| Protection
of the “Yebelsa” Spring Water
On
the library site, a small spring provides fresh water which
is also collected by the nearby population. The water is believed
to be the purest in the area. Visual observations of the terrain
shows that the spring has a local origin; the hill above the
spring drains rainfall into small channels but part of the
water is absorbed into deep layers of the soil and then slowly
flows laterally to reappear at the surface on the escarpment
formed by a nearby seasonal stream. The “Yebelsa” spring is
the only clean water source in the area but its flow has decreased
in the past years, probably due to the destruction of Bezawit
forest trees. Moreover, the “Yebelsa” relates to local tradition,
culture and legends. Therefore this spring and its catchment
area should be protected from disturbances in order that the
local population can continue to use its water. The site of
the spring has been upgraded by AIZON with dry stone work,
particularly in the area surrounding the spring in order to
keep the area clean from mud and local pollutions. The Yebelsa
spring is now under the protection of AIZON.
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| Women
in villages close to AIZON arboretum collecting water
at Yebelsa Spring. Bahar Dar, July 2004 |
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