Wildlife Conservation and Ecotourism Potentials in Ethiopia

In the face of degradations of natural resources and lack of alternative options, there are potentials of ecotourism in and around Awash National Park(ANP) which degraded by anthropogenic activities .The major objective of this study was assessing these potentials of ecotourism or alternative options for sustainable use of natural resources, poverty alleviation and food security which will improve the livelihood of local communities and conservation of ANP. Deforestation, expansion of farming, overgrazing and over extraction of water coupled with conflicts between park and local communities are detected as the major problem contributors to the degradations of natural resources of the area. The study also revealed some income generating alternatives or ecotourism potentials which could help to reduce the present degradations of natural resources of the park. About 37.2% of sampled households expressed their interests for diversified livelihood or ecotourism activities.