In this paper, the authors examine the policies and practices of the Ethiopian and Tigray Governments in response to environmental issues in the framework of development, and compare these with endogenous efforts to address these same issues. They highlight the differences in perception between the different stakeholders. When the Government tries to integrate environment and development, environment is perceived primarily as something to be protected, although these perceptions are gradually changing. In local perceptions, environment and development are inextricably intertwined. The issue of perception is important, as it influences the nature of dialogue between stakeholders. Divergent perceptions can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication and disregard of the priorities and insights of key stakeholders, in this case, of those who live directly on and from the land. The authors take a closer look at some good local practices in environmental management, and extract lessons that could guide environmental policy and its application in Tigray Region.

The main objectives of the study were:

1. to document good local practice in environmental management that contributes to improved livelihoods and sustainable land use; and
2. to review aspects of participation, governance and capacity related to how environmental concerns are reflected in decision-making and development processes at regional, district (woreda) and subdistrict (tabia) levels.