Aytolgn Asnakew

Melese

My name is Aytolgn Asnakew Melese from Ethiopia. Currently, I am working at Southern Agricultural Research Institute as a natural forest researcher in the Southwestern and Southeastern pastoralist areas. I am a forester and I believe that forests are the center of biodiversity, therefore working in forestry is a way of creating a healthy economy on a healthy planet. I believe that globally all societies must work hard on forestry, which offers major nature-based solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, hunger and poverty which are key for the world to transition to a more sustainable path. Meaningful reforms in the area of sustainable forest management, and building a green, healthy and resilient future with forests, can only be successful with the full engagement of all stakeholders, particularly the Youth. Therefore, implementing this properly needs well-designed forest policies across the world. I am interested in being a policymaker on the integration of forests, water and soil for the sustainability of our planet. This should be including the perspectives of family farmers, smallholders, forest communities, Indigenous Peoples, women and youth is needed to empower, and participate equitably in decision-making and strengthen understanding and awareness of the benefits of sustainable forest management. We have to work together for our common planet internationally!