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Across the Ethiopian highlands, one tree has quietly supported livelihoods, culture, and architecture for centuries: Juniperus procera. Renowned for its durable and termite-resistant wood, this indigenous species has been used to construct homes, churches, doors, and beams—many of which still stand today as a testament to its exceptional quality.
- The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
- April 17, 2026
- Restoration
- Forest landscape restoration
- Ethiopia
Restoring Ethiopia’s timber economy with multi-age Juniperus procera forests
Across the Ethiopian highlands, one tree has quietly supported livelihoods, culture, and architecture for centuries: Juniperus procera. Renowned for its durable and termite-resistant wood, this indigenous species has been used to construct homes, churches, doors, and beams—many of which still stand today as a testament to its exceptional quality.
Yet despite its value, the forests that once supplied this timber are rapidly disappearing. Today, Ethiopia faces a critical challenge: how to meet growing timber demand without further degrading its remaining natural forests.