Amstya Church Forest (Est. 1260 A.D.)
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The African Pencil Cedar, is the largest Juniper in the world. Juniperus forests once covered the Northern Highlands of Ethiopia. Juniperus trees left on farmlands are still considered as part of the church forest.
-- Photo by copepodo -
The Speckled Pigeon is one of the many indigenous species to the church forests. Birds are especially sensitive to forest fragmentation. Building walls to preserve the church forests will help protect this and other native birds.
-- Photo by Sergey Yeliseev -
Church forests provide important ecosystem services to local people, including providing sustainable materials for activities such as basketweaving, fresh water, pollinators, honey, shade, and spiritual value.
-- Photo by Tree Foundation -
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church is one of the oldest Churches in the world and has a long history of forest conservation, which usually envelop the churches.
-- Photo by Tree Foundation
Forest Health Indicators for Amstya Church Forest
Hectares
of Forest
Remaining
of Forest
Remaining
22.8
Woody
Species
Remaining
Species
Remaining
57
Number of
Cattle Trails
In the Forest
Cattle Trails
In the Forest
1.3
Number of
Cut Trees
In the Forest
Cut Trees
In the Forest
53
Percentage of
Wall
Completed
Wall
Completed
0%
Data from Dr. Alemayehu Wassie Eshete (2007)
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