Abstract:

This  paper  uses  environmental  ethics  to  identify  the  role  of  indigenous  ethical  values  for  the  protection  of  the environment in Ethiopia. Currently attempts are made to find sustainable ways of relating to the environment. One solution is found in exploring the role of indigenous environmental ethics in the protection of the natural world. In Africa, the moral ideals of ubuntu are being studied with an aim of showing how such a vision extends moral responsibility beyond human boundaries and sees life as a sphere of interdependence.   Just like other developing nations, the environmental policy of Ethiopia sees the environment as an integral aspect of sustainable development, and is also aimed at formulating an environmentallyfriendly green economy. Despite such efforts, the environment policy  of  Ethiopia  also  needs  to  integrate  insights  from  indigenous  environmental  ethics  into  the  discussion  of environment. There are traditional and indigenous ethical systems in Ethiopia among the Oromo and Gedeo people that emphasize oneness with nature, avoiding deliberately harming nature and the relationship of solidarity between humans and other parts of the environment. Furthermore, theinherent value of nature, protection of animal life and justice  towards  non-humans  are  major  themes  in  indigenous  Ethiopian  environmental  ethics.  The  paper  as  such demonstrates the vitality of such ethical values in comparison with modern ethical systems that are narrowly focused on the instrumental control over the environment.