Future Conservation And Management Solutions
A better managed park is vital to conserve the biodiversity, ecosystem processes, scenic beauty, and natural resources of the BMNP. Furthermore, effective park management has considerable potential to generate economic benefits for conservation, local communities, and the country at large. There are now key opportunities that, if harnessed, will result in the Bale Mountains National Park fulfilling its role as the most important conservation area in Ethiopia and becoming a world renowned National Park.
Even at present, the park is drawing the attention of many donors, NGOs, governments, and researchers that are forging linkages with the park management in order to better understand and better manage the BMNP and, thus, secure its long-term future. The park recently prepared a 10-year General Management Plan (GMP) which outlines the vision and strategy for tackling the threats and challenges to the long-term future of BMNP. This GMP has been agreed by stakeholders and will guide management and interventions over the coming decade. Included among the forthcoming conservation and management (click to go to Management section) goals are:
- Strengthening park management capacity
- Gazettement and appropriate legislation for BMNP
- Participatory natural resource management
- Shared benefits
- Research and monitoring activities
- Private sector and community-based tourism
- World Heritage Site Listing
- Sustainable financing
- Conservation and development partnerships
- Business planning