Welcome to Dilla University Botanical Garden
From Groundbreaking Research to Sustainable Stewardship
We bridge science, conservation, and community to protect Ethiopia’s biodiversity—inspired by nature, rooted in knowledge.
Background
The Dilla University Botanical Garden (DUBG) is a conservation initiative established in 2017. It is situated in Dilla town, located in the Gedeo Zone of the Southern Ethiopia region, approximately 360 kilometers south of the capital city, Addis Ababa. The garden’s geographic coordinates range from 6°25′55.66″N to 6°26′44.6″N latitude and 38°16′05.12″E to 38°17′25.56″E longitude. The altitude of the garden varies between 1,300 and 1,500 meters above sea level. The area of the garden is about 137 ha.
Before its official establishment, part of the area was managed by the Dilla Donbosco Catholic Church, which initiated various conservation and developmental measures, including enclosing the area. Upon taking over, Dilla University expanded these efforts, transforming the garden into a hub for biodiversity conservation, research, environmental education, and ecotourism. Since then, the garden has made significant strides in preserving local flora, engaging the community, and promoting sustainable tourism, making it a valuable resource for both conservation and education.
Currently, the garden is home to over 600 plant species, including notable ones such as Combretum collinum, Combretum molle, Combretum hereroense, Uvaria angolensis, Terminalia laxiflora, Terminalia brownii, Terminalia macroptera, Ehretia cymosa (Koda tree), Psilostigma thonningi (Camel’s foot tree), Millettia ferruginea (endemic), Croton macrostachyus (Broad-leaved croton), and Schrebera alata (Wild jasmine).
