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The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) announced today the passing of Dr. Melaku Worede, the institute’s founder and former chief. Dr. Worede was a world-renowned biodiversity researcher who made significant contributions to the establishment of indigenous crops and plants seed banks and biodiversity conservation centers in Ethiopia and other countries.
Dr. Worede was born in Ethiopia in 1936. He studied biology at Addis Ababa University and then went on to earn a PhD in plant ecology from the University of California, Berkeley. After completing his PhD, Dr. Worede returned to Ethiopia and founded the EBI in 1980.
Under Dr. Worede’s leadership, the EBI became a leading institution for biodiversity research and conservation in Ethiopia. The institute established a number of seed banks and conservation centers, and it played a key role in the development of Ethiopia’s national biodiversity strategy and action plan.
Dr. Worede was also a strong advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples. He believed that indigenous peoples have a vital role to play in biodiversity conservation, and he worked to ensure that their voices were heard in the development of conservation policies.
Dr. Worede’s work has had a profound impact on the conservation of biodiversity in Ethiopia and around the world. He was a true pioneer in the field of biodiversity research, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of scientists and conservationists.
Dr. Worede is survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in Addis Ababa on August 5th.
In Memoriam
Dr. Melaku Worede was a brilliant scientist, a dedicated conservationist, and a passionate advocate for indigenous peoples. His work has had a lasting impact on the conservation of biodiversity in Ethiopia and around the world. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.
In memoriam, the EBI has established the Dr. Melaku Worede Memorial Fund to support the institute’s work in biodiversity research and conservation. Donations to the fund can be made online at www.ebi.et.
Additional Information
- Dr. Worede was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 1989 “for preserving Ethiopia’s genetic wealth by building one of the finest seed conservation centres in the world.”
- He is the author of several books and articles on biodiversity conservation, including “Seeds of Survival: The Triumph of the Ethiopian Seed Bank” (1999) and “The Race to Save Africa’s Seed” (2005).
- He was a member of the board of directors of several international organizations, including the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI).
- He was a tireless advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples, and he worked to ensure that their voices were heard in the development of conservation policies.
Dr. Worede’s work has had a profound impact on the conservation of biodiversity in Ethiopia and around the world. He was a true pioneer in the field of biodiversity research, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of scientists and conservationists.
