Date: 12 February 2003
Place: Ato Yonas Tadesse's residence
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Agenda:	
1.	Introducing each other
2.	Briefing on the current status and prospectus of ETFF-US
3.	Establishment of office
4.	How to proceed
5.	A.O.B

Participants:

1.	Ato Demissew Gedamu

2.	Ato Yonas Taddese

3.	Ato Yoseph Assefa

4.	Ato Tsegaye Kassa

5.	Ato Melaku Wondafrash

6.	Ato Tewodros W/Amlak

7.	Ato Mammo Kebede

The meeting started by mentioning the tentative agenda and participants was asked if there is any amendment or additional agenda to be raised in today's meeting. A question was raised if we could treat board formation as separate agenda. Another participant recommend treating issue under agenda-2, office establishment.

1. Introducing each other

The first agenda was to make clear who is doing what and how to communicate. The self-introduction was started with the following order:

Ato Yoseph Assefa

Currently working at Institute of Biodiversity and Conservation (IBCR) at the department of Forest and Aquatic Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Research.

Ato Mamo Kebede

Delegated by the dean of Wondo Genet Forestry College, Dr Abdu and Dr. Teshome, V/Dean, Awassa College. He got his first degree, B.Sc. from Alemaya University of Agriculture and his M.Sc. from Wondo Genet Forestry College. Currently he is a lecturer in the college.

Ato Melaku Wondafrash

He is working at the National Herbarium of Ethiopia (AAU) and in charge of Monoctos, Gymnospermus and Ptreidophytes sections. He is interested to work in any line that can help the foundation.

Ato Demissew Gedamu

He is an accountant by profession. He is a co-founder and president of the Ethiopian Tree Fund foundation (ETFF). He is working with full commitment starting from the conception of the foundation up to now.

Ato Tewodros W/Amlak

He is Civil Engineer by profession and concerned by the deforestation problem and interested to work in any line that contribute in alleviating this problem.

Ato Tsegaye Kassa

An ample of experience in Ministry of Education and currently working at the Embassy of USA. He is willing to share his experience.

Ato Yonas Tadesse

He is an entrepreneur in information communication and import-export business. He was shocked by the news about depletion of Ethiopian forest from 40% to less than 3%. He believes the forum could contribute in curbing the problem.

2. Briefing on the current status and prospectus of ETFF_US.

Ato Demessiew gave a concise explanation on how the ETFF started its current status and prospectus. He explained how the foundation conceived. Ato Demissew was triggered by TV show on the forest fire of Bale in 200. He also explained how he could get the idea from Jewish tree find discussed the matter with Dr. Badeg who welcome the idea and ETFF was established.

3. Establishment of an office

Ato Demissew explained the need for the establishment of the Ethiopian segment of ETFF. This was because the ground work is done her in Ethiopia. He appreciate the move up to now in general and the commitment of some members to assist the foundation both financially and dedicated the time to the foundation.

Following Ato Demissew nominates two persons as interim chairs for the technical and administrative sectors, Yoseph and Yonas respectively. He also suggests a contribution from each member to cover some expense. Later Ato Yonas react to this suggestion.