among 10 schools
and were presented by TMF staff and BMNP officials. In the past, TMF
has donated supplies to the primary school in Buko, located in the Odo
Bulu Mountains, and to elementary schools in Ticho, in the Galama Mountains.
TMF also distributed informative posters and brochures highlighting
the need for conservation and wise land-use practices to all the agricultural
and administration bureaus in the Galama Mountains as well as to local
schools and market places.
