Eco-Lodges and Tourist Infrastructure Development in and Around Abijata Shalla Lakes National Park; From the Perspective of Evaluating their Sustainability

Abstract

We tried to identify Ecolodges and other tourist infrastructures in and around Abijata Shalla Lakes National Park, the central part of Ethiopian great rift valley and evaluate their sustainability based on ecological, social and economic efficiency. The study was conducted on April 2017 using both qualitative and quantitative information sources in which the data is gathered by direct observation, secondary data from a wide range of sources within the current literatures on the topic and an in-depth interview. The collected data then analyzed and interpreted by descriptive and explanatory methods of analysis to come up with results and discussions. A total of fifteen lodges were recorded in the area, of which two of them are located inside the park while thirteen of the lodges are located outside the park. However, the survey is conducted only on eight active/functioning lodges at the time of data collection only focusing on operational phase excluding the pre-development and the construction phase. All the surveyed lodges are within 22kms radius, except one lodge which is found in 82km away from the head quarter of the park. Six of the lodges can be reached with only three kilo-meters off road driving while the rest two are in 14 and 17kms off road driving. In staffing, 94.8% of the employees are local peoples while only 5.2% of them are from other places. Electricity is the major energy source, generator is used as a backup, candles are often used for different purposes and one lodges uses solar energy. Public water is a source for a clean water supply and water from the lakes with chemical treatment, but one lodge uses ground water in addition to public and lake water. All lodges have septic tank for waste treatment and none of the lodges recycle. Generating optional energy is recommendable through proper utilization of resources by recycling as it plays a great role and is basic principle in sustainability.

Keywords: Ecological, Economic Social, Sustainable, Tourism

DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/45-02

Publication date: December 31^st 2019