Lake Chitu is one of Ethiopian Flamingo Lakes known by single dominant blue green algal specie calledArthrospira fusiformis. A household questionnaire survey of respondents, key informants and focus group discussion were made in 2012 in Labu Subuqa kebele where lake Chitu is found to see major threats for general ecosystem disturbance, to see the use of the lake for the surrounding community and to identify major stakeholders for restoration and conservation of the lake in an integrated way. Results showed that deforestation of the catchment area is the main threat for the total degradation of the lake. Soil erosion occurred due to intensive loss of vegetation that increased the amount of silt in the lake. Deposition of animal debris and detergents are added to the lake because of human and cattle direct contact. The timely decrease in the size might be due to siltation. The community is using the lake only for washing clothes because of its alkalinity and soap nature. They also take bath on the hot spring that immediately comes from the edge of the lake that would eventually contaminate and change the nature of the lake. This study revealed that the community is not using the lake water only for the purpose of sanitation. Several stakeholders have been identified, consulted and participated on restoration of the lake biodiversity.

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