Trend and Current Status of Forest Resources in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia: A Review.

Ethiopia is endowed with diverse forest resources. Amhara National Regional State, one of the administrative regions in Ethiopia, has diverse ecology and is endowed with diversified flora and fauna. Forest resources in the region provide various uses and services to the local community. But the forest resources of the region have faced huge devastation due to high human and livestock pressure. As a response, efforts have been made to conserve and develop the forest resources of the region. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information about the current status and trend of forest resources in the region. This review provides the current status and trend of forest resources in the region based on a literature search from different sources. The review showed that the overall forest resource of the region decreased over time, despite the expansion of plantation forests. Most of the natural forest resources of the region disappeared and remnants are found in church compounds and other forest conservation areas. Plantation forests in the region are dominated by exotic tree species, majorly Eucalyptus. Most important non-timber forest products have been neglected, and modern forest development interventions are lacking. This review paper is indispensable for decision-makers, academicians, development, and research institutions to direct their focus toward developing technologies and information for the sustainable development of the forest resources in the region. Appropriate forest management and utilization practices have to be implemented for the sustainability of the forest resources in the region. Since the forest resource in the region is under dynamic change, regularly updating and providing information on its current status is imperative for timely and proper decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]