After the Hawassa University's Senate Executive Committee endorsed the establishment of the Forestry Knowledge Management Center (FKMC) on May 30, 2025, the center was subsequently launched on November 20, 2025

Endorsement Date: The establishment of the FKMC was officially endorsed by the Hawassa University Senate Executive Committee on May 30, 2025.

Location: The center is housed at the Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources (WGCFNR).

Objective: The FKMC aims to be a central hub for data integration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building in forestry, aspiring to become a "third party verifier/certifier" for carbon market projects and supporting evidence-based decision-making in the sector.

Collaborators: Discussions and collaborations regarding the center's establishment have involved partners such as the REDD-Investment-II supported by the Norwegian Government, Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD) and  Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).

Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, a prestigious institution under Hawassa University in Ethiopia, is dedicated to generating and disseminating knowledge in forestry and natural resources education and research. The college emphasizes sustainability and engages in advanced research and innovative practices to address ecological challenges. It serves as a hub for academic excellence, offering programs that equip students with the skills to tackle environmental issues and promote sustainable forest management. Through collaboration with local communities, government bodies, and international organizations, the college fosters knowledge exchange, ensuring that research findings are effectively communicated and applied, ultimately contributing to the betterment of local and global ecosystems.

The college has formed numerous partnerships and research initiatives that enhance its academic programs and address local and global environmental challenges. These collaborations attract diverse expertise, allowing students and faculty to engage in innovative research, exchange programs, and joint projects focused on critical issues like deforestation, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management. Through its extensive network, the college plays a crucial role in shaping the future of forestry education and practices in Ethiopia and beyond

Vision of the Knowledge Management Center

To be a leading hub for forestry knowledge generation, sharing, and application that empowers sustainable forest management, community resilience, and evidence-based policy-making in Ethiopia and beyond

Mission of the Knowledge Management Center

To collect, organize, preserve, and disseminate forestry-related knowledge through collaborative research, traditional knowledge integration, capacity building, and digital innovation - enhancing education, policy, and practice in support of sustainable forest management

Values of the Knowledge Management Center

The knowlwedge manage Center is anchored on the following values:

• Inclusiveness: Valuing both scientific and indigenous knowledge
• Integrity: promoting transparent and credible knowledge practices
• Innovation: Embracing digital tools and emerging technologies
• Collaboration: Engaging stakeholders across academia government, and local communities
• Sustainability: Supporting ecological, social, and economic balance in forest management

Goal and objectives

The goal of establishing a forestry knowledge management center at WGCF-NR is to lay the foundation for making the college the go-to-place in Ethiopia as a national center for forest knowledge management, forestry data archiving and retrieving.  This will support national efforts in making data, information and knowledge in forestry easily accessible to users, and greatly assist the college’s endeavors of becoming a Digital Campus in forestry

The objectives of the center are

• To collate, organize, archive, and share knowledge in forestry and contribute to making forestry knowledge and data easily accessible to users
• To enhance the contribution of the WGCFNR in developing the forestry sector in Ethiopia
• To strengthen its research and modernize its education by paving the way to developing digital campus for forestry training
• To play lead role in making the College a Digital Campus in forestry education

Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, with nearly five decades of experience in forestry and natural resources, aims to be a leading forestry knowledge management hub in Africa. It leverages its strengths in its natural resources endowment, diverse land uses, and state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and libraries. The college's integrated data center and Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) laboratories enhance its ability to manage and analyze forestry-related data for informed decision-making. Its commitment to developing skilled professionals and researchers strengthens its capacity to tackle complex forestry challenges. Long-standing collaborations with various stakeholders have positioned the college as a leader in advancing sustainable forestry practices and knowledge dissemination, significantly contributing to ecological conservation and resource management

At present, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources is focused on digitizing forestry education by modernizing its curriculum and enhancing student learning experiences. It has developed digital course content for short-term training programs on digital platforms, providing essential resources in forestry management and conservation. Furthermore, it is committed to creating digital course contents for undergraduate programs, equipping students with the skills needed for a digital world. These initiatives aim to improve educational accessibility and prepare future forestry professionals to address challenges in sustainable resource management and environmental stewardship

The Forestry Knowledge Management Center at Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources was established by Hawassa University through the technical and logistical support provided by the Ethiopian Forestry Development through REDD+ Phase II project financed by the People and Government of Norway.

The Center will be housed in a dedicated space at WGCF-NR, equipped with digital libraries, collaboration tools, and staffed by skilled professionals in IT, Forestry, GIS, and knowledge management Center.

Protocols for data sharing and access will be developed in collaboration with CIFOR and EFD, enabling seamless exchange among government, academia, NGOs, and the private sector.

The Center will analyze key forestry data, such as forest cover changes, and share insights with stakeholders to support evidence-based decision-making.

The Center will partner with over 30 organizations, including government, universities, NGOs, and businesses, to gather and share forestry data. Moreover, the event was attended by invited high-level officials from federal and regional governments, representatives from national and international institutions, senior and mid-level university leaders, as well as college instructors, team leaders and administrative staff.

Core Data Categories will include: Forest cover & biophysical data, socioeconomic contribution, forest product markets, forest industries, education & training materials. Research & Extension services.

The Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources of the Hawassa University officially inaugurated the Forest Knowledge Management Center on November 20, 2025, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Forest Development and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR-ICRAF) in Ethiopia. The opening ceremony was attended by key stakeholders

During the inauguration ceremony, Dr Teshale Woldeamanuel delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of Dr Tafesse Matewos, Vice President for Research and Collaboration. He noted that ‘Today is a milestone for Wondo Genet College and for the broader forestry community in Ethiopia. This Center will serve as a critical hub for collating, verifying, archiving, and sharing high-quality textual and spatial forestry information. It will strengthen teaching and research, support evidence-based policy making, and provide practical tools for practitioners to restore and sustainably manage our forests. I wish to express our University’s sincere appreciation to the Ethiopian Forestry Development for their technical and logistical support during the establishment of the Center. Your collaboration has been invaluable. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the Royal Norwegian Embassy for the financial support through the REDD+ II project and for longstanding partnerships that have contributed to building our institutional capacity in research and teaching. To our students, faculty, researchers, and regional partners: this Center is for you. Make use of its resources, contribute your knowledge, and engage in the training and outreach it will offer. To our development partners, government agencies, and community representatives: we welcome your continued collaboration in providing data or information and in ensuring the Center’s outputs reach the field and inform practical action.

To the entrance gate of the FKMC

In his opening speech, Dr. Chirota Ayale, President of Hawassa University, emphasized that the establishment of the center aligns with the university’s mission in education and training, research, and community services. He further noted that it supports the university’s journey toward becoming a self-sufficient research university and contributes significantly to the government’s green development goals.

The Inaugural Ceremony of the FKMC at Wondo Genet College was inaugurated (left to right)  by Dr Chirotaw Ayele, President pf the Hawassa University , Ato Yonas Getahun, Ministry of Finance and Dr Motuma Tolera, Director of the Ethiopian Forest Transformation Unit,

The curtain was opened by Dr Chirotaw, Dr Motuma and Mr Yonas Getahun

University Officials Looking at the Data System Functionality

A key note address was delivered by Dr. Motuma Tolera, Director of the Ethiopian Forest Transformation Unit, who highlighted that forestry is directly linked to water resources, food security, climate change, and citizens’ livelihoods. However, he pointed out that the lack of adequate, up-to-date, and reliable information systems in the sector poses challenges for evidence-based policy decisions and development efforts. Dr. Motuma also stressed the importance of collaborative stakeholder engagement and sustainability as key institutional priorities for the sector.

Officials entering to the FKMC data center         

​ ​Computer lab visits                                                                     Partial view of the computer lab of FKMC

Another keynote speaker, Dr. Habtemariam Kassa, the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Country Representative for Ethiopia, expressed his confidence that the Forest Knowledge Management Center will not only strengthen forest education and training in the country but also serve as a valuable scientific resource for researchers, policymakers, educators, and students.

Dr. Teshale Woldeamanuel, Dean of the College, presented a foundational document outlining the necessity, objectives, key focus areas, current status, and future directions of the center. In his remarks, he elaborated on the institutional benefits of the center for the college and the university, emphasizing its potential role in bridging gaps between policy, research, and practice, and its ability to serve multiple stakeholders at the national level.

There was a very short discussion led by Dr Chirotaw and Dr Motuma to discuss the future support and the well-functioning of the FKMC. Dr Chirotaw and Dr Motuma have emphasized to make sure the smooth run and the necessary resource supports are put in place.

Worskshop discussion was led by Dr Chirotaw and Dr Motuma

Finally, the center’s facilities—which include a modern integrated information center, a computer lab for training, and conference halls—were toured by the guests and participants. The center was officially inaugurated by Dr. Chirota Ayale, Dr Motuma Tolera and Ato Yonas Getahun, from Ministry of Finance and the honored guests. The inaugural workshop was concluded by the short visit to website and lab of the FKMC and new forest nursery in the campus.

Partial view of the forests around Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources