Nechsar National Park spread across 514 square kilometers of mosaic ecosystem in South West of Ethiopia in Arba Minch, a haven for over 100 species of mammals and birds and a cynosure for nature and wild-life enthusiasts is about to collapse as it has already reached the precipice!
To make this reality heard, Dr Simon Shibru’s PhD study exclusively chronicling the decline of this natural phenomenon will answer many questions as his findings bare ground reality, socio-political aspect and propounds a way to restore the lost glory of this monumental national asset.
This write-up, first of the series of articles, to be run by AMU, for larger audience will expose you to the gravity of situation and subsequent write-up will deal with responsible factors.
At the outset, giving historical perspective, Dr Simon informed that to protect a game reserve including Swayne’s hartebeest and other wildlife, Nech Sar National Park was launched in 1974. Then a virgin land, later following anthropogenic pressure begun to lose its resources and now it’s devoid of its rich flora and fauna.
He said though, the park has demarcation but on papers and of its 514 square kilometers expanse is 85% terrestrial and 15% aquatic (Abaya and Chamo lakes). The wildlife is enclosed from north by Abaya and south by Chamo lakes, eastern part has villages and west is occupied by Arba Minch town. Therefore, animal can’t migrate, and easily fell prey to hunting and poaching.
Now over 2000 zebras are left alone just because their flesh isn’t eatable. Swayne's hartebeest, Grant Gazelle, lesser and greater Kudus, bush and water-backs and other mammals with no habitat left were hunted down and pushed on the brink of extinction.
On future course, he said, the socio-political aspect can change the scenario and with genuine commitment opportunities which still are more than the threats can be exploited. And being the native of this land, he said, I am an eye-witness to its gradual devastation.
Intervention at policy level is must to save its amazing tourist potential and livelihood capital. The natives should get benefit but within limit because next generation must also be there to enjoy its fruits, he reiterated.
It’s sensitive and strategically vital for region and country. Therefore, people must understand and take our information as tools to formulate policy. The main issue is socio-politico-economic that has to be addressed with participatory approach, he stated.
However, the situation is still retrievable, and the good news is that German organization - Geutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH’s collaboration with Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority will revive Nech Sar National Park’s lost glory.
GIZ has already appointed a technical staff at the park to evaluate the livelihood prospect based on which, business plan will be formulated as AMU is closely coordinating with them.
The next article will meticulously deal with the varying technical and scientific factors that have inflicted damning blow to Nechsar National Park.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)