A consultation forum was held in Bishoftu, on the research, conservation and sustainable use of wild and in-water animals, with public wings and stakeholders on, June 05, 2018. ![]()
The Director General of the Institute, Dr. Melesse Mariyo, said during this time that the resources of the wild and aquatic resources are contributing to various services beyond the value of their ecosystems.
He also highlights their importance in food and tourism, medicines, job creation, and foreign currency.
However this diversity of life is being crippled by threats, active research on the study, conservation and utilization of biodiversity should be undertaken, he noted.
The Director General of the Institute, Dr. Melesse Mariyo, said during this time that the resources of the wild and aquatic resources are contributing to various services beyond the value of their ecosystems.
He also highlights their importance in food and tourism, medicines, job creation, and foreign currency.
However this diversity of life is being crippled by threats, active research on the study, conservation and utilization of biodiversity should be undertaken, he noted. 
Director of Animal Biodiversity Directorate, Mr. Abraham Assefa on his part said that the directorate is working on domestic, wildlife and water resources in conservation, research and sustainable use. Over the last nine months, 15 studies have been conducted, and 5 research papers have been prepared, he said.
In the future, research will be conducted to focus on the wildlife and aquatic animals, which are known to be unique to the country, with a view to their ecological and genetic properties, Mr. Abraham indicated.
Based on these studies, animal biodiversity will be used sustainably to achieve positive results in the sector. 
Dr. Demeke Dateko, researcher at the Hawassa Biodiversity Center, indicated that the monitoring of biodiversity in wild and underwater animals is essential for sustainable development strategies as well as better protection systems. This will help to establish proper monitoring plans and reduce negative impact on the resource, Dr. Demeke expressed.
Participants, for their part, offered their views to work in collaboration with other institutions and gave their opinion on the importance of the resource asset catalog.
Various research findings were discussed at the forum.
There are more than 6875 species of animals in Ethiopia, of which 191 are endemic.