Geja Georgis Church

Priority species for conservation

1 National conservation priority species found in the church

Four national priority conservation species are found in the church and all of them are recommended for conservation. These include Olea europea, Juniperus procera, Acacia albida and Ficus vasta.

2 National conservation priority species with potential for introduction

According to the informants, they are interested to introduce the following national priority conservation species: Prunus africana, Podocarpus falcatus and Cordia africana.  

3 Relatively useful indigenous species found in the church

Two relatively useful indigenous species are found in the church and these should also be given priority for conservation. These include Croton macrostachyus and Maytenus arbutifolia.

Conservation options

1 Enrichment planting

The church represents one of the most degraded sacred sites. All the species found in the church are poorly represented by adult trees with few or no regeneration. Thus, more active restoration of existing indigenous species and introduction of other indigenous species of national conservation priority are needed. The species include Olea europea, Juniperus procera, Acacia albida, Ficus vasta, Prunus Africana, Podocarpus falcatus,  Cordia africana, Croton macrostachys, and Maytenus arbutifolia. Enrichment planting of nursery raised seedlings/cuttings of all the above nine species is needed. Nursery is recommended to be established near Endod River. Seeds and cuttings are to be collected from the trees that are already present in the church in order to preserve the unique biodiversity present. If planting material cannot be obtained from local trees (e.g. if the trees are not setting seeds or the species do not occur in the church), it is recommended that planting material be obtained from the nearest available population (e.g. local area of natural forest, or the nearest other monastery/church forest). Clump planting in open spaces with least woody plant cover within and around the churchyard is recommended.  Each clump consisting of 18 mixed seedlings of the above nine species (two per species) and live fenced by planting cuttings of Euphorbia candelabrum to protect the young seedlings from grazing is recommended. It is also recommended that the church draws a contract with each family wanting to bury their relatives by making them agree to plant and look after (guard) at least 18 mixed seedlings of the above species around each grave. Two plants per species per clump are recommended as some of the species are dioecious (separate male and female plants).

2 On farm plantations

One or two Peasant Associations close to the Endod River water reservoir or where the nursery will be located is recommended to be identified to participate in church nursery activity and planting of the above nine species including Olea europea, Juniperus procera, Acacia albida, Ficus vasta, Prunus africana, Podocarpus falcatus, Cordia africana, Croton macrostachyus, and Maytenus arbutifolia on their farms and homesteads in order to increase tree resources of the surrounding area and relieve pressure on church forest.

3. Additional recommendations

Past difficulties with seedling establishment can be overcome with the provision of information about different planting techniques.

Soil and water conservation measures are important for the site.

Spring development is required to overcome problems with seasonal water supply.

Education and awareness raising by the church to explain to local communities the importance of trees .

Education and awareness should also be taken to schools and clubs.

Support from local organisations should continue.