ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Wildlife Development and Conservation Authority disclosed that it has been exerting various efforts in bringing back the previous glory of Bale and Semein Mountains National Parks.
Authority Communication Affairs Director Getinet Yigzaw told The Ethiopian Herald that nomination file preparation has been finalized to re- inscribe Semein Mountains National Park that was registered on UNESCO natural heritage list in 1978.
The re-inscription came after the boundary re-delineation of the park. Therefore re-registering the park on UNESCO list is important and currently UNESCO’s experts are observing the area in person, he said.
They are also offering training to local tourism experts and wardens in Gondar city about the general conservation activities and procedures in the inscription, he noted.
The Semein Mountains National Park has been enlarged to 412 from about 370 square km following the relocation of residents from the surrounding, he stated.
Therefore the previous profile of the park ought to be reaccredited by UNESCO. That’s why the nomination file preparation to re-inscribe the Park on UNESCO is yet underway, he expressed.
Last week the experts visited the park and soon they will be visiting Bale Mountains National Park to examine the natural treasures of the park mentioned in the nomination file in comparison to its current position, he indicated.
The nomination file to register Bale Mountains National Park on UNESCO natural heritage list that has been admitted to the organization constitutes outstanding universal value statement which comprised of natural phenomenon, authenticity and integrity of the park with other similar sites in the country or worldwide, according to the Director.
In this regard, the park has similarity with Semein Mountains National Park having various fauna and flora including Wolf, Gelada Baboon, Giant Lobelia, Lammergeyer, and so on, as to him.
Bale Mountain is a source of 40 rivers that serve about 15 million peoples. “Bale does not only belong to Ethiopia, but also it is a treasure to the African continent and the world.”
It has also a great impact on the continent in monitoring climate change as it has weather zonal divergence, according to him.
The Bale and Semein Mountains National Parks used to be inscribed on UNESCO natural heritage list respectively in 1978 and 2009.
The Ethiopian Herald October 1, 2019
BY YOHANES JEMANEH
