Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile River. This region has a cultural history going back thousands of years and blends natural and cultural heritage in a unique way. Unfortunately, the area is threatened by intense resource use, pollution and urbanisation. NABU, the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, is supporting the protection of the unique environment around Lake Tana and promoting sustainable development in the region. We want to establish a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Lake Tana region to protect its biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage.