The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority said its efforts of expanding and reestablishing the Simien Mountains National Park brought encouraging results.
By Fasica Berhane (The Ethiopian Herald) |
The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority said its efforts of expanding and reestablishing the Simien Mountains National Park brought encouraging results.
During Authority’s biannual performance evaluation on Feb. 01, 2017, Authority Director General Dawud Mume Ali said the core activities undertaken during the reporting period included relocating residents of Gich village of the park to Debark town, reestablishing and expanding the national park — the first park from Africa to be on UNESCO list, from 136 to 400 sq. km.
According to Mr. Dawud, the tasks resulted in thriving the number of wild animals.
“The number of Walia Ibex which was only 250 increases to 900 while Gelada Baboon rises to 26,000.”
The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority also indicated as it raised the awareness of pertinent bodies. “In order to prevent poaching, we trained over 3,500 scouts and rangers, police officers and members of communities.”
It also indicated that greater attention has been attached with efforts of strengthening wildlife development, protection and administration making it compatible with climate resilient green economic strategy of the country.
However, challenges are still rolling in from various directions and the authority called on stakeholders to strengthen cooperation.