The forest sector plays a central role in Ethiopia’s aim to maintain sustainable and green economic growth. Forests provide employment benefits and environmental services such as climate mitigation, adaptation and water regulation. However, Ethiopia’s forests are currently under threat due to increasing pressure on land for agricultural development and extraction for wood fuel for energy. The objective of this assignment was to support the development of the National Forest Sector Development Program (NFSDP). Given our knowledge of the forest sector and involvement in various projects in Ethiopia, UNIQUE was chosen to prepare the NFSDP in a manner that integrates sustainable forestry into national inter-sectoral economic planning.

• Situation analysis of relevant laws, institutions and stakeholders as a basis for action planning.
• Identification of barriers to sustainable sector growth and opportunities to address barriers.
• Develop Master Plan strategy for how the country can achieve ambitious sector development goals.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis of different action plan options to prioritize interventions.
• Synthesize strategic interventions to increase forest contribution to economy, jobs and livelihoods.