Image from the Protect our Pollinators flyer (photo / Hawassa University)

Raising Pollinator Awareness in Ethiopia

Posted on Jan 12, 2026

Dr. Zerihun Girma and his team at Hawassa University developed their JRS funded project: Insect Pollinator Diversity under Different Land Uses in and around Kafa Biosphere Reserve and Bale Mountains National Park in 2023 to generate information on the understudied insect pollinator diversity and to inform conservation in Ethiopia.  As this project enters it’s third and final year in the lab and out in the field, we highlight the team’s communications efforts in raising awareness of insect pollinator diversity and the ecosystem health values of insect pollinators.

View the “Protect Our Pollinators” Flyer here (JRS Flyer English Final Hawassa University)

Image from the Protect our Pollinators flyer, published and distributed in four languages; English, Kaffinnoo, Afan Oromo and Amharic (photos/ Hawassa University)

In addition to the 1300+ insect pollinator occurrence records uploaded to GBIF in 2025, the team continued to create public awareness about insect pollinators through both mainstream and social media channels producing a 30-minute documentary which was broadcast twice during peak viewing hours in partnership with the South Radio and Television Agency (SRTA) and Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN). The documentary covered the project overview, the importance of insect pollinators, threats they face, and conservation measures. It was broadcast in loca languages: via SRTA television in Amharic, via SRTA radio in Kafinnoo, and via OBN television in Afan Oromo.

Image taken from 30-minute insect pollinator awareness documentary, broadcast in partnership with the South Radio and Television Agency (SRTA) and Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN) (Hawassa / youtube)

To view the 30-minute documentary on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIQ9nnGEpcw

The awareness campaign also reached 300+ local community members in Kafa Biosphere Reserve (KBR) and Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) using banners, brochures and t-shirts prepared in four languages.  

Working with local administrators in Bonga Town, Kafa Biosphere Reserve (photo/ Hawassa University)

We look forward to sharing further impact reports from this successful and prolific project as it meets its final milestones in 2026.

Read more about the Hawassa University’s JRS project Insect Pollinator Diversity under Different Land Uses in and around Kafa Biosphere Reserve and Bale Mountains National Park here.