“In Ethiopia, We Saw Resilience not as a Concept, but as a Reality ”_Babette Schenkels
The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) Communication team has concluded its 12-day field visit to Ethiopia, expressing satisfaction with the hospitality, the practical experience exchange session, and the progress of the resilience-building projects in Somali and South Ethiopia regions.
The Coms team has visited the Chronic Crises project, which has been implemented by the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) with financial support from NLRC since January 2025 in Gerba Harre Kebele, Awbarre Woreda, and Dudafi Kebele, Shabelle Woreda, of the Fafen Zone in the Somali Region, helping the community adapt to climate shocks and build resilience.
The team has also visited the ERCS-NLRC-supported Strengthen Resilience through Eco-System Based Adaptation and Management (STREAM) project, which has been implemented by ERCS with financial support from NLRC since January 2025 in Shakisho Shone Kebele, Damot Gale Woreda, as well as Tora Sadebo Kebele, Domot Woide Woreda, Woliata Zone of the South Ethiopia region.
Babette Schenkels, Senior Communication Advisor at the NLRC, on behalf of the team, said that the field visit to the project sites in Ethiopia has enabled them to understand the impact of climate change and how the NLRC, in partnership with ERCS, has brought a remarkable positive impact to the community, stressing the importance of enhancing community resilience by applying Nature-based Solutions and livelihood support.
“In Ethiopia, we saw resilience not as a concept, but as a reality: communities restoring their land, diversifying their income, protecting their natural environment, and supporting one another,” said Babette, appreciating the communities’ strength in mitigating the impact of environmental degradation and climate change at the grassroots level.
“These two weeks showed us both the scale of the challenges and the remarkable strength with which communities respond. And above all, they showed the power of partnership: working side by side to build a more resilient future.”
The partnership between the NLRC and ERCS began during the fascist Italian invasion of Ethiopia nine decades ago and has since 2012 been further strengthened and formalized, with a joint long-term commitment.
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