Lake Tana in Ethiopia was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in June 2015 and the official opening of the reserve will be held on 3rd and 4th December 2015. Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile and possesses great biodiveristy and a rich cultural heritage. The many islands in the lake are home to ancient, richly decorated Coptic churches and also to remnants of original forest with high levels of endemic plants, including wild coffee. Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and an important site both for resident and migratory birds, including the Wattled and Northern crowned crane. Bruno D'Amicis travelled to the region to document its rich natural and cultural heritage.

The project, which began in 2012, was funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development based on a project agreement between NABU (the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) and Ethiopia's Amhara National Regional State. It aims not only to preserve the biodiversity of the area but also to promote sustainable development in the region.

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