Integrating ecosystem services into urban planning in Ethiopia

Urban ecosystem services provide essential benefits that support environmental sustainability, social well-being, and economic growth. However, many urban centers in the Global South face a significant policy-practice gap, with urban ecosystem services being recognized implicitly but not explicitly integrated into urban planning frameworks. This paper examines the extent to which ecosystem services are currently integrated into urban planning in Ethiopia with specific reference to the town of Bishoftu. The study employed document analysis, supported by interviews and field observations. The results indicate that both the direct and indirect references to ecosystem services are present in planning documents. Although there is a dearth of explicit mentions, the terms green infrastructure and green spaces are used extensively. The importance of green spaces is acknowledged in documents such as the Ethiopian Environmental Policy and the Urban Plan Proclamation, which support the broader goals of ecosystem services. Similarly, the Urban Green Infrastructure Standards and Beautification Strategy in Ethiopia address the management of green infrastructure for purposes such as stormwater control and air purification. On the local scale, the structural plan of Bishoftu shows the integration of ecosystems and services, through the allocation of urban agriculture zones, river buffers, and green spaces. However, several barriers hinder effective integration of ecosystem service concepts, including weak legal frameworks, limited awareness, insufficient stakeholder participation, and financial constraints. Therefore, to strengthen the role of ecosystem services in urban planning, it is essential to develop a comprehensive legal framework, ensure adequate budget allocation, promote awareness, and enhance stakeholder involvement.