Enset Park Project in its third phase has jointly conducted its first two-day national symposium from 5th to 6th April, 2016, at New Hall, Main Campus. Flemish partners, scholars from different universities, research institutions, stakeholders and others attended the function. Natural Sciences College Dean, Dr Alemayehu Hailemichael, welcoming the participants, said, ‘‘Addressing the issue of biodiversity conservation for equitable social welfare is the key agenda of Growth and Transformation Plan-II; wherein AMU is proactively contributing. And Enset conservation will help preserve inter-crops, medicinal plants and landscape that will arrest land erosion and restore natural cycle.’’
In opening speech, President Dr Damtew Darza was of the view that success of Ethiopia’s development plan is determined by how diligently it’s integrated with conservation of natural resources. Therefore, he said, farmers must get support from government, NGOs, scholars and stakeholders in conserving biodiversity. He urged the audience to view commissioning of Enset Park Project in Gamo highlands in that perspective.
Dr Endale Gebre, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) scientist, on bacterial wilt said indigenous sanitation techniques and integrated pest management don’t eradicate wilt. On the absence of scientific work on Enset globally, he said, because it’s confined to Ethiopia and even Ethiopia itself hasn’t developed a mechanism to address the issue.  
Replicating the use of gene technique administered in banana by culling genes from sweet papers in Uganda could save Enset that may solve farmers’ problem and increase productivity; otherwise it’s going to be hybridized. He also hinted at possible collaboration between EIAR and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture of Nigeria in that regard.
Prof. Sebsebe Demessew, Addis Ababa University, said, ‘‘Enset future can be made bright, if researches adopt multi-disciplinary approach. They must have a clear roadmap and with eco-system approach, clear understanding of landscape, people and anthropogenic factors affecting Enset should determine the interventions and research must be hinged on them.’’
He informed, today, areas growing Teff are facing drought, so to avoid starvation we should cultivate Enset that would serve as a back-up crop. He urged the researchers to look into its socio-cultural dynamics for better understanding.
Later half of the first and second days saw research presentations on associated issues of Enset like characterization and evaluation, PH and microbial dynamics, production, importance and challenges, bacterial wilt control, nematode pest, etc. by the participants.
One of the custodians of Enset Park project, Prof. Seppe Deckers, suggested suitable farming on the right type of soil that wouldn’t harm the crop. He said inter-cropping perhaps will protect it from the onslaught of bacterial wilt.
Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute’s Deputy Director General, Dr Feleke Woldeyes, who is an Ethiopian promoter of Enset Park Project, informed about its three phases beginning from 2009, 2012 & 2015 at Gamo highlands to conserve diversity and farming system. As of now 12 Enset Park Associations and a gene bank have been established. Park-based approach will strengthen on-going conservation efforts, he summed up. He also spoke on further collaboration on research areas.
Participants from Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Wolaita Soddo, Mekelle universities, Areka and Arba Minch Agricultural Research Institutes, AMU officials, stakeholders and others visited Enset Park at Chencha and shared experiences with farmers. The program was anchored by Research Directorate Director, Dr Fantahun. The project is funded by The Christensen Fund.

(By Corporate Communication Directorate: Philips Joseph)