Secretary-General Praises Vision behind ‘Biofarm’ in Addis Ababa,

Hopes Project Can Be Replicated Across Developing World

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks during a visit to an integrated bioeconomy system project in Addis Ababa, 30 January:

It is a great pleasure to visit this biofarm today.  I am very impressed by what I have seen and what I have learned from this biofarm. 

Projects like this provide excellent models that can be replicated across the developing world.

As you may know, climate change has been a top priority of the United Nations and for myself as Secretary-General.  There are many issues which we have to address.  Ethiopia is one of the many countries which have been affected by the very negative consequences of climate change, particularly because of deforestation.

You have been working very hard to minimize, to mitigate the consequences of deforestation.

Here in Ethiopia you have begun to set an example for countries by investing heavily in reforestation.  I applaud the efforts and wisdom of President [Girma Wolde] Giorgis in this regard.  Preserving your trees and watersheds will help you with your development objectives and will help you adapt to climate change.

I would also like to mention the very important contribution played by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi at the recent Copenhagen negotiation summit meeting on climate change.  His intervention paved the way for the agreement on financing for developing countries for adaptation and mitigation. 

I am going to ask Prime Minister Meles to continue to serve as a co-Chairman of the High Level Panel on Climate Change Financing. 

I have learned a great deal today.

By using biotechnology, fundamental technology, we can first of all use renewable energy, alternative energy sources, which is very important in making a green economy.  By using very simple technology, we have seen how we can increase the productivity of agriculture.  And by using waste management technologies, we can also contribute to reforestation.  I am very much impressed by Dr. Getachew [Tikubet] and his vision, and the way he has been training many people, strengthening the capacities of many people -- young people, men and women like this -- which will help a great deal in addressing climate change in the years to come.  I hope that whatever you are doing here will be learned by many countries in Africa. 

The money which you may generate here will be used for a wide range of schemes that will mesh adaptation with development objectives.  This project is an excellent example.  By making intelligent use of available resources, you are killing several birds with one stone. 

You are creating cheap, renewable energy and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  You are creating sustainable fertilizer that can improve food security.  You are helping to provide jobs and empower women.  And you are helping to preserve your country’s valuable assets.

I would like to highly commend your efforts and look forward to learning more.

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For information media • not an official record