Sacred Ecology and Ecological Footprints: Toward a Composite Sustainability Framework for Mining Landscapes in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Mining expansion in southern Ethiopia has increased deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, especially within the indigenous Guji landscape. Sacred groves and the Guji Gadaa system traditionally protected forests, watersheds, and communal resources through customary ecological governance. However, artisanal and mechanized gold mining in Adoola-Reeddee and nearby sacred areas such as Me’ee Bokko/Ana-Sora have weakened these indigenous conservation systems and intensified ecological footprints. This study examines the relationship between mining, ecological degradation, and rehabilitation using political ecology, ecological footprint theory, and indigenous knowledge perspectives. It proposes a Composite Ecological Sustainability Framework (CESF) that integrates ecosystem rehabilitation, sacred ecology, circular economy principles, and indigenous governance mechanisms. The study draws on field observations, interviews, surveys, and ecological assessments to evaluate environmental changes linked to mining activities. Findings show that mining has accelerated forest destruction, land degradation, stream contamination, and encroachment into sacred ecological sites. Weak environmental governance and commercialization pressures further threaten traditional stewardship systems. Despite these challenges, indigenous institutions and sacred groves remain important for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. The study argues that sustainable mining governance requires combining scientific rehabilitation with indigenous ecological knowledge and participatory conservation practices. Integrating customary governance into environmental policy can reduce ecological footprints and support responsible production systems in mining-affected landscapes.