The Ziway-Shalla Landscape

In the heart of Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley lies a chain of vital lakes, including Ziway, Abijatta and Shalla, that form a critical ecological and economic artery for the region.

This interconnected system is not only a biodiversity hotspot teeming with globally significant bird populations, such as flamingos and great white pelicans, but also the lifeblood for local communities who depend on its waters for fishing, agriculture, and their overall livelihoods.

The Ziway-Shalla landscape is a vital region in Ethiopia, supporting both human well-being and rich biodiversity. For local communities, this sub-basin is the essence of life. It comprises four interconnected lakes, of which only Lake Ziway contains freshwater. The area forms an endorheic basin, meaning water does not flow out to the sea or ocean. Instead, it collects and concentrates in the saline lakes of Abijata and Shalla.

Lake Ziway is the region’s freshwater lifeline. It supports a wide range of economic activities, from smallholder farming and horticulture to hospitality and industry. Groundwater in the area is often unsuitable, and the other lakes are saline, making Lake Ziway indispensable.

Over 2 million people directly depend on it for their livelihoods underscoring its immense socio-economic value and the importance of maintaining its freshwater status.

Lake Abijatta for example plays a critical role as a feeding and stopover site for migratory waterbirds. Located within the Abijatta-Shalla National Park, this lake attracts hundreds of thousands of waterbirds during their annual migrations.

However, its health is under pressure due to upstream water usage, as it relies heavily on inflow from the Bulbula River, which connects it to Lake Ziway.

Lake Abijatta hosts hundreds of thousands of Lesser and Greater Flamingo's, especially in winter. It is for example a critical site for the Eastern African population of Greater Flamingo, whose flyway covers Africa's entire Rift Valley, from Eritrea in the north to Mozambique in the south.

Explore more data on waterbird species and the importance of Abijatta-Shalla for their populations in the Critical Site Network Tool

Despite its importance, the landscape is facing mounting challenges. Excessive water extraction from Lake Ziway and severe soil erosion in the surrounding areas are degrading the lake systems. Sediment deposition is causing lakes to become shallower, while reduced water flow increases the risk of Lake Ziway turning saline through evaporation - a catastrophic outcome for the millions of people who depend on it.

Members of Mekane Feke CBO at an eyebrow terrace at the foot of the watershed of Abijatta-Shalla Lakes NP in Ethiopia

Investing in the sustainable management and restoration of these vital wetland ecosystems is not solely an environmental concern; it is fundamental to the socio-economic stability of the region. Such investments secure clean water, supports thriving local economies, protects critical biodiversity, and builds climate resilience for millions. The future of this landscape, and the well-being of its communities, depend on well-planned and targeted interventions that deliver lasting, positive change.