The association

Get to know us

Our association has around 60 committed members. It was founded in 1996 in Koblenz, still our official seat today. Since 2020 we also have a second base in Dresden. Our working group – the board and other active members – meets regularly, mostly by video call. Let yourself be inspired and feel free to get in touch with us.

Become a member →
Board
Helmut Lorentz
Helmut Lorentz
Chairman · Dresden
My parents were already involved in the association. A few years ago I visited the Meno Highlands with my father and saw Denbeshu Debeko again after about 15 years, also meeting his family. Those committed, warm-hearted people impressed me deeply. I want what has been achieved in the Meno Highlands to benefit other regions too.
Harald Köthe
Harald Köthe
Secretary · Koblenz
Contributing something that brings help, prospects and hope for a dignified, peaceful life to others who lack our good conditions inspires me. In the Meno project this happens on the ground through local people we trust, from whom we learn to understand the culture, needs and ways of thinking far better.
Wolfram Schmidt
Wolfram Schmidt
Treasurer · Dresden
“Together for the Meno Highlands” is, in my eyes, not a one-way street in the sense of classic development aid. Thanks to the very direct contacts, working in the association lets us not only support projects financially but follow their implementation up close and gain insight into the life and culture of Ethiopia.
On the ground in Ethiopia
Dr. Denbeshu Debeko
Dr. Denbeshu Debeko
Project lead on the ground
An animal scientist from the Meno Highlands. He adapts the proven measures to the region and implements them together with the cooperatives.
Ermias Denbeshu
Ermias Denbeshu
Coordination & contact on the ground
Our contact in Awassa – he coordinates the work in the highlands, captures photos and news, and connects the project with the association.
Working group
W
Wolfgang Leister
Koblenz
I have been involved in the association since the year 2000 and value above all that we have achieved a noticeable improvement in living conditions in Meno with relatively modest means.
Elfriede Wollmann-Köthe
Elfriede Wollmann-Köthe
Koblenz
For many years I have followed the dedication with which these people run the Meno project. It advanced in small steps. Transferring the approach to a new region now and continuing the success I find very sensible and worth supporting!
K
Kira Lorentz
Berlin
Newest member of the working group. Introduction to follow shortly.
W
Wolfram Lorenz
Project planning · Dresden
Newest member of the working group. Introduction to follow shortly.
Since 1996

30 years in the Meno Highlands

A friendship in Koblenz grew into a project that has been changing the landscape and lives of the Ethiopian highlands for three decades.

1996
Association founded
Dr. Denbeshu Debeko returns home after years in Koblenz. With friends he founds the association and, together with the Mekane Yesus Church, starts the first tree nursery.
from 1996
Phase I · Reforestation
First tree nurseries and reforestation in the Meno-Mollo kebele – against erosion and deforestation, the foundation for everything that followed.
2016
Phase II · The farmers take over
Two farmer cooperatives run the project independently. 40 farmers start out, protect their land and keep better dairy cattle – a milk shop opens in Tuticha.
2020
Turning point
Rather than dissolving, the association decides to scale up – with a new board and a second base in Dresden.
2021
Phase II succeeds
17 farmers finish successfully and receive their premiums; around 63 hectares have been restored and reforested.
since 2021
Phase III · Scaling up
The model grows into new kebeles: 16 farmers, 18 area exclosures across 31 hectares, 21 beehives and around 100,000 seedlings a year.
2026
30 years of Meno
Three decades of commitment, celebrated on 23 August in Koblenz-Arenberg – and the start of a digital future.
From the highlands · 11 July 2026

What the community says.

Over 50 families gathered for the tree distribution in Kebele 4. Ermias recorded their voices – unfiltered, unedited.

"We are here today because we were informed that tree seedlings are being distributed. We were taught how this initiative can positively change the climate."
Community member · Kebele 4
"Since we began using them on our land, we have gained beautiful shade and seen great improvements in our environment."
Farmer · Kebele 4
"Sheltered by this shade, the children can now comfortably sit, read and study. This has been immensely beneficial for all of us."
Mother · Kebele 4
"It will ensure we do not face water scarcity or a lack of rainfall. We are taking the seedlings to secure our future."
Elder · Kebele 4
"Dr. Denbeshu connected with the Germans and brought us this great blessing. Since the new cattle arrived, our lives have become noticeably easier."
Farmer · Cattle project Kebele 4

Recorded by Ermias · Meno Highlands · 11 July 2026 · translated from Amharic

© 2026 Association for the Development of the Meno Highlands in Ethiopia (reg.) VR 3883 · Amtsgericht Koblenz