COMMUNITY-BASED ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Rapid deforestation and land degradation now a days is a critical problem mainly in developing countries. By promoting ecotourism through the protection of the environment, biodiversity is preserved, jobs are created, market for local products is created, environmental education within the communities is promoted, and understanding of local peoples and cultures are fostered among the tourists who visit these communities. The findings of this work revealed that, a combination of wonderful scenery, diversified wildlife and plant species, amazing caves and culture of the local community makes Borena-Saynt national Park potentially rich for the development of ecotourism. Development of ecotourism program, diversifying the livelihood of the local community, introducing alternative sources of energy, launching afforestation on the buffer zone, animal forage development will help for sustainable natural resource management of the park by improving the well-being of the local community. This work gives insight about the role of ecotourism for natural resource conservation and local economic development.

Autorentext

Amogne Asfaw Eshetu was born in 1973 in South Wollo, Ethiopia. After graduating in MA from Mekelle University in Regional and Local Development Studies, he is now working as a full timer lecturer in Wollo University, department of Geography and Environmental Studies.