Review on Ecotourism Potentials and the Challenges for National Park Conservation in Ethiopia

Abstract

Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improves the well-being of local community. Ethiopia is a country having enormous potential of ecotourism resource including cultural, historical, archaeological and natural resources which are ideal for the development of sustainable community-based ecotourism projects. 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 the potentials resource for ecotourism development and challenges affecting conservation and management of national parks in Ethiopia. Based on review results, Lack of sense of ownership, limited awareness, lack of coordination, conflicts over resources, Issues of boundary/Lack of Boundary, invasive species, 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, improving incomes, institutional and policy reforms are the suggested strategies that can bring solutions to the problems.

Keywords: Ecotourism, National park,Conservation,Ethiopia

DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/54-02

Publication date: February 28^th 2021