Authority plans to improve infrastructure in previously overlooked nat’l parks in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, December 28, 2024 (FMC) — The Ethiopian Wildlife Development and Conservation Authority has announced that it is prioritizing the enhancement of the tourism sector by improving infrastructure in national parks that have previously been overlooked, including Gambella.

Kumara Waqjra, Director-General of the Authority, said that the authority is committed to promoting the multi-faceted economic growth of the tourism sector by expanding infrastructure in the national parks.

He explained that the national parks have significant natural bio-diversity that could serve as major tourism attractions; however, these resources have not been properly utilized, and the sector has not reached its full potential due to lack of attention in the past.

The Director-General emphasized that national parks, such as Gambella, have yet to achieve the desired benefits largely due to limited development beyond the Northern Mountains and Nech Sar National Parks, noted that special attention is now being given to the sector to change these situations.

Tourism, he pointed out, is a key component of the country’s efforts to implement a diversified economy so that significant efforts are being made to develop and utilize the rich bio-diversity of national parks to boost the tourism industry.

The infrastructure projects aimed at improving access to several national parks, including Chobera Churcura, Bale Mountains, and Awash, he highlighted, adding that an agreement has been reached with African Parks to develop Gambela National Park, which is the largest in Ethiopia in terms of size and bio-diversity.

The Authority, according to ENA’s report, oversees 87 parks and protected areas, which account for 10.6 percent of the country’s total land area, as recognized in the global database.

The Director-General further noted that the office is working closely with regional governments on policies, legal frameworks, and other matters to ensure the proper management and use of these resources.

It was previously reported that Ethiopia signed a historic 10-year partnership agreement for the management of Gambella National Park, involving the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, Gambella People’s Regional State, and African Parks.

The agreement aims to conserve the park’s rich bio-diversity including endangered species and crucial ecosystems, while fostering sustainable development.

The partnership seeks to create economic opportunities for local communities, combat climate change, and enhance eco-tourism.