BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Ethiopia is not only a land where several nations, nationalities and peoples are living; it is also a land blessed with a number of unique and magnificent travel destinations.
For this reason, it is common to see several tourists and researchers frequenting the land. Considering the many sided benefits of the tourism industry in terms of generating foreign currency, creating jobs for local people, the government is exerting utmost effort to further develop the sector. The recently built parks, Unity Entoto, and Friendship, as well as those that are on pipeline including the Wenchi Crater Lake and Gorgora Project which are nearing to completion are showcases in this respect.
Likewise, Ecotourism is becoming one area where the nation is benefiting from the sector. The positive results registered in Adaba Dodola Community Based Ecotourism Village and the Choke Mountains Eco-village, are the other good examples in this regard. Recently, the Adaba Dodola Community Based Ecotourism Village has been selected as one of the developing tourism destinations by the World Tourism Organization (WTO).
According to Marketing and Promotion Director of the Oromia Tourism Commission, Abdu Gelgalo, the recognition given to Adaba Dodola Community Based Ecotourism Village is a promising move to make the area fully tourist destination.
“Adaba Adola Eco – tourism Village is expected to be one of tourist destinations in the future,” added Abdu in his exclusive interview with EPA.
“The recognition was given taking into account the high potential of the area and the belief that it will develop into a full-fledged tourism destination in the near future.” He also noted that the village will be a tourist destination and a means of alternative income for people living in the area.
The Director said, Adaba Adola is an eco-tourism destination covered by forest and it is a place where several fauna and flora are found. Its natural beauty attracts visitors. For this reason, Adaba Adola would be one of the tourist destinations in the country.
Underscoring that the area is very rich in tourism resources with the availability of dense forests and mountains coupled with diverse species of animals; he said the blessings could attract numerous local and international tourists. Among others, the area is preferable for hiking, horseback riding, and camping.
Abdu pointed out that the area is accessible by both horse and foot and it is also too impressive. He explained that infrastructure is being developed to allow horse transportation from Dodola to Bale National Park. He also stated that there are accommodation and entertainment facilities for tourists at a distance of 20 kilometers.
Expressing his happiness for the reason the area was chosen by the World Tourism Organization, Adaba Town Mayor, Taju Hussain said that tourism in general and eco-tourism in particular is bringing great benefits to the local residents.
“The preserved forest resource has also created job opportunities for many youths organized in the area and currently there are youths engaged in cattle fattening and beekeeping activities.” Residents of three villages also earned more than two million birr from carbon trading in the last two years, the Mayor said.
As it is stated by WTO, a specialized UN Agency, Eco-village is a driving force in rural development by protecting cultural and natural resources, traditions and community-based values, tourism products, and lifestyles.
As some documents put it ecotourism is found in its infancy. However, due to individual as well as government’s role the sub-sector is blooming and encouraging results are being witnessed. As the nation pursues sustainable development the role of ecotourism is unquestionable in promoting tourism, preserving local cultures, natural resources, traditions and community based values.
The Ethiopian Herald March 23/2023
