A collaborative study by scientists from the University of Copenhagen and Ethiopian researchers has discovered remarkable genetic diversity among native tree species in Ethiopia’s sacred church forests. These forests, often small patches of ancient Afromontane trees, are crucial remnants of Ethiopia’s original forest cover, which has been largely depleted by agriculture and population pressure. The findings are vital because the high genetic diversity in certain species, such as Juniperus procera (African Pencil Cedar) and most populations of Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (African Olive), validates the forests’ role as living gene banks and potential seed sources for national reforestation efforts.
The research specifically addressed lingering uncertainty about the genetic health of trees in these fragmented, isolated groves. While the study found that Afrocarpus gracilior showed low genetic diversity, species like Juniperus procera demonstrated high genetic diversity and low to moderate inbreeding, confirming their suitability for both conservation and as sources of quality tree seed for Ethiopia’s ambitious tree-planting campaigns.The findings emphasize the critical role of these forests in biodiversity preservation amidst escalating deforestation threats and highlight the success of shadow conservation, where cultural and religious stewardship has protected these natural treasures for centuries. The researchers stress that collaboration with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church and continued community engagement are essential for the long-term sustainability and eventual restoration of the surrounding degraded landscapes.
