ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) announced that it is reinforcing efforts to combat illegal settlement and poaching aimed at ensuring sustainable wildlife and national parks development.
EWCA’s Deputy Director General, Solomon Mekonen told The Ethiopian Herald that the Authority has been carrying out various activities to reduce human impacts on animals and their habitats.
Of Ethiopia’s 87 wildlife reserves, 27 of them are national parks, and the authority administers 11 national parks and two sanctuaries, he mentioned.
Over the past many years, people have affected wildlife conservation efforts while activities are still taking place for effective preservation and to increase the contribution of the tourism sector for socioeconomic development, according to Solomon.
“The Authority has made significant achievements in safeguarding wild animals and the environment through improving law enforcement, awareness creation and strengthening partnerships.” For instance, the restoration of Lake Abijatta, preservation of Bale Mountains National Park, and Nech Sar National Park showcase the success of the conservation works that have been done since 2018, he added.
Solomon further stated that Elephant poaching in Babile Sanctuary, which was a serious challenge for reducing the number of 500 elephants to 350, is showing a gradual improvement.
“Particularly, as Babile Elephant Sanctuary located between Oromia and Somali states, there is a need to exert combined efforts to fight against illegal hunting and illegal settlement,” he suggested.
Likewise, Omo and Mago National parks, which are sanctuary to many elephants have been exposed to similar challenges by the illegal hunters due to the demand for fur, horns, tusks, teeth, and the likes.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER 2024
