Eco-tourism, often called ecological tourism, emphasizes sustainable, ethical travel to unspoiled locations that protect the environment and enhance the quality of life for local communities. It strives to lessen the damaging effects of tourism on the environment and support conservation initiatives while benefiting nearby communities. Wildlife watching, nature hikes and cultural events that advance environmental understanding and conservation are common components of eco-tourism.
Furthermore, eco-tourism aims to safeguard and preserve natural habitats, animals, and cultural legacy. Habitat restoration, preservation, and sustainable resource management are all possible conservation strategies. It also encourages sustainable activities that reduce negative environmental consequences, such as waste reduction, water and energy saving, and local conservation efforts.
According to experts in the industry, eco-tourism necessitates greater community participation since it seeks to benefit local communities by creating economic possibilities, supporting local companies, and incorporating community people in tourism activities. This can empower locals and encourage cultural interaction.
Hence, this requires greater and continued education and awareness that raise awareness about environmental issues, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting natural resources. Visitors may learn about local ecosystems, wildlife, and sustainable practices.
Currently, Ethiopia is seeing an increase in eco-tourism due to the country’s unique natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural history. The government thinks that eco-tourism in Ethiopia provides a unique chance to see the country’s natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural variety while also benefiting conservation efforts and local populations.
For this reason, the Gorgora Eco Resort, which is close to Lake Tana, is a fascinating and noteworthy illustration of an Ethiopian ecotourism project. This resort seeks to encourage community involvement and conservation while offering guests sustainable and eco-friendly lodging.
The resort is committed to reducing environmental effects by using eco-friendly building materials, renewable energy sources, and water conservation methods. It is also critical to safeguard the natural environment and animals in the region. It might be involved in projects like reforestation, animal monitoring, and habitat preservation.
As a result, each experience at the resort is unique. The resort is anticipated to provide tourists with opportunities to discover the region’s natural beauty and cultural legacy through activities like as bird viewing, boat rides on Lake Tana, and visits to surrounding historical monuments. The Gorgora Eco Resort reflects a developing trend in Ethiopia’s eco-tourism business, allowing visitors to enjoy the country’s natural and cultural features while also supporting conservation efforts and local people.
Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh described the Gorgora Eco Resort, which was developed in Ethiopia’s Amhara region as part of Prime Minister Abiy’s national tourism strategy, as a timeless national asset with significant tourist potential. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the potential of Ethiopia’s unique tourism features, which have never been fully realized owing to a lack of infrastructure. As a result, the resort plays an important role in Ethiopia’s attempts to overcome the sector’s shortcomings and promote its growth.
Temesgen praised the government’s continued efforts and successes in advancing the tourist industry, which was led by Prime Minister Abiy’s initiative to mobilize the people. Several tourism initiatives have already been completed, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, including the recently opened Gorgora Eco Resort, which had been isolated from development for generations. However, this attraction, located in a breathtaking natural environment, has recently been designed in a way that is very convenient for visitors.
Ethiopian Ministry of Tourism Minister Ambassador Nasise Chali, on her part, stated that tourism development projects being executed across Ethiopia under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s efforts have been able to highlight the country’s hidden potential. The ongoing tourist development projects, such as the Gorgora Eco Resort, are critical to strengthening Ethiopia’s tourism sector and increasing the country’s competitiveness in the industry.
Citing the Gorgora eco-resort’s impressive successes, she emphasized that the projects’ high-quality infrastructures indicate the capacity to grow in development. The Gorgora eco-resort project has become a cutting-edge tourism destination by imparting wisdom in the already stunning natural environment. Hence, ambassador Nasise urged travelers from both overseas and within Ethiopia to see the breathtaking natural beauty.
According to Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Taye Atske Selassie, the Gorgora Eco-Resort is a great work of harmony between history, nature, and human knowledge, and he praises the idea’s creators and those who made it a reality.
He added that it is a significant step forward for Ethiopia to consider such a major plan and put it into effect. As a result, he stated that Gorgora Eco Resort is an excellent location for a significant tourist attraction and urged both local and international visitors to visit.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ramiz Alakabarov said that the Gorgora Eco Resort, which was created as part of the “Dine for Nation” program in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, will play an important role in promoting culture, environment protection, and tourism.
According to him, the project is “a state-of-the-art facility that has everything to engage in ecotourism.” The way the project has been designed is fully integrated with the landscape and doesn’t destroy the harmony of the forest.
UN Director for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Division at UNIDO Aurelia Patrizia Calabro expressed her admiration for the site and how it has been achieved while transferring Ethiopian values. “Gorgora is a jewel on a very ancient and famous lake that is Lake of Tana. This is the historical heart, the historical path,” she stated. As a result, Gorgora reflects the history of this wonderful country.
Patrizia Calabro also applauded the project for creating jobs that involved the local women and the community as a whole. She emphasized how crucial it is to integrate these strategies into initiatives aimed at gender empowerment and environmental protection.
the efforts underway by the government of Ethiopia to address the impacts of climate change not only through its green legacy initiative but also resort is very important not only for the country but also to the global community. Ethiopia is taking a lead through its important green legacy initiative to tackle the impacts of climate change.”
Indeed, the Ethiopian government’s attempts to combat the effects of climate change via green legacy initiatives and building eco-friendly resorts are critical not only for the country but also for the international community.
In addition, Ethiopia is home to breathtaking scenery including the Danakil Depression, the Bale Mountains, and the Simien Mountains. Hiking, trekking, and animal viewing are all possible in these unspoiled locations. Furthermore, it is critical to promote the Gorgora Eco-Resort as a travel destination to showcase the nation’s exceptional biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural variety while also benefiting local communities and environmental conservation efforts.
The resort is particularly important because it is gradually using sustainable methods to reduce environmental impact and climate change by incorporating renewable energy sources, decreasing waste, and supporting local conservation initiatives.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 16 JULY 2024
