The project aim is to train workers of Geological Service of Ethiopia (GSE) in the field of engineering geology and hydrogeology with a focus on the compilation, editing, presentation (using modern IT technology and the Internet) and practical interpretation of maps of groundwater resources and natural hazards.

GSE is a national organization responsible for mapping of natural resources and providing information on environmental conditions to public authorities at national, regional and local level. Environmental data for them are the basic information inputs for decision-making processes in planning at all levels. This information is also used by NGOs in planning and implementing their development projects. Finally, the outputs of GSE are used in the planning of adaptation measures to mitigate the projected impacts of climate fluctuations in the region.

In order to increase productivity and efficiency, and to be closer to the needs of their clients, the GSE went through a recent restructuring process, which included the expansion of new business activities and disciplines which are, inter alia, environmental geology with a focus on the assessment of natural hazards and engineering geology. GSE, however, still does not have enough technical experts in these fields so far, to be able to meet the current increasing demand for environmental information from governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

One of the basic requirements of the Government to GSE is to accelerate the mapping of groundwater resources and provide updated information to a wide range of users. GSE capacity development will focus on the transfer of experience in the areas of editing of geological-engineering and hydrogeological map files, a compilation of individual map sheets in the map series (files), presentation of maps and their interpretation for practical use, so that the trained staff of GSE will be able to perform independent work on other sheets of the national map series.

The project will also include elaboration of a manual for the management of natural geodynamic risks. The goal of this guideline will be to define the general guidelines on the identification, prediction and management of geological risks, the introduction of regular monitoring, establishing a database of geological hazards and interpretation of environmental data, including the formulation of proposals for remedial and preventive measures. The manual will be practically tested on the Tarmaber pilot area (located in the eastern part of the Jemma river basin), which also includes one of the largest geodynamic "hot spots" in the country and a giant landslide in the Debra Sina locality.