Zonation

Zonation

Zonation is being used in BMNP to provide a framework for securing the protection of the park by reconciling the primary management aim of protecting the natural resource values whilst allowing limited use of the these resources – whether by communities or tourists. The conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem processes is the primary management objective throughout BMNP, irrespective of zone; the zoning scheme has been introduced to deal with the current realities in BMNP: open access resource use unrestricted settlements and human and financial capacity constraints. The zonation scheme is a management tool to change from open access to a BMNP with a functioning resource protection system where the conservation of the Exceptional Resource Values are secured and conserved for future generations.

The following underlying principles for the zonation of the park were drawn from policy, legislation, and the overall principles of the GMP and its management programmes:

Underlying Principles of Zonation

• Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem processes is the primary management objective in all zones
• Zone fragmentation will be avoided
• Boundaries of zones will be based on current understanding of the conservation requirements of BMNP’s Principal Ecosystem Components, the location of biodiversity rich areas and patterns of settlement
• As knowledge increases and zonation is implemented, zones boundaries may change
• Discourse, discussion and understanding of long term gains underpins all management actions and interactions with residents or other stakeholders
• Any resettlement of residents will be voluntary and carried out according to Ethiopian law and international guidelines on resettlement and human rights
• When resettlement takes place, households will only move from inside to outside of the park i.e. households will not be moved between conservation zones
• Land allocation and certification processes will be used as an incentive for resettlement outside of the park

Approximate locations of proposed zone boundaries have been identified, with just over 50% of the park falling within the Conservation Zone. It is anticipated that over the course of implementing this GMP and as better understanding of the exceptional resource values and Principal Ecosystem Components is obtained, alterations of these proposed boundaries might occur. Successes in implementing conservation actions as well as unforeseen hurdles are also likely to cause boundary alterations. Further, over the lifetime of this GMP the possibility exists that the CZ might be expanded as it is secured and if significant emigration from the C&SNRMZ occurs. The Conservation Zone has been named by geographical location, as it is anticipated that this will assist administration and management during park operations. In addition, whilst implementing zonation, different challenges may be encountered in different areas and these areas may be secured at different rates. Prescriptions for use and infrastructure development are in also outlined in the GMP.