Assessment of the status of lake afdera in the danakil depression; afar, Ethiopia

Abstract

Lake Afdera is a supper saturated saline Lake located in the Danakil Depression, lying below a sea level with the lowest point at –120m. It is a major source of salt extraction in Ethiopia, where the Lake water is pumped to saltpans for solar evaporation. This study was conducted to generate basic information on the impacts of salt mining on the Lake ecology and its biotic resources as well as the surrounding hot springs. Purposive sampling method with semi-structured questionnaire, and focus group discussions were used to generate data. Results indicated that excessive water pumping, pollution, deforestation of lakeshore vegetation and climate change are the most important threats to the Lake and its biodiversity. Majority of the respondents are aware of the negative impact of salt extraction on the Lake and its biodiversity. Because of the absence of lack of awareness and alternative sources of livelihood, however, they still are comfortable to continue business as usual. The absence of active roles of the government and NGOs engaged in the areas of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity has contributed for over-exploitation and misuse of the resources in the area. Therefore, conducting regular awareness raising and environmental education activities, adoption of restrictive use of resources as well as creating alternative livelihoods and selected nature reserves at carefully selected Lakeshores are of paramount importance to save the Lake and its biodiversity before its eventual demise.