Church forests, patches of forested land surrounding churches as protected areas, started out as a tradition in the early days of Christianity in Ethiopia and still endure today.
BAHIR DAR, Ethiopia — The Zege Peninsula, a hidden gem on the southern shore of Lake Tana, is a serene escape in Ethiopia’s north. As the boat glides across the tranquil waters, Zege’s verdant silhouette emerges on the horizon, framed by lush greenery and small islands. Disembarking, we followed a winding path through majestic forests. At the end of the trail: Ura Kidane Mihret, the peninsula’s oldest and most revered monastery, surrounded by seven ancient churches and smaller monasteries.
Part of these unique traditions are the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Forests, often referred to as simply as the church forests, and found mostly in the highlands of Ethiopia. In many parts of Ethiopia, the forests surrounding churches and monasteries are among the last in the country. At the beginning of the 20th century,in remote areas or around Ethiopian Orthodox churches and monasteries. More than three-quarters of the 35,000-plus churches across Ethiopia are surrounded by forests protected by monasteries and parishes, according to the World Council of Churches.
A monastery on an island in Lake Tana, surrounded by lush green forests. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay. Aba Gebreselassie stands near a big tree in the forest around Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery in the Zege peninsula, Ethiopia. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.When thinking about church forests, their importance goes beyond just spiritual value. These forests are vital community spaces. They offer cool shade under tall trees, where farmers and cattle herders gather to eat lunch and rest.
Locals passing through the forest near the Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay. Our commitment to caring for the forests is deeply rooted in our daily practices and reflects our belief in stewardship of the Earth as a fundamental aspect of our faith. We see preserving these forests as a way of honoring God’s creation and maintaining the sanctity of our holy places. Cutting down these forests would disrupt this sacred balance and go against our faith’s teachings.A young monk stands in the shade of a tree, reading a prayer book at the monastery.