Hailu Shiferaw Desta | Greening Impacts | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cryogenicist

Dr. Hailu Shiferaw Desta | Greening Impacts | Best Researcher Award

Hailu Shiferaw Desta | Water and Land Resource Center | Ethiopia

Dr. Hailu Shiferaw Desta is an accomplished Ecosystem Specialist at the Water and Land Resource Center, Addis Ababa University, recognized for his expertise in environment and natural resource management. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography specializing in Environment and Natural Resource Management from Addis Ababa University, an M.Sc. in Environment focusing on GIS and Remote Sensing from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, an M.Sc. in Biology with a focus on Plant Ecology, and a B.Sc. in Biology from Addis Ababa University. With extensive experience in academia and applied research, he has played leading roles in national and international projects such as the R4D Woody Weeds, Payment for Ecosystem Services, Landscape Restoration, Basin Development and Transformation (BRIGHT), and Green Transition initiatives. His collaborations with global institutions including the World Resources Institute, International Institute of Sustainable Development, and CABI International have advanced the use of geospatial technologies, nature-based solutions, and sustainable land management practices across Ethiopia. Dr. Hailu’s research focuses on land use dynamics, ecosystem services, climate adaptation, and invasive species management, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and environmental governance. He has authored more than thirty publications in prestigious journals such as Nature-Based Solutions, Scientific Reports, Science of The Total Environment, and Ecological Indicators, with his findings influencing restoration strategies and conservation policies. A dedicated mentor and trainer, he has conducted numerous capacity-building programs in GIS, spatial analysis, and environmental planning for professionals and institutions. His work integrates science, innovation, and community engagement to enhance ecosystem resilience and promote sustainable development. With 1,811 citations, an h-index of 18, and an i10-index of 21, Dr. Hailu Shiferaw Desta stands as a leading scholar and practitioner in environmental research and sustainability.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publication

1. Linders, T. E. W., Schaffner, U., Eschen, R., Abebe, A., Choge, S. K., Nigatu, L., et al. (2019). Direct and indirect effects of invasive species: Biodiversity loss is a major mechanism by which an invasive tree affects ecosystem functioning. Journal of Ecology, 107(6), 2660–2672.

2. Shiferaw, H., Teketay, D., Nemomissa, S., & Assefa, F. (2004). Some biological characteristics that foster the invasion of Prosopis juliflora (SW.) DC at Middle Awash Rift Valley Area, north-eastern Ethiopia. Journal of Arid Environments, 58(2), 135–154.

3. Shiferaw, H., Bewket, W., Alamirew, T., Zeleke, G., Teketay, D., Bekele, K., et al. (2019). Implications of land use/land cover dynamics and Prosopis invasion on ecosystem service values in Afar Region, Ethiopia. Science of the Total Environment, 675, 354–366.

4. Shiferaw, H., Bewket, W., & Eckert, S. (2019). Performances of machine learning algorithms for mapping fractional cover of an invasive plant species in a dryland ecosystem. Ecology and Evolution, 9, 2562–2574.

 

Birhanu Werku | Environmental Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cryogenicist

Mr. Birhanu Werku | Environmental Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer and Researcher at Wollega University, Ethiopia

Birhanu Chalcisa Werku is an accomplished academic, researcher, and administrator serving as Research, Community Engagement, and Industry Linkage Associate Dean at Wollega University, College of Agriculture. With expertise spanning agriculture, ecology, water resources, wetlands, agroforestry, air quality, and environmental health, he has established himself as a versatile scholar contributing both to scientific research and to the development of local communities. His career is marked by impactful publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and leadership roles that highlight his commitment to advancing sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Birhanu’s academic foundation reflects a clear dedication to rural development, environmental science, and sustainable practices. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Rural Development and Family Science from Hawassa University, where he developed a strong grounding in agricultural systems, rural livelihoods, and community-based approaches to development. He further pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Technology at Jimma University, where his training integrated environmental sustainability with practical problem-solving in water resources, agroecology, and natural resource management. His educational journey equipped him with advanced knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, project design, feasibility assessments, and training needs evaluation, all of which have informed his subsequent academic and professional endeavors.

Experience

Birhanu began his career as a lecturer and later took on leadership responsibilities at Wollega University, where he served as Head of the Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension. In this capacity, he worked to strengthen curriculum development, mentor students, and engage faculty in collaborative research initiatives. His leadership experience expanded when he assumed the role of Associate Dean for Research, Community Engagement, and Industry Linkage, a position that has allowed him to bridge the gap between academia, local communities, and industry stakeholders. In this role, he has been instrumental in designing and overseeing projects that address pressing challenges such as food security, water management, climate resilience, and community capacity building. His work reflects a balance of academic rigor and practical application, ensuring that research outcomes are translated into real-world impact.

Research Focus

Birhanu’s research agenda is broad yet interconnected, addressing key issues in agriculture, environment, and public health. His studies on wetlands and watershed dynamics provide valuable insights into sustainable land use and water resource management. His investigations into agroforestry and indigenous knowledge systems emphasize the importance of traditional practices in ensuring food security and ecological balance. Additionally, his research on air quality and public health highlights the environmental dimensions of human well-being, advancing evidence-based strategies for sustainable urban and rural development. He is also deeply engaged in climate change research, particularly focusing on agricultural emissions and their role in shaping mitigation strategies aligned with global sustainability goals. Collectively, his work demonstrates a consistent effort to link environmental stewardship with social development.

Publication Top Note

Title: Impact of agricultural emissions on Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Agenda: An East African Strategy for Climate Action
Authors: Birhanu Chalcisa Werku et al.
Summary: This study analyzes agricultural emissions in East Africa, proposing sustainable strategies to mitigate climate impacts and advance global climate action.

Conclusion

Birhanu Chalcisa Werku’s career exemplifies the integration of teaching, research, and community engagement. His educational background and professional roles at Wollega University have positioned him as both a scholar and a leader. Through his publications, he has advanced knowledge in areas critical to sustainable development, including wetlands, agroforestry, food safety, and air quality. His interdisciplinary focus connects ecological systems with human development, ensuring that his work remains relevant to both local communities and broader global challenges. By linking academic research with practical application, Birhanu has made significant contributions to the pursuit of sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and public health. His leadership, research productivity, and commitment to community development make him a strong and deserving candidate for recognition through this award.