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<p>This study assessed the four distinct aquatic ecosystems in Ethiopia: Lakes Yardi and Turkana, the Dallol Streams, and the Gibe-Omo River. The main objective of this study was&#xa0;to report the current physico-chemical and biological conditions of these water bodies before any large-scale development projects kick off-like potash extraction in Dallol, fossil fuel exploration under Lake Yardi, and hydropower generation through a network of dams along the Gibe-Omo River. We used standard methods for assessing freshwater environments, which included on-site physical and chemical measurements, lab analyses of water quality, and identifying various life forms such as plankton, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and fish samples. The results showed that all sites, except for the Dallol Streams, had typical freshwater characteristics, like low salinity and a variety of life forms. However, the Dallol Streams were marked by extreme heat, high salinity, and scarce rainfall. All four ecosystems were found to be receiving a significant influx of external nutrients, especially during the wet season, which has led to the spread of invasive species like water hyacinth in Lake Yardi, calmer parts of the Gibe-Omo River, and Lake Turkana. With ongoing and expected pressures from deforestation, dam building, human settlements, and waste disposal, these ecosystems are increasingly at risk of degradation. Therefore, it is important to develop practical policy measures in partnership with stakeholders and to carry out regular environmental impact assessments to safeguard the long-term sustainability of these essential natural resources.</p>

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Baseline ecological assessment of wetlands under anthropogenic threats in the Ethiopian Rift Valley system

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月24日

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  • Brook Lemma,
  • Hayal Desta,
  • Kassahun Tessema,
  • Rediet Netsere,
  • Lemma Aberra,
  • Abraham GebreTsadik

摘要

This study assessed the four distinct aquatic ecosystems in Ethiopia: Lakes Yardi and Turkana, the Dallol Streams, and the Gibe-Omo River. The main objective of this study was to report the current physico-chemical and biological conditions of these water bodies before any large-scale development projects kick off-like potash extraction in Dallol, fossil fuel exploration under Lake Yardi, and hydropower generation through a network of dams along the Gibe-Omo River. We used standard methods for assessing freshwater environments, which included on-site physical and chemical measurements, lab analyses of water quality, and identifying various life forms such as plankton, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and fish samples. The results showed that all sites, except for the Dallol Streams, had typical freshwater characteristics, like low salinity and a variety of life forms. However, the Dallol Streams were marked by extreme heat, high salinity, and scarce rainfall. All four ecosystems were found to be receiving a significant influx of external nutrients, especially during the wet season, which has led to the spread of invasive species like water hyacinth in Lake Yardi, calmer parts of the Gibe-Omo River, and Lake Turkana. With ongoing and expected pressures from deforestation, dam building, human settlements, and waste disposal, these ecosystems are increasingly at risk of degradation. Therefore, it is important to develop practical policy measures in partnership with stakeholders and to carry out regular environmental impact assessments to safeguard the long-term sustainability of these essential natural resources.