ADDIS ABABA— It is high time to equip Ethiopia with high-tech fire protection as wildfires are now causing great damage to Simien Mountains National Park – one of the country’s world acclaimed parks , experts urged.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission Fire Inspection Control Expert, Mesfin Gezahegn told The Ethiopian Herald that the latest wildfires outbreak in Bale and Semien Mountains National and World Heritage Parks would be prevented if the country has modern fire services and standby Fire Brigades.
Getahun Girma, another expert working for the same commission, said the commission had requested to buy a helicopter for forest fire- fighting a few years ago, however, the process interrupted due to the ongoing reform and political change.
He further said, “Particularly at this time, national parks are more vulnerable to series of dangers that are triggered by informal settlements, forest cleansing for charcoal and farming purpose and others.”
As to him, the recent wildfires outbreak in Bale Mountains National Park which is home for a number of endemic animals such as Red Fox had been caused by farmers who were trying to harvest honey using fire.
Getahun noted, “There are gaps in creating awareness towards forest and wildlife conservation activities among people who live near to the national parks.
“Ethiopia is a country with many promises to the world community and also exerting efforts when it comes to green development and climate protection. In this regard, even though several efforts and achievements are undergone, we often face setbacks in having effective emergency responses to accidents like forest fire,” Mesfin said.
Both experts urged the government and pertinent bodies not only to strengthen their prevention and control approach , but also to give due attention in building strong fire brigade of well-trained man power with high tech equipment like helicopter for forest -fire fighting .
It was learnt the Government of Israel has sent to Ethiopia ten wildfire fighters to rescue Ethiopia’s UNESCO registered Simien National Park. While a chopper from Kenya has begun operation since last Sunday to contain the fire.
The Park has been on fire for the past few weeks. It is located in the Northern part of the country’s Amhara State around Gondar close to Debark Town, the mountainous Simien National Park is a home for many indigenous animals and different species of trees.
The Ethiopian Herald April 16, 2019
BY YOSEF KETEMA
