Lake Tana is approaching a critical ecological tipping point as water hyacinth spreads into 36 additional kebeles, prompting environmental experts to warn that Ethiopia’s largest freshwater lake could become unnavigable, suffer declining water levels and lose much of its unique biodiversity unless urgent action is taken. The warning comes as the invasive aquatic weed continues to expand beyond its original infestation sites, raising concerns over the long-term ecological and economic future of Lake Tana, which supports fisheries, water transport, tourism and the livelihoods of millions of Ethiopians. “If Lake Tana continues in this condition, boat transportation on the lake will no longer be possible, the lake’s water level will decline and its biodiversity will disappear,” said Chalachew Benalfew, a former weed control expert with the former Lake Tana and Other Water Bodies Conservation and Development Agency.
“Urgent action is needed to save the lake,” said Chalachew. The expert explains the water hyacinth has spread from the eastern shoreline toward the western part of the lake and has now reached 36 additional kebeles. Without continuous monitoring and sustained removal efforts, he warned, the invasive weed could eventually spread along much of the lake’s shoreline.
Chalachew attributed the resurgence to weakened weed-control operations in recent years and increasing environmental degradation. He also alleged that untreated wastewater discharged by some hotels operating along the lakeshore contributes to nutrient enrichment, accelerating the growth and spread of the invasive plant. Drawing on previous control efforts, Chalachew said manual community mobilization combined with mechanical harvesting remains the most effective method of removing water hyacinth, while biological and chemical control methods have produced limited results.
A large-scale campaign five years ago mobilized nearly 100,000 people who came together and removed nearly 80 percent of the infestation. However, Chalachew notes the momentum was lost following years of political instability, allowing the weed to spread into new areas. Officials at the Amhara Regional Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) acknowledged that containing the infestation remains a major challenge.
Gashaw Masefint, a pest control specialist at the Authority, said the former Lake Tana and Other Water Bodies Pr…
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