Challenges to National Park Conservation and Management in Ethiopia

Abstract

National parks are areas of land protected to conserve native plants and animals and their habitats, places of natural attractiveness, historic heritage and native cultures. The objective of this review paper was to identify challenges affecting conservation and management of national parks in Ethiopia and based on review results, to suggest management strategies that can bring solutions to the problems. Lack of sense of ownership, limited awareness, population growth, lack of coordination, conflicts over resources, Issues of boundary/Lack of Boundary, invasive species, illegal charcoal production, climate change, and poverty are the identified challenges that are affecting the conservation and management of national parks in Ethiopia. Developing sense of ownership within community, awareness creation and development, collaborative approach and consultation among stakeholders, co-management and resolution of border issues, reduction of free grazing, invasive species utilization, care during introduction and biological control, reduction of fuel-wood consumption and increase carbon sequestration, improving incomes, institutional and policy reforms are the suggested strategies that can bring solutions to the problems.

Foraging ecology of African wolves ( Canis lupaster ) and its implications for the conservation of Ethiopian wolves ( Canis simensis )

“…Livestock grazing is a common practice in most Ethiopian protected areas [20,21]. Based on the levels of anthropogenic disturbance, we divided each study area into three zones: core (the section of the protected areas where all human and livestock activities are prohibited), buffer (the section of the protected areas where controlled livestock grazing is permitted), and matrix (human-dominated areas adjacent to the protected area which consist mainly of farmland and settlements [8]).…”

Conservation Challenges and Causes of Wildlife Habitat Change in Kafta Sheraro National Park, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

“…As a result, many protected areas are under a severe threat of degradation by the anthropogenic factor and becoming isolated [3,16]. Human livelihood activities are highly influenced the natural ecosystems and wildlife habitat across different regions [17,18]. The tendency to agricultural activities and establish human settlements in previously wildlife areas are becoming common [19] due to a shortage of land for forage and farmimg, which has resulted in protected areas' wildlife being threatened [20].…”

Human-wildlife conflict interest: the psychometric reasons for the death of 28 hippos in the Gibe Sheleko National park (2019), Southwestern Ethiopia

“…Although cash donations were requested, the emphasis was on donations of goods. Small business donations were also requested [1]. In this section, we assess the failures of the GSNP managerial office (staff ) to conserve wildlife and the director of agricultural and natural resource management offices of Gurage Zone failures to promote the well-being of residents before media coverage of the issue reaches a wider audience.…”