FINALtourism Strategy for SMNP

TOURISM MASTER PLAN FOR THE SIMIEN

MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (SMNP)

Simien Mountains National Park- Integrated Development

project (SMNP-IDP)

MULTI-SECTORAL CONSULTANTS PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY (MSC)

December 2007

Bahir Dar

SSSS CCCC

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MULTI-SECTORAL CONSULTANTS PRIVATED LIMITED COMPANY (MSC) i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Preparation of tourism master plan is essential for efficient and effective utilization of tourism resources of SMNP and requires the participation of different stakeholders. For this reason, there are various people and institutions who contributed significantly to the successful completion of the study and the Master Plan Preparation. We would like to express our gratitude to every one of them, whose kind assistance is worth mentionable.

First and foremost we would like to thank Ato Mulugeta Wubshet (Manager, Park Development and Protection Authority) for his invaluable ideas which helped us in enriching this report.

We would also like to give grateful thanks to Ato Teshome Mulu (Project Manager, Integrated Development of Simien Mountains National Park) for arranging necessary facilities and services during the collection of first hand data about SMNP to accomplish the consulting service assignment. His invaluable ideas contributed a lot for preparation of this document.

Our gratitude also goes to Ato Asfaw Menesha (Warden of SMNP) for his contribution in providing necessary information that helped in developing the master plan. We would also like to thank Ato Derbe Dekisyos (Staff member of Park Office) who helped us during the collection of primary data about the SMNP and in providing necessary information.

Last but not least, we are pleased to thank all staff members of PaDPA, SMNP-IDP, and Park Office of Debark and other interviewed individuals for their willingness and contribution to the study and preparation of this Master Plan.


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Executive Summary

The SMNP, well-known the world over for its breathtaking landscape, biotic diversity and endemism, has a huge potential for ecotourism development. However, this potential has until now remained largely unexploited for various reasons. Full utilization of this resource potential can certainly make a significant contribution to improvement of livelihoods of local communities in and around the park, and it will also make an important contribution to the region at large. But, this requires a detailed understanding of the resource base - including its potentials and carrying capacities - and preparation of a guiding master plan for ecotourism development. The overall aim of this study was to undertake this important task of developing a tourism master plan for the SMNP so as to serve as a general framework to ecotourism development. The vision of the master plan is to see the SMNP as a well-managed and internationally recognized ecotourism site that provides the finest quality services, conserves the natural and cultural environments and benefits the local community; and its goal is to enhance sustainable eco-tourism development, and conservation of environmental and biodiversity resources and improve livelihoods of local communities through partnership among the government, the private sector and the local communities. The key results, conclusions and recommendations of the study are summarized below.

� The SMNP is endowed with natural beauty and thus has a large potential for eco-tourism development and for attracting both domestic and international tourists. The number of tourist arrivals is likely to show a consistent increase and reach 21,782 by the year 2011/12 provided that tourist facilities and services will be improved during the master plan implementation period.

� At the present, ecotourism development in the SMNP is constrained by a number of problems related to inadequate tourist facilities and infrastructure (e.g. camping sites, trekking routes, roads, hotels, banks) development and population settlement in and around the park. The existing tourism products are also far below what is possible given the resources of the park. Considerable investment is thus required on improvement of the existing and development of new tourist facilities and infrastructure as well as tourism products. Diversifying tourism products generally has the effect of initiating other economic activities, which directly or indirectly supports the tourism industry itself.

� By undertaking a detailed SWOT analysis, the study has identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to development of ecotourism in the SMNP. Building upon the strengths, overcoming weaknesses, seizing opportunities and strategically dealing with threats ought to be pursued in order to achieve the desired results of sustainable tourism development and improving livelihoods of local communities.

� The SMNP has a large potential for developing diversified tourism products such as wildlife and bird watching, walking/ trekking, nature photography and filming, paragliding, rock climbing, swimming in a natural stream, serving as a research environment, etc. Development and full utilization of these tourism products can contribute to the satisfaction of tourists, and generate economic benefits to the local communities and enhance protection of the natural environment. It is thus recommended that due emphasis ought to be given to development and diversification of tourism products. The study has identified a multitude of potential tourism products, tourist facilities and infrastructure, and possible revenue generation items that can be developed. The study has also identified a wide range of opportunities for the private sector to invest in the tourism industry in the SMNP.

� The SMNP-IDP is well underway to improve the welfare of communities and thereby establish the required partnership. The ongoing effort is quite encouraging, and it is a step in the right direction. In line with this, it is also recommended that a scheme of “benefit


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sharing” has to be introduced to further strengthen the partnership between the two parties, communities and the government. In this case, 60% of the revenue is recommended to the share of communities

� Selection of appropriate promotional methods to the existing tourism products is necessary for improving tourist inflows to the SMNP. The promotional mechanisms currently in use- brochures, postcards, leaflets, and t-shirts and capes- are not of good quality and do not reflect the international status of the park. Recognizing this deficiency, the study has identified and recommended numerous additional promotional mechanisms. The study has also underlined the need for effective use of the internet technology, which is cheap and efficient.

� As in any tourist destination in the world, seasonality of tourist inflow is a major problem to the SMNP. Tourist arrivals are low during May to September, basically because of the Kiremt rains; but many tourists from the Mediterranean region often come during the rainy season. Hence, attracting a larger number of tourists from this region of the world during the rainy season can be pursued as a strategy to overcome the problem of seasonality in tourist inflows.

� Comparison between tariffs of SMNP and parks in other East African countries, Kenya and Tanzania, shows that all types of tariffs of SMNP are the lowest. The Master Plan has proposed new tariffs, which are still lower than that of the above countries.

� With a view to foster environmentally friendly and sustainable ecotourism development in the SMNP, the study has come up with a zoning scheme based on identification of major wildlife habitats, the panoramic view of various landscape units, suitability of areas for development of tourist facilities and products, and the existing land use practices. Thus, four major zones viz., strictly protected zone, ecotourism zone, zone of development and wildlife corridor zone, together with the set of activities to be undertaken in each zone, are identified.

� The carrying capacity computed for the SMNP on a monthly basis, considering the existing and proposed camping facility, shows that overcrowd of tourists will not be a problem during the Master Plan period and, therefore, negative impact on environment as a result of increase in tourist number is not a threat.

� Achievement of the stated goal of the master plan depends on several factors, some of which can be external to the agencies implementing the master plan. In order to provide a guiding framework, however, the study has identified some major strategic components that ought to be put into practice and developed a three years operational plan and its implementation strategies with a detail of activities to be undertaken. Along with this, priority areas for intervention have also been pointed out.

� Finally, the study has suggested a general framework, supported by a log frame for use in monitoring and evaluation of achievements from implementation of the master plan.


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CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................................... PAGE

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 1 1.1. THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK ...................................................................................... 1 1.1.2. SOCIOECONOMIC AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND ................................................................................ 4 1.1.3. DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES .................................................................................................................. 5 1.2 VISION, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................ 6 1.2.1. VISION ................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.2. SUPER GOAL ......................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.3. GOAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.4. OBJECTIVE............................................................................................................................................. 6 1.2.5. OUTPUTS ............................................................................................................................................... 6 1.3 DURATION OF THE MASTER PLAN: ........................................................................................................ 6 1.4. POLICY ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................................. 7 1.5 METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................. 9 1.6. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR ECOTOURISM............................................................................................ 10 CHAPTER 2: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE SMNP ................................................................ 11 2.1. THE EXCEPTIONAL VALUE OF SMNP ................................................................................................. 11 2.2. AN OVERVIEW OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE SMNP ...................................................... 12 2.2.1. AFRICAN EXPERIENCE ........................................................................................................................ 12 2.2.2. NATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND POLICY DIRECTION .............................................................................. 13 2.2.3. TYPOLOGY OF TOURISTS IN SMNP ..................................................................................................... 13 2.2.3. TREND OF TOURIST ARRIVALS TO THE SMNP ................................................................................... 13 2.2.4. THE IMPORTANCE OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT........................................................................... 16 2.2.5. THE IMPACTS OF ECOTOURISM ........................................................................................................... 17 2.2.6. MAJOR CONSTRAINTS TO ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT .................................................................... 18 2.3. LAND USE IN THE SMNP ...................................................................................................................... 19 2.4. THE SITUATION OF THE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES IN THE SMNP ..................... 22 2.6. PROMOTIONAL MECHANISMS OF THE SMNP .................................................................................... 25 2.7 SWOT ANALYSIS FOR DEVELOPING ECOTOURISM IN THE SMNP ................................................... 26 CHAPTER 3: TOURIST PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SMNP ....................................... 28 3.1. POSSIBLE TOURISM PRODUCTS AND VISITORS’ INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE SMNP ........................ 28 3.1.1 INFRASTRUCTURES AND FACILITIES .................................................................................................... 31 3.2. POSSIBLE REVENUE GENERATION ITEMS OF THE SMNP ................................................................. 46 3.3. REVENUE COLLECTION FROM TOURISM IN THE SMNP .................................................................... 53 3.4. BENEFIT SHARING OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES FROM ECOTOURISM ACTIVITIES ............................. 54 3.5. TOURISM INVESTMENT POTENTIALS OF THE SMNP ......................................................................... 55 CHAPTER 4: ZONATION OF THE SMNP .......................................................................................... 56 4.1. ZONING AND THE BASIS FOR ZONING OF THE PARK .......................................................................... 56 4.2. CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE SMNP ................................................................................................. 62 CHAPTER FIVE: MASTER PLAN STRATEGY AND THREE YEARS OPRETIONAL PLAN ... 64 5.1. MASTER PLAN STRATEGY ................................................................................................................... 64 5.1.1 STRATEGIC ASSUMPTIONS ................................................................................................................... 64 5.1.2 STRATEGY COMPONENTS ..................................................................................................................... 64 5.2. THREE YEARS OPERATIONAL PLAN ................................................................................................... 68 5.2.1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 68 5.2.2 ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE ........................................................................... 68 5.2.3. SUPER GOAL OF THE THREE YEARS’ OPERATIONAL PLAN ................................................................. 69 5.2.4. GOAL ................................................................................................................................................... 70 5.2.5. PURPOSES OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN .............................................................................................. 70 5.2.6. OUTPUTS OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN ............................................................................................... 70 5.2.7. STAKEHOLDERS ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................. 70 5.2.7. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN ............................................................ 72 CHAPTER 6: PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUTURE INTERVENTION ................................................ 78 CHAPTER 7: MONITORING & EVALUATION ................................................................................. 80 GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................................ 84 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 85 ANNEXS ...................................................................................................................................................... 86


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List of Tables Table 1. Projection of tourist arrivals .............................................................................................. 14 Table 2. Positive and Negative Impacts of Ecotourism Activities in SMNP ................................. 17 Table 3. Current Land Use and Land Cover in the SMNP ............................................................ 20 Table 4: Visitor’s Infrastructure in the SMNP ............................................................................... 22 Table 5: The Situation of the Camping Sites or Lodges of the SMNP .......................................... 24 Table 6. Summary of suggested sites for selling of new products/ visitor infrastructure and extension of the existing products/ visitor infrastructure ......................................................... 30 Table 7. The Entrance Fee for Visitors (in ETB) ........................................................................... 46 Table 8. Rental Fees for Cooking Materials on Daily Basis ........................................................... 47 Table 9. Renting Fee for Different Items on Daily Basis ............................................................... 47 Table 10 . Permission Fee ............................................................................................................... 47 Table 11. Service Fee for a Day in ETB ......................................................................................... 48 Table 12. Camping Site Use and Accommodation Fee for a Day in ETB...................................... 48 Table 13. Vehicle Tariff for a Day .................................................................................................. 49 Table 14 Paragliding Service Fee per flight(in ETB) ..................................................................... 49 Table 15. Comparison of the Existing Tariffs of SMNP with Kenyan and Tanzanian National Parks (Fees in US$) by Visitor Category ........................................................................................ 51 Table 16. Revenue Collected from Tourism in the SMNP during 1992-1998 E.C. in ETB........... 53 Table 17. Expenditure _Revenue Comparison Table ..................................................................... 53 Table 18. Benefit Sharing Modality for Woredas of SMNP ........................................................... 55 Table 19. Proposed Activities to be Undertaken in Each Zone of the SMNP ................................ 60 Table 20. Carrying Capacity of SMNP per Camping Facility (person/camp site/month) .............. 63

List of Figures Figure 1: Trends of Tourist Arrivals in SMNP ............................................................................... 15 Figure 2: International Tourist Arrivals in 1998-99 ..................................................................... 16 Figure 3. Trends of Revenue Collected from Tourism in the SMNP ............................................. 54 Figure 5: Organizational Structure .................................................................................................. 69 Figure 6 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development – Tourism Master Plan General Strategy/Mother Log Frame .............................................................................................. 81

ACRONYMS and ABREVATIONS

ANRS Amhara National Regional State

BoARD Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development

BoCT Bureau of Culture and Tourism

EWCO Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Organization

IUCN The World Conservation Union

MoTC Ministry of Tourism and Culture

PaDPA Park Development and Protection Authority

PASDEP Plan for Action and Sustainable Development to End Poverty

SMNP Simien Mountains National Park

SMNP_IDP Simien Mountains National Park-Integrated Development Project

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization


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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION SMNP is among the major protected and nature-oriented tourist attraction sites of Ethiopia. The amusing landscapes, fauna and flora species diversity and endemism have contributed to the exceptional resources value of SMNP which has enabled its inclusion in the list of World Heritage and in attracting both domestic and international tourists.

The effort towards exploiting tourism resources of SMNP without affecting the natural resources of the park is at its initial stage and there is no tourism policy both at national and regional levels. As a result the local communities are not benefiting from the park resources. In order to protect the natural resources and benefit the local community from the tourism resources of the park, developing a tourism master plan is an absolute necessity for the SMNP.

Activities related to development of the ecotourism potential such as identification and promotion of tourism products, revenue generation and collection mechanisms, identification of areas of private investment, benefit sharing mechanisms, etc. require preparation of well thought-out tourism master plan. The overall aim of this study was to undertake this important task of developing a tourism master plan for the SMNP.

1.1.The Simien Mountains National Park

The SMNP is located in the north-central highlands of Ethiopia, and it forms part of the Simien mountain chains. In terms of administrative boundaries, it lies within the Debark, Adi Arkay Beyeda, Janamora and Tellemt woredas (districts) which are part of the North Gondar Zone of the Amhara National Regional State (ANRS). The SMNP encompasses part of the spectacular escarpment of the Simien mountain chains, with comparatively large areas of natural vegetation and a wide variety of animal species. Its establishment as a national park dates back to 1969, by Order No 59 of 1969 and this was based on a survey supported by the UNESCO that was carried out during the 1960s. Recognizing that the unique landscape and the rich biodiversity, with a lot of endemic species, need to be protected and managed, the SMNP was designated as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 1978. This clearly shows the international significance of the park. Since recently, in 1996, it has been included in the List of World Heritages endangered. The World Heritage Committee initially adopted the following bench marks for a removal of the property from World Heritage Endangered List.

• Realignment of the park's boundary to exclude the villages along the boundary.

• Extension of the park to include at least Mesarerya and Limalimo wildlife reserves

• Significant and sustainable reduction in the human population density within the park

• Effective conservation within the extended national park of a larger population of Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf.

Seeing the improvements on the management of the park area, their Committee reset the following benchmarks: -

• Finalize the extension of SMNP to include the Silki Yared- Kiddis Yared Mountain and the Ras Dejen Mountain with the interlinking corridors;

• Re-gazette of the new park boundaries including the extensions of Lemalimo Mesarerya, Silki, Kiddis Yared Mountains and the Ras Dejen Montain as well as the realignment of the boundary to exclude contain village;

• Develop a strategy and action plan, as part of the planned management plan revision, to significantly reduce the impact of livestock grazing on the conservation of the property by introducing no grazing and limited grazing zones based on ecological criteria and by



setting up a strict management regime in zones where grazing will still be tolerated in the short to medium term, and secure funding for its implementation; and,

• Develop a strategy and action, as part of the planned management plan revision to support the development of alternative livelihoods for the people living within the park as well as the immediate vicinity, in order to limit in the medium term their impact on the natural resources of the property, and secure funding for its implementation.

Contribution of the tourism master plan for removal of the property from World Heritage Endangered list cannot be seen in isolation from the contribution of the general management plan of the park. The tourism master plan is part and parcel of the general management plan. However, realization of the economic benefit of the local community from tourism resources through diversification of tourism products builds confidence and sense of ownership in managing and protecting the SMNP.

The map of SMNP is given below in Map No 1. At present, the park boundary along Telemit boundery is not clearly defined taking into account the official woreda boundary. Since Telemit woreda is administratively new, the actual area bordering the park should be defined and mapped. This can be used also for the revision of benefit sharing proportion calculation.



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SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Woreda AdministrationMap NO. 1

LEGEND



1.1.1. Environmental Setting and Exceptional Value of the SMNP

The Simien Mountains and the general landscape of the area are results of volcanic activity and geomorphologic processes over the geological history of the area. At the present, the SMNP is characterized by diverse conditions. Elevations range from the lowest point at 1500 m asl in the northwest to 4543 m asl, the peak of Ras Dejen mountain. Relief energy is extremely high throughout the area. Owing to the diversity in topography, micro-climatic condition and land cover/ use, different types of soil associations are found in the SMNP, such as Andosol, Pheozem, Vertisol, Luvisol, Regosol and Leptosol (Hurni and Ludi, 2000). Soil degradation, mainly due to erosion by water, is a major environmental problem in the area. In terms of climate, the SMNP and the Simien mountains area lie in the summer rainfall region. The annual average rainfall is about 1500 mm, and it ranges between 1350 mm and 1600 mm. The temporal pattern is unimodal with high amounts occurring between June and September, and the peak being in July. The mean annual temperature, as measured by Hurni at the Gich camp, is 7.7 0C, and annual temperatures range from a minimum of -2.5 0C to -4.0 0C (in January) to a maximum of 11 0C to 18 0C (in April).

The SMNP is known for its unique botanical and zoological composition of species. Particularly worth mentioning among the plant species are Erica arborea, Hypericum revoltum, and the grass varieties of fescues, Poa and Danthonia. Of the wildlife, the Walia ibex (Copra walie) - a type of wild goat - is worthy of note as it is one of the major justifications for making this region into a national park. The other major wildlife resources found in the SMNP are Ethiopian wolf, Gelada baboon and Klipspringer.

The breathtaking landscape, fauna and flora species diversity and endemism have bestowed exceptional resource value upon the SMNP, which has enabled its inclusion in the list of World Heritages. Because of this exceptional resource value, the SMNP has a huge potential for ecotourism development, which has not so far been exploited. At the present, there exists a favorable policy environment (cf. section 1.5 here under) and political stability in the county and this provides an enabling condition to develop and exploit this potential to the benefit of the local community as well as the country at large. The integrated development program funded by Austrian Government under way is to bring major changes in SMNP including tourism development. There have been developments of tourist infrastructures and services like community lodges, outposts, toilets, tape water, etc. Thus tourists have started to access better facilities than they used in the past and there is increasing trend of tourist arrivals.

1.1.2. Socioeconomic and Cultural Background

The SMNP and the surrounding areas are inhabited by the Amharas, part of the Semetic population of the country. In the lowlands north of Adi Arkay, there are Tigrinya people, and to the east below the escarpment in Beyeda, there are Agaw people of Wag. Sedentary agriculture, where crop cultivation is complemented by a strong livestock rearing, is the primary occupation of the Simien people. Livestock provide the draught power needed for the farming while crop residues constitute important sources of feed to the livestock. The area is characterized by a minimum of socio-economic infrastructure and administrative institutions: few schools, no clinics, few markets of only local character, an economy based mainly on subsistence agriculture, and almost no extension services. The religious systems provide the strongest institutional set-up in the villages, followed by the Kebele Associations (KA). KA structures are a more recent, since 1976, element introduced by the Government. Part of the SMNP had likely been settled much before the establishment of the park, probably many centuries ago. Long-term user rights in the area by local land users are in conflict with the national wildlife conservation



policy, mainly because natural resources inside the park are being diminished despite the establishment of the park.

1.1.3. Development Initiatives

Though the SMNP has the unique landscape and the rich biodiversity resources, it had been deteriorating as a result of misuse of natural resources (due to high population pressure), overgrazing, land degradation, deforestation, and agricultural encroachment and all these made the park to be inscribed on the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger by UNESCO in 1996.

Seeing this deteriorating situation of the SMNP, the Ethiopian and Austrian Governments agreed to act on this problem and to reverse the situation of the park. The Austrian Government through its Embassy Development Cooperation (AEDC), initiated implementation of projects since 1996. These initiatives include: -

• Ecotourism Project, Phase I, signed in 1996 for one year with the objective of the assessment of the tourism potentials of the park;

• Nature Oriented Tourism Development Project, Phase II, signed for the period Jan 1998 – Dec 1999 for two years with the objective of tourism development and park management;

• The Simien Mountains National Park Integrated Development Project (SMNP - IDP), Phase III, elapsed from Oct 2001 – Mar 2004, with the objective of conserving, developing, and managing the environment and natural resources to return the Park’s World Heritage Status, and enhancing the income generating capacity of the park;

• Second Phase of SMNP IDP, strategically considered integrated community development and put more emphasis ‘on park with people’ development approach. This phase has project components of park management, conservation-based tourism development, agricultural intensification, livestock development, natural resource conservation and development, and institutional/community capacity building.

As a result of the endeavor of the above projects, substantial improvements have been recorded. Some examples that indicate improvements achieved are: -

• Walia ibex has increased in number from 200 to 659;

• Agricultural production improved;

• Park boundary extended;

• Park boundary realigned to exclude villages along the boundary;

• Different capacity building (training and material provision) activities and infrastructural development performed;

• Draft management Plan of the Park produced;

• Draft strategy for Reducing Grazing Pressure produced; and,

• Forestry development and soil and water conservations carried out.

These and other accomplishments of the project prompted UNESCO to write appreciation letter to the region.



1.2 Vision, Goal and Objectives

1.2.1. Vision

Well-managed and internationally recognized ecotourism site that provides the finest quality services, conserves the natural and cultural environments and benefits the country including the local community.

1.2.2. Super Goal

SMNP remained at World Heritage List and contribution to Ethiopian National Tourism Revenue increased.

1.2.3. Goal

The goal that receives contribution for its realization from the master plan is ‘Sustainable eco-tourism developed in SMNP’

The master plan contributes to enhancing sustainable eco-tourism development, and conservation of environmental and biodiversity resources in the SMNP, and improve the livelihood of the local communities through partnership among the government, the private sector and the local communities

1.2.4. Objective

The general objective of the tourism master plan is to promote development of sustainable tourism in the Simien Mountains National Park and its vicinity. With in the framework of this general objective, the specific objectives are defined as follows: 1. To increase the number of tourists and the length of their stay by increasing satisfaction level

of tourists 2. To increase economic benefits to the local community and the government 3. To protect and manage the natural resources of the park 4. To improve the promotion mechanisms of tourism resources of the park 5. To raise community awareness and understanding about ecotourism development in SMNP 6. To improve tourist infrastructures and facilities within and around the park. 7. To improve the capacity of park administration for the management and control of tourism

development

1.2.5. Outputs

The outputs of the master plan that contribute to the realization of the above mentioned purposes are:-

1. Resource management practices within and around the SMNP improved; 2. Visitors’ information center upgraded; 3. Accessibility of tourist sites of the SMNP improved; and, 4. Tourist products within and around the SMNP diversified.

To achieve these outputs of the Tourism Master Plan, integration of stake holders is essential.

1.3 Duration of the Master Plan:- The tourism master plan is planned to be

implemented over five years (2008-2012). This has been determined based on the extent of interventions identified and the time required for its complete revision.



1.4. Policy Analysis

One of the core International Documents that make cultural and natural heritage the subject of an International Convention is “Convention Concerning the Protection of the Cultural and

Natural Heritage (Paris,16 Nov 1972), which includes many issues among which the following

are leading concerns:-

• National and International Protection;

• Intergovernmental Committee (establishment of ‘the World Heritage Committee’);

• Educational Programmes;

• Fund; and,

• Conditions and Arrangements for International Assistance.

Ethiopia is endowed with several cultural and natural tourism resources but the development of tourism sector is in its initial stage. Presently the government of Ethiopia is giving much attention for the development of tourism sector. There are several evidences for provision of these attentions:

• Restructuring of public sector that concerns for the development of tourism sector at national and regional level including district level

• There was consensus reached at national level as one of a means to end poverty through tourism development.

• Developing tourism policy at national and regional level.

It was tried to review the draft tourism policy documents both at national and regional level. These policy documents are expected to be finalized and legalized within the near future. Maintaining sustainable tourism development is the overall objective stated in both policy documents and the specific objectives are:

• Increasing the quantity and the quality of services provide for visitors

• Increasing the participation of local community in developing tourism sector

• Increasing the benefits of local communities from tourism activity

• Protect and preserve both natural and cultural resources of tourism

• Develop infrastructures

• Human resource development in tourism sector

• Promote the participation of private sector in tourism sector

• Promote tourism resources both national and internationally

In addition to tourism policy, there are other policies that support development of tourism. These are: Wildlife Development, Conservation and Utilization Policy and Strategy, Environmental Policy, Biodiversity Policy, the Rural Land Administration and Use Policy and Proclamation for the Amhara region and Rural Development Policy and Strategies. In each of these policies, the major objective is conservation of the natural environment to the benefit of the local community which will contribute to sustainable development of tourism.

The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia: The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia developed in 1997 provides a legal frame-work for sustainable development of environmental resources upon which tourism can be developed. The over all objective is to improve and enhance the health and quality of life and to promote sustainable social and economic development through the sound management and use of natural, human-made and cultural resources and the environment as a whole so as to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The specific objectives relevant to the development of tourism are:-



• Ensure that essential ecological processes and life support systems are sustained, biological diversity is preserved and renewable natural resources are used in such a way that their regenerative and productive capabilities are maintained and where possible enhanced so that the satisfaction of the needs of future generations is not compromised; where this capability is already impaired to seek through appropriate interventions a restoration of that capability

• Raise public awareness and promote understanding of the essential linkages between environment and development.

Wildlife Development, Conservation and Utilization Policy and Strategy (March 2005): this policy document comes to the fore with the objective of properly developing and administrating the country’s wildlife resources, and enabling the sector to contribute fully to the nation building process; and, protecting the wildlife resources and their habitats, maintaining the balance of nature for fostering in accordance with international wildlife conventions and agreements to which the country is a signatory. The whole content of this policy document underpins the protection and development of parks.

Rural Land Administration and Use Proclamation: ANRS council approved the rural land administration and use proclamation to give the legislative support to the land use and land administration. The rights and obligation of the land users provided in the revised proclamation No. 133/2006 would give an opportunity for land users to realize sustainable land use options and resources management system in the region. It also provides protection of nature areas for uses that ensure the greatest sustainable benefit of the local community and the region as whole

The National Biodiversity Policy: provides a basis for preservation, development, management and sustainable use of the diversity of gene pools of Ethiopia's species of wildlife and domesticated flora and fauna and its natural and human managed ecosystem for the country's social and economic development and for the integrity of the biosphere.

Regional Conservation Strategy: one of the major strategy document in the region: It takes holistic view of the natural, human made and cultural resources of the region and their use and abuse and seeks to integrate a coherent whole, existing and future regional planning in all sectors that have impact on the environment including agriculture, forestry, wildlife, fisheries, water, minerals, energy, tourism, urban planning and heritage conservation. Therefore implementation of this strategy document will assist in realization of tourism resources to its potential.

Rural Development Strategies: The federal government to be used as guide for planning and implementation of rural development interventions at all levels formulated rural development strategy. The strategy document supports the integration of sectoral plans so as to bring ecologically, socially and economically sustainable development in rural areas and emphasis each development to look into appropriate use of land, water and labor as a factor of production. The strategy has effect on increased production and productivity of agricultural land that would reduce both human and livestock pressure on the protected areas so as to use the area for nature conservation and tourism development.

To ensure the effective implementation of the above and other related International, National and Regional policies and strategies, the Amhara National Regional State has taken organizational restructuring measures.

These restructuring measures include the establishment of the most relevant public institutions. These are realized by proclamations of the Establishment and Definitions of Powers and Duties of the ANRS Tourism Commission (Proclamation No 70/2002), and the Establishment of Parks Development and Protection Authority of the ANRS (Proclamation No 96/2003) to which the SMNP Office is reporting. The latter has a provision (Article 12) for the establishment of Management Board, which is responsible for the coordination and steering of duties, and deciding on main issues of the Authority. The Board is accountable to the President of ANRS



and this justifies the high level of concern the Amhara National Regional State has given to the parks development and protection. Specific to the Simien Mountains National Park, the Parks Development and Protection Authority, by the virtue of its power vested in Article 15 of Proclamation No 96/2003, has produced a directive called SMNP Development and Protection Woreda Coordination Committee. This committee, in turn, is mandated for the development of different bylaws and detail guidelines that may assist the implementation of the directive. Though there is a conducive policy environment for tourism development, there is one major policy gap. The absence of tourism policy makes the situation blurred to maximize the development of tourism in the region. Both national and regional tourism development policies are lacking. And the above mentioned policies and strategies create a great potential for tourism policy development.

1.5 Methodology of the Study

The study involved the following major activities of data collection and analysis:

1. Literature Review

The consulting team has reviewed annual reports of the Simien Mountains National Park- Integrated Development Project (IDP) and Park office at Debark and Park Authority at Bahir Dar, and other relevant studies and documents. The specific documents materials and sources of information reviewed include;

• Annual reports and information related to tourist flow, revenue collection, infrastructure development.

• The previous management plan and its revised version

• Previous research works, such as Hurni (1986) and Nievergelt et al. (1998)

• Strategic plan documents of the Culture and Toursim Bureau, and the Park Development and Protection Authority of the Amhara National Regional State.

• Mid-term Evaluation of the Projects in the Food Security Subprogram in North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

• National and Regional level policy documents

2. Fieldwork

Members of the team conducted intensive fieldwork for over two weeks, focusing on an assessment of the existing and potentials for development of new tourism products including;

• Identification of existing sites of natural attractions

• Accessibility of the attraction sites

• Assessing the exiting infrastructures and tourist services

• Collecting GPS data for production of maps for ecotourism development activities.

3. Consultation

Formal and informal consultations were employed as mechanisms of collecting information. These were done through workshops, group discussions and key-informant interviews. Workshops were held on June 14 and Sept 20/ 2007. The participants of the workshop were from the office of Park Development and Protection Authority, Environmental protection, Land administration and Use Authority, Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, Ethiopian wildlife development and protection agency, Culture and Tourism bureau, members of eco-tourism associations, various zonal and woreda government and Non government organizations.

The focus group discussions and key-informant interviews were held with members of the Guide Association, cookers, members of the Ecotourism Association, experts of the Park Development



and Protection Authority, experts of the SMNP- IDP office, experts of the Culture and Tourism office, Wereda administrations of Debark, Adarkey and Janamora, managers of hotels at Debark and the Simien lodge, tour operators and tourists, and local people. Consultation was also made with experts of telecommunication, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Rural Road Authority main offices at Bahir Dar.

1.6. Guiding Principles for Ecotourism

• Promote the socio-cultural aspects of the local community.

• Provide quality services and create conducive environments for visitors.

• Provide environmental education for stakeholders; local community, government, non government organizations, industry and tourists.

• Direct revenue sharing to conservation and management of natural and protected areas

• Enhance prospects for economic development and employment while maintaining protection of the environment.

• Provide support through policy development and commitment to promote sustainability in tourism and related activities.

• Maximize economic, social and environmental benefits from tourism and minimize its adverse effects.



CHAPTER 2: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE SMNP

2.1. The Exceptional Value of SMNP

The SMNP is exceptional in its breathtaking landscape, species richness and endemism and thus has given international significance. The Simien Mountains are a must for all those interested in wildlife, spectacular landscape and biological research. In fact, it is the beautiful scenery and the presence of such endemic species of mammals as the Walia ibex, the Ethiopian wolf, Menlik Bush buck and Gelada baboon that have bestowed World Heritage status to the SMNP. Its proximity to the old cultural centers like Aksum, Lalibela and Gonder also makes it convenient for visiting for those primarily interested in cultural or historical sites.

The SMNP is part of the Afro-alpine centre of biodiversity with high but unquantified levels of endemism (perhaps 5-10 species) due to past isolation by glaciation (Magin, 2001). The Park, on the margins of the Palaearctic biome, preserves a representative part of the Ethiopian Tropical Seasonal Highland biome and contains vegetation characteristic of each. So far in the SMNP 20 plant species are recorded to be endemic to Ethiopia and three of them are only endemic to the Simien Mountains (Simien Mountains National Park Management Plan, 2001). These include Festuca gilbertiana, Rosutaria Simiensis, and Dianthus longiglum. The faunal diversity of the SMNP is also high, which is mainly related to variations in the topography and vegetation cover of the area. A total of 21 mammals including ten endemic species, 182 bird species of which 6 are endemic, 27 aquatic invertebrates and five species of rats and shrews have been recorded in the Simien Mountains (Simien Mountains National Park Management Plan and SMNP-IDP Office). However, human disturbance and habitat alteration has reduced the range of habitats available to the animals in the Park. This was a serious problem before the introduction of the Austrian government assisted Project, IDP. The Walia ibex (Capra walie (CR)), endemic to the Simien Mountains, has taken refuge on the cliffs of the northern escarpment. Similarly the Ethiopian wolf and klipspringer are low in number. The shrinking or loss of habitat for the above species and subsequent decrease in the number of the animals has attracted the attention of the international community towards the SMNP.

The SMNP Ecosystem falls in the Great biodiversity hotspot areas in the world that represents the afro-alpine and montane ecosystems. The Afroalpine ecosystem consists of grassland and moorland, with an abundant herb layer, while heathers dominate the heathland scrub. Many species common in montane forest, such as trees of the genera Podocarpus and Juniperus, have economic importance. The primary threat to the biodiversity of the Eastern Afromontane and Horn of Africa Hotspots is habitat loss due to various agricultural activities. As a result only 5-10% of original vegetation remains in pristine condition and it is with no exception in the Simien Mountains.

In addition to the outstanding diversity in flora and fauna it has an exceptional diversity in landscape, and altitude. The Simien Mountains are found between 1500 and 4543 m a.s.l and the nature of the landscape is characterized by deep gorges, precipices, crests, rocky areas and plains. The western rugged massif contains the highest peak of Ethiopia, Ras Dajen, which has an elevation of 4543 m asl. The mosaic pattern of the Simien Mountains promotes species richness and biodiversity, but on the other hand makes it vulnerable to environmental degradation since some habitats are taken over by man either for agriculture or wood cutting or livestock grazing.

At present, the Simien Mountains in general and the SMNP in particular are under heavy human population pressure, which is threatening the natural value of the mountain ecosystem. However, compared to the overall land use pattern and environmental situation in the northern Ethiopia,



relatively large patches of natural ecosystems in all altitudinal zones of the SMNP are still preserved. A unique altitudinal cross-section with almost undisturbed flora on the northern slope of the Bwahit peak (4430 m asl) is of particular importance.

Conservation of such high biodiversity resources with its unique habitat is essential and it has the potential to make significant contributions for the development of the tourism industry. Despite of the rich biodiversity resources and beautiful scenery, tourism development in the SMNP is far behind from its potential development. Development of tourism infrastructure and facilities together with appropriate conservation of environmental resources will perhaps in the near future change the Simien Mountains area into a center of tourism and economic development.

2.2. An Overview of Ecotourism Development in the SMNP

2.2.1. African Experience

Wildlife based tourism is the most important economic engine for some of the African countries like Kenya and Tanzania. In Tanzania, 24 percent of the land surface is used for wildlife conservation. Similarly, Kenya is endowed with a great deal of natural attractions, including wildlife in its native habitat as well as some of Africa’s finest beaches. This natural endowment has turned Kenya’s tourism industry into a leading economic sector, generating revenues of almost Ksh 49 billion (US$ 700 million) in 2005 and directly employing 176,000 people—about 10 percent of all jobs in the formal sector. 80 percent of the international visitors who came to Kenya for holidays are primarily to view the wildlife habitats.

Although large section of the Tanzanian peoples depend on subsistence agriculture and natural resources, the tourism industry is becoming one of the fastest growing economic sectors of the

country. Utilization of the wildlife resources has been generating substantial revenue to the government. For example, in 2002/2003, revenue from tourism hunting amounted to USD 9.3 million, photographic safaris conducted in National Parks accrued USD 157,830,837 and collection from non-consumptive tourism activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) amounted to USD 54,229,057 (paper presented to 2nd African conference)

Between 1995 and 2001, about 59% of the visitors came to Tanzania for leisure, recreation and holidays compared to those who came for conferences, professionals and others (i.e. 41%). This category of visitors, the former group, includes groups that could indulge in tourist activities that yield more revenue. Tourist hunting for instance is one of the activities with a higher value compared with the rest. Significant income came from tourist hunting where the average annual income is about US$ 10 million, although more could actually be realized had this component of the sector been rationalized and well managed.

Increased revenue from tourism resources in the above east African countries is mainly due to an increase in private tour operators and agents, better advertising of tourist attractions abroad and a greater capacity to cater for more tourists. These have not been well developed in Ethiopian parks including the SMNP.

As far as the experiences of the above African countries tariff's on various tourist services are concerned, they commonly collect revenue from entrance fee, camping fee, vehicle charges, filming, photography, hunting etc. As the Tanzanian and Kenyan tariffs for each service was compared with the existing tariffs in Ethiopia, SMNP for example, the Tanzanian and Kenyan tariffs, in all kinds of services, are incredibly higher than the SMNP. For example the Kenyan National Park's entrance fee for citizen, residence and non-residence exceeds the SMNP by $2.64 (800%), $11.56 (348%), and $34.47 (623%), respectively while Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) entrance fee for citizens and non-residents exceeds by $ 0.88 (267%), $44.47



(804%), respectively. The tariffs for camping site in Kenyan national parks vary between $2.01 and $7.79. Significant difference is also observed with Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) for non-resident fee i.e. $27.79. Similarly wide differences exist in vehicle charges in both countries as compared to SMNP.

2.2.2. National Experience and Policy Direction

The Ethiopian tourism sector now constitutes about 2 per cent of GDP, and accounts for 15 per cent of foreign currency earnings, which in 2003 amounted to $77 million. Despite the upward trend, the sector is still seen as under-performing. This is mainly attributed to inadequate development of tourist infrastructures, services and management of tourist attractions which call for formulating a well-defined tourism development strategy. Indeed now a days the Ethiopian Government has given due emphasis to tourism sector as part of poverty reduction development component. In this regard the Plan for Action and Sustainable Development to End Poverty (PASDEP) aims to unleash a process that would make Ethiopia one of the top ten tourist destinations by the year 2020 with an emphasis to maximize the poverty-reducing impacts of tourism. Some of the planned interventions that would supposedly lead to the lofty target include: upgrading the general quality of the hotel managements and service standards; developing national parks into tourist destinations with private sector partners; promoting special initiatives to promote entrepreneurs; and, providing a supportive policy environment to development of tourist facilities and information centers.

2.2.3. Typology of Tourists in SMNP

Different tourists have different motivations for visiting various destinations based on their behavior and they have different impacts on a given destinations. Although there is no universal agreement on typology of tourists, different scholars suggested different types of tourists. For example they classify based on the relation between the behavior of tourists, nature of attractions and tourism businesses. Cohen identified four types of tourists: the organized mass tourists, the individual mass tourists, the explorer and the drifter (Holden, 2003). As mentioned in the Guides Training Manual of Simien Mountains National Park (2003), Cochrane also classifies tourists as:

• Backpackers : who aim to travel cheaply for long periods and may enjoy trekking through natural scenery

• Explorers: who tend to be solitary and adventurous, and may be wealthy through they avoid non-essential expenses and requires no special facilities.

• General interest tourists: who may be keen on nature and safe but adventurous activities, but will accept difficult conditions for short periods.

• Mass tourists: they travel in large group. And they are interested in local culture and natural history if these are easy to experience.

• Special interest tourists: those who are strongly motivated by a particular hobby and willing to pay well to obtain necessary facilities and services. They are strongly motivated to visit admire scenery and wildlife and they also known as nature- oriented tourists.

The types of tourists visiting the SMNP are more or less related to categories given by Cochrane. Nevertheless most visitor categories belong to special and general interest tourists (Nature-Oriented Tourism Project, 1999 and SMNP-IDP, 2003).

2.2.3. Trend of Tourist Arrivals to the SMNP

The endowment of the SMNP with several endemic animals and plant life and a unique landscape attract both domestic tourists from different parts of Ethiopia and international tourists from different parts of the world. As indicated from the draft management plan (2001) from the



establishment of the national park up to 1977 on average over 500 visitors were recorded per annum. Because of droughts and political instability (the civil war during the Derg regime) tourist arrivals declined from 1977 to the beginning of the 1990s. The border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 1998 and 1999 was the cause for a decline in tourist arrivals. After 1999 there has been a tremendous increase in tourist arrivals and proper implementation of the master plan will further increase the number of tourists.

Considering the trend of the last 9 years as well as relating to the carrying capacity of the park annual increment of tourist arrival was determined at 25 per cent. Having this in mind tourist arrivals by the year 2004 will be 21756. The assumption to maintain 25 per cent annual tourist increment is simply relating to expectation of improvements of tourist facilities and services during the master plan implementation period.

Table 1. Projection of Tourist Arrivals

Year Tourist arrivals Annual growth rate (%) Remark

1998 6019 18.6 actual

1999 6991 16.14 actual

2000 8923 25 Projected(based on the average of the

last 9 years(1991-99)

2001 11153 25 projected

2002 13941 25 projected

2003 17426 25 projected

2004 21756 25 projected

In fact seasonality is one of the major problems of the tourism industry in many of tourist destinations in the world. As indicated in Annex 9 the time from October to April is the peak season, whereas the slack season is between May and September. Tourist arrivals are low during the slack season basically because of the Kiremt rains (the main rainy season in much of Ethiopia) that starts from the beginning of May and lasts until the end of September. But many tourists from Spain and other countries in the Mediterranean region often come during the rainy season. Perhaps attracting a greater number of tourists from this region of the world during the rainy season can be pursued as a strategy to overcome the problem of seasonality in tourist inflows into the SMNP.



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Figure 1: Trends of Tourist Arrivals in SMNP



Tourist arrivals in 1998_99

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Figure 2: International Tourist Arrivals in 1998-99

2.2.4. The Importance of Ecotourism Development

In the past, mass tourism was the predominant form and preferred type of tourism in almost all countries of the world. It was basically related to the notion of mass consumption, and which unfortunately leads to emergence of several environmental, cultural and social problems that attract the attention of several international scholars. In specific terms, these problems are environmental, social and cultural degradation, and unequal distribution of financial benefits and the spread of diseases (Mowforth and Munt, 2003). The spread of such problems necessitates the need for development of new or alternative forms of tourism that ought to minimize adverse environmental impacts. There are different definitions given to such new forms of tourism. All of the definitions underline the need for conservation and preservation of the resources for future generations, the use of tourism for contribution of environmental protection, limiting negative socio-cultural impacts of tourism, increasing the satisfaction level of tourists and benefiting local communities economically as well as socially. Ecotourism is among those new forms of tourism. It is defined by the International Ecotourism Society as responsible travel to natural areas that

conserve the environment and sustains the well being of local communities (Strasdas, 2002). The most common activities in this form of tourism are bird watching, game viewing, nature photography, trekking and the like. In most cases, eco-tourists are young and highly educated with professional and managerial occupations. Literature indicates that eco-tourists are characterized by few number in a given tour group, stay longer in a specific destination, use small independent hotels and assign more money for their trip in comparison to mass tourists. It is believed that eco-tourists prefer natural and less crowded attraction sites, and this means that



the Simien Mountains National Park is a very appropriate and preferable site for this form of tourism.

Most of the tourists visiting SMNP are nature –oriented tourists or eco-tourists. The existing infrastructure, facilities, promotion methods etc couldn’t attract the required number of tourists and increase the length of stay of tourist. Therefore improving the existing infrastructure and facilities, and developing eco-tourism is a prerequisite for benefiting the local community and protecting the natural environment of the park area.

2.2.5. The Impacts of Ecotourism

As noted above, ecotourism is based on the natural environment as the major resource for tourist attraction. Even though, eco-tourism is considered to be different from mass tourism, it will still have both positive and negative impacts on the natural, socio-cultural and economic environments. Raising awareness of the local community and other stakeholders about the impact of ecotourism activities is advantageous to maximize its positive and to avoid or minimize negative impacts. This can be achieved through organizing different fora like workshops, conferences, training etc. Table 2 below describes some of the potential negative and positive impacts that may ensue from ecotourism activities in protected areas.

Table 2. Positive and Negative Impacts of Ecotourism Activities in SMNP

Categories Impacts Description of the Impact

Natural

environment

Positive

• Protection of natural environments and preservation from further environmental degradation

• Improvement in the quality of the natural environmental resources

Negative

• Pollution of air

• Due to the construction of infrastructure and need of fuel wood, there are losses of species of vegetation and wildlife. Losses of vegetation are the cause for soil erosion.

• The main sources of drinking water for local communities and tourists are surface water. Various activities of local communities and tourists are polluting the drinking water and this is becoming the cause for heath problems of the local communities and the tourists.

• As the result of activities of local communities and tourists that lack environmental concern accumulation of dry waste (plastic bags and bottles) especially around trekking routes and camping sites is affecting the life of humans and animals.

• There is loss or change of natural landscape and drainage pattern due to the construction of tourist facilities and road infrastructure i.e from Debark to Beyeda and Janamora,

• Unwanted sounds (noise) produced due to radio and vehicles crossing the park area are disturbing wildlife during breeding, foraging and preying time.

• Feeding or touching of wild animals

Positive

� Improved standard of living of local communities � Creating opportunities for access of local communities to

various facilities and services. � Improved level of understanding of local communities about



Categories Impacts Description of the Impact

Socio-cultural

environment

the external world � Promotion of cultural exchanges of local communities � Creates opportunities for meeting interesting people from

different parts of the world

Negative

• Increasing social problems( e.g. emergence of begging)

• Displacement of local residents

• Cultural loss

Economic

environment

Positive

� Source of government revenue � Source of employment opportunities for local communities � It initiates other economic activities directly and indirectly

supporting the tourism industry � Source of income for local communities (from provision of

goods and services ) � Increasing and improving infrastructure development of

surrounding areas � Effective utilization of natural resources like land, and

wildlife as sources of income

Negative

� Increasing price of goods and services � Profit may end up into the hands of people outside of the

tourism areas � High dependency of local people on the tourism sector � Seasonal nature of employment in the tourism sector

2.2.6. Major Constraints to Ecotourism Development

The problems and constraints the SMNP faced were serious. The intervention by the Austrian Government - Integrated Development Project – has, however, managed to show remarkable impacts for eco-tourism development. Despite the general trend of improvement being observed, eco-tourism development in SMNP is still presently beset by a number of problems, related to human factors and infrastructure development. Some of the major constraints are:

i.) Excessive human and livestock population pressure on the natural environment ii.) Inadequate infrastructure and facilities within and outside the park area including lack of air

transport, banking service and poor quality road from Gonder to Debark and to the park area. The quality of existing infrastructures within the park area need improvements and also insufficient for visitors in terms of quantity.

iii.) Inadequate promotion of the existing tourism resources both nationally and internationally iv.) Inadequate quality tourist services provision. v.) Seasonality of tourist arrivals.

vi.) Inadequate tourism product diversity or activities. vii.) Limitations in providing appropriate information for tourists.

viii.) Inadequate coordination that requires more effort among the different stakeholders. ix.) Low economic benefit to the local community



2.3. Land Use in the SMNP

One of the major constraints for both conservation of environmental resources and development of tourism in the SMNP is the non-optimal use of the natural resources due to human settlement, grazing and cultivation. Twenty one Kebele Administrations share boarder with the park. More than 85% of the park area is under intense use of grazing and browsing while 10% is under cultivation of cereal farming and the remaining 4% is exposed rock surface constituting the side slopes of the escarpments.

The extensive range land dominated by species of Guasa and Giant lobelia has been co-grazed by cattle, sheep and horse population with no complementary effect. Herding various species of livestock with different grazing preferences can often lead to over use of the pasture land. To this effect the beautiful plateaus of the SMNP are grazed down close to the soil surface. This has been causing significant changes in floral and faunal species. A typical example is the short and long grass steppe which was the traditional habitat for the Walia ibex and the Ethiopian wolf is now extremely over used and this in turn gave way to development of short herbs and then forced the Walia ibex to adapt to forested areas and steep escarpments of the park. On the other hand, with increasing tendency of range land degradation Giant lobelia to some extent has shown increased cover or density in some parts of the Ayena meda and Bwahit plateaus. This change in vegetation structure ultimately decreases quality of the landscape scenery for tourism development. Basically the domestic animals which are responsible for loss of wildlife habitat need to be withdrawn from the park area by designing alternative feed development strategies outside the park. It has been reported that one of the most disappointing issues in the minds of most international visitors is livestock grazing in the wildlife habitats.

The SMNP is also partly inhabited by subsistence cereal farming communities. A reconnaissance survey made on the land use and land cover of the newly demarcated park area indicated that besides grazing use, 10% of the park area is under cultivation of highland crops, barley being the most dominant crop followed by wheat and pulses. The Gich community is entirely a farming community living inside the park area. Until the IDP interventions, the traditional farming system has been in use without any soil and water conservation measures in place. As a result, the area has reached a critical level of land degradation. Moreover, exotic species of plants like eucalyptus have been introduced into the homestead areas. Such a change in the vegetation type and composition inevitably creates different habitats which will benefit entirely different species, but can be detrimental to indigenous ones. With a further intensification of agriculture that can be expected from the growing demand for food of the inhabitants, there will be a possibility to increased use of chemical fertilizers that will have negative consequences on the natural ecosystem of the park

On the other hand, many research works carried out in the field of biodiversity in the SMNP have identified the Gich plateau as a center of biodiversity. It has also been confirmed that the Gich plateau was one of the best places where an outstanding quality of the natural afroalpine grassland was found for ungulates like Walia ibex and Klipspringer. Among the three endemic plant species identified in the SMNP, Festuca gilbertiana is only found in the Gich plateau. Unfortunately, with increased invasion by people and their livestock into the Afro-alpine grassland the Gich plateau has recently been regressing from its natural state.

The vegetation structure of the SMNP is well-stratified following altitude and slope of the area. The major vegetation structures mapped using the reconnaissance survey are forest, bush land or scattered trees, grassland, grass mixed with herbs, and exposed rock surface each representing 12.4%, 22.2%, 44.9%, 8.2% and 4.2%, respectively. On the plateau areas with altitudes above 3000 m a.s.l and with slopes of up to 30% grassland with solitary stands of Giant lobelia is the dominant vegetation structure. In grasslands, livestock grazing and foraging of Gelada baboon



are the main land use activities. It is also a hunting field for the Simien fox where the grass rat is commonly found. Very often one can observe the Erica forests on the side slopes of the Simien Mountains in altitude that range between 3000 and 3800 m asl. The Erica forest comprises Erica

arborea and Erica trimera species. The forest cover is denser on the middle of the mountains where human and livestock interferences are minimal. At present this forest belt is the common habitat for Walia ibex, Klipspringer and Gelada baboon. It is the refuge camp for the above wild animals against being chased by humans and predators like leopard.

In areas with altitudes ranging between 3800 and 4300 m.asl, the Guassa grass has gave way to the herb layers with particular domination of the Helichrysum species. In this vegetation region, the Walia ibex and Gelada baboon populations are abundant.

Bush lands are most commonly found in areas below 3000 m a.sl. They are commonly associated with steep slopes. The steep escarpments with slopes in excess of 55% are bare rocks with light grass cover. Mostly they are suitable for paragliding and mountaineering. Table 3. Current Land Use and Land Cover in the SMNP

Land cover Area (ha) Percent of total area (%) Bush land or scattered trees 5302.58 22.17

Cultivated Land 2576.45 10.77

Forest 3382.17 14.14

Grass Land 9691.68 40.52

Grass Land with exposed rock surface 1002.09 4.19

Herb_grass 1964.83 8.21

Total 23919.81 100

Source: Adapted from Reconciling conservation with development by Hürni, H. & Ludi, E, 2000 and woody biomass inventory, 2001)

The percentage calculation of Land Use/Cover excludes the area of Ras Dejen, Silki and Kidus Yared. When the area of these places is included, the percentage of crop land will be lower than 10%.



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2.4. The Situation of the Existing Infrastructure and Services in the SMNP

When tourists visit protected areas like the SMNP, they experience, appreciate, and learn about nature, landscape (scenery), wildlife or special natural feature such as a waterfall. These attractions are the original supply elements of tourism. In order to develop ecotourism in the SMNP, the existing attractions should be supported by adequate infrastructure and services. Infrastructure and services should be provided based on an assessment of needs of the target tourists. Since its establishment in 1969, the SMNP has been supported by various infrastructure and services. The existing and the required infrastructure and services of the park are assessed based on the ecotourism training manual prepared for protected areas (Strasdas, 2002) and review of other pertinent literature.

The existing lodges in the SMNP are divided into three categories: community lodge (located at Adisgie, Meligebsa, Gich and Chennek), private lodge (the Simien lodge) and public/ government lodge (at Sankaber). Certainly infrastructure and services in protected areas like the SMNP should consider the natural environment and thus ought to have minimal impact on wildlife, natural ecosystem and other natural elements.

Minimum infrastructure requirements for a given camping sites and lodge is stated as follow.

• Camping sites : Water supply, Light, Kitchen, Cooking materials, shower, toilet, tent rent, seats, first aid services, controlled incineration, parking(for those access to road), wireless telephone service.

• Lodge : accommodation , water supply, light, kitchen, cooking materials, shower, toilet, tent rent, seats, first aid services, controlled incineration, parking(for those access to road), wireless telephone service in limited lodges employees' house and souvenir shops are necessary.

Based on the above requirements, the assessment for the existing lodges and camping sites in SMNP is indicated in Table 5.

Table 4: Visitor’s Infrastructure in the SMNP

No Infrastructure

category

Infrastructure/services Situation in SMNP

1 Infrastructure that

facilitates certain

experiences

View points Available but not enough

Hiding places to watch wild life Not available (probably

not necessary)

2 Transportation and

movement infrastructure

Trekking routes Available but not enough

Bridge Not available

Climbing trails Available (need

maintenance)

Roads Available

Car parking Not available

Mule/ horse for renting Available

Horse riding Not available

3 Information related Direction signs and attraction Available but not enough



No Infrastructure

category


infrastructure description board both in and outside

the park

Signs informing visitors about

regulations, codes of conduct/

behaving

Available but not enough

4 Infrastructure that meets

physical needs

Resting places (including seats) Available but not enough

Toilets Available but not enough

Bathing facilities Available but not enough

First aid services Not available

5 Access point and

reception areas

Ticket office Available

Entrance gate Available at Sawrie but not at Limalimo side

Visitors center Available but it is not at

the right site

6 Accommodation

infrastructure

Camping sites Available but not enough

Eco-lodges Available but not enough

Renting tents Available

Resting room for mules/ horses and

Muleteers

Not available

7 Water supply and waste

disposal facility

Water Available but of low

quality

Garbage disposal site Available but not enough

Energy sources Solar energy panel

available in some sites

8 communication

infrastructure

communication radio/wireless

telephone

Not available

9 Other infrastructure Shopping services Available but not enough

Catering services Not available

Outposts Available but not enough

Cooking materials for renting Available but not enough

sign posts Available but not enough



No Infrastructure

category


view points Available but not enough

trekking routes Available but not enough

Table 5: The Situation of the Camping Sites or Lodges of the SMNP

N.A= Data not available

** Outposts and camping sites

* Outposts only

X = Facility not available

√ = available

Facilities Buyit

Ras*

Sankaber **

Chennek

**

Gich

**

Ayanameda

*

Sebat

Minch*

Adarmaz

*

Muchila

*

Dirni *

Distance in km from

Debark

20 36 58 48 42

78 N.A N.A N.A

Water

supply

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Light √ √ √ √ X X √ √ √

Kitchen √ √ √ √ X X X X X

Cooking

materials

X X X X X X X X X

Shower X √ X √ X X X X X

Toilet √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Horse

renting

X √ X X X X X X X

Tent rent

X X X X X X X X X



2.6. Promotional Mechanisms of the SMNP

The promotional mechanisms for the SMNP are encouraging but not very well organized. The Park Administration, SMNP_IDP and the Culture and Tourism Offices are trying to promote the SMNP by using brochures, postcards, leaflets, and t-shirts and capes. The qualities of these materials need improvement so that they can reflect the international significance of the park as a World Heritage site. At the present, the web-based information and communication technology has become the greatest opportunity for promoting tourism resources in the globalizing world. This important technology has not been effectively utilized for promoting the tourism resources of the SMNP. Selection of appropriate promotional methods is necessary for developing ecotourism.

At present promotion of tourism resources of SMNP are being carried out by Tourism Industries (Hotels, Lodges, Tour Operators and Ethiopian Air Lines), Culture and Tourism Offices at different levels, Parks Development and Protection Authority, Park Office at Debark, and IDP. Efficient utilization of promotional materials and proper promotion of SNMP’s tourism resources requires cooperation among the different stakeholders The SMNP being a World Heritage, promotional activity need to involve various stakeholders including international organizations like UNESCO/IUCN. For instance Web-based promotional mechanisms require involvement of the above international organizations, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bureau of Tourism and Culture, and Parks Development & Protection Authority of the Amhara Region. Magazines promoting the park resources should also be done by the higher/federal institutions including the Ethiopian Airlines, which can shoulder the major responsibility. Brochures, leaflets, post cards, booklets and maps can be done by PaDPA and its branch offices. For the production of documentary films, private companies can be outsourced.

As indicated in Annex 8, the top six countries in terms of the number of tourists visiting the SMNP are United Kingdom, USA, France, Holland, German and Spain. Promotional mechanisms and strategies may hence be designed in such a way that they give due attention to the tastes and preferences of people in these countries. The promotional materials need to be published in Amharic, English, German, French and Spanish. The promotional methods that may be used include;

� Brochures � Leaflets � Small postcards � Bigger postcards (that can be hanged on walls of hotels, institutions) with decorated

frames � Logo � Tourist maps � Production of documentary films on DVDs � Booklets � Souvenir products and others (capes, badges, fobs, t-shirts) � Website development � Using of international media (television, radio, magazines) � Providing of certificates for visitors as proof of visit to the SMNP � Provide up to date information for those Embassies in Addis whose citizens are more

familiar to SMNP.



2.7 SWOT Analysis for Developing Ecotourism in the SMNP

Based on interviews that were held with different stakeholders, experts of PADPA and IDP, tourists and local community members, and from field observation and reviewing of documentary sources, SWOT analysis was undertaken in view of evaluating potentials for and constraints to developing sustainable tourism in the SMNP. The details are given below.

Strengths

• Its location near the major tourist sites of Ethiopia (Gondar Lalibela and Axum)

• Being home of endemic wild animals and plant life

• The presence of amusing landscape

• The presence large number of biodiversity

• The presence of the Ras Dejen Mountain (Ethiopia’s highest mountain peak)

• The presence of a variety of local traditions and culture in the vicinity.

• Friendly and hospitable people around the park.

• The presence of a well organized private lodge at Buit Ras

• Establishment of eco-tourism associations

• Establishment of camping sites , out posts, community lodges, toilet etc. within the park area

• Regular count of population of the major wildlife species of the park (Walia and Semin Fox)

• Road access to some parts of the park

• The presence of organizational structure for the park office and the culture and tourism office that facilitate park development at the local (district) level.

• Integrated development program under way(SMNP-IDP) and positive impacts registered.

• Information center at Debark

• Development of alternative livelihood for SMNP community

• The growing trend of tourist arrivals in SMNP

• The growing trend of tourism industry in the World Weaknesses

• Inadequate integration with key stakeholders (for instance integration of PA with Ethiopian Airlines in promoting the SMNP)

• Absence of revenue sharing system with the local community

• In adequate facilities at camping sites (garbage disposal sites, inadequate toilet facilities, lack of waste bins, lack of seats, lack of kitchen facilities, etc)

• Poorly developed infrastructure related to telecommunication, air transport and roads into the park

• Lack of proper promotion of the resources of the park for potential international and domestic tourists.

• Lack of suitable accommodation and other services and facilities in and around the park

• Low quality service provision by hotels, transportation, inadequate shopping places, low quality of guide services, catering and other tourism services.

• Lack of diversified production of souvenirs that could reflect the culture of local community and natural environments

• Lack of skilled manpower related to the tourism sector and scouts to protect the resources of the park

• Seasonality of tourist arrivals

• Lack of night-time resting rooms for muleteers and shelter for mules, as a result of which tourists are disturbed as muleteers chat among themselves.



• Soil degradation like formation of deep gullies in some localities of the park area, due to road construction (e.g. around Tiya view point )

• Lack of veterinary science professionals in the park office who could monitor health of the wildlife resources of the Park

• Inability of the local community to adequately supply agricultural products such as vegetables, milk and eggs for the Simien lodge.

• Absence of banking services

• Absence of updated and reasonable fees

• lack of long and medium term tourism plans

• Lack of networked linkages with other tourist destination areas.

• lack of properly organized database Opportunities

• The government policy gives considerable attention to tourism development as part of poverty reduction program

• The economic policy that encourages private investors including in the tourism sector

• The plan for developing a tourist circuit connecting the major tourist destinations of Ethiopia: Gondar, Lalibela and Axum

• Being the only developed natural tourist attraction site in the Amhara National Regional State

• The global development of information and communication technology for promoting tourism resources of the SMNP.

• The potential benefit of ecotourism as a source of employment and income for the local community,

• The potential benefit of tourism for protection of the natural environment of the park

• The government policy that encourages development of new infrastructure and upgrading of the existing infrastructure throughout the country.

• The only nature area in the country registered as World Heritage

• The growing trend of tourism industry in the world

• Financial support from Austrian Government for the implementation of integrated development in SMNP

• Tourism continues to grow internationally. Threats

• Increasing choice of competitive destination options both within the country and abroad.

• The global problems of security related to global terrorism that affects the travelling of international tourists.

• Low level of quality of both air transport and road transport from Addis Ababa to the park.

• Misconceptions, wrong images of and perceptions about Ethiopia that is related to the past political instability, civil war, poverty, drought and famine.

• Lack of constant flow of both domestic and international tourists throughout the year;.

• The expansion of settlements and land uses by the local community into the park area.

• Shrinkage or loss of traditional habitats of some wildlife species

• Soil erosion in the park area

• Transmission of domestic animal diseases

• Negative cultural influence

• Anticipated negative tourism impacts



CHAPTER 3: TOURIST PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENTS IN

THE SMNP

3.1. Possible Tourism Products and Visitors’ Infrastructure of the SMNP

The SMNP is full of magnificent sceneries and it is richly endowed with biodiversity. The result is that the potential for tourism products, which can contribute to the satisfaction of tourists, economic benefits to the local communities and protection of the natural environment. Formal and informal consultations were employed as mechanisms for identifying new products and evaluating the existing products. These were done through workshops, group discussions and key-informant interviews as stated in the methodology section. A list of the existing as well as the potential (or proposed) tourism products of the SMNP is given below.

A. The Existing Products

1. Wildlife and bird watching: The presence of 182 known bird species, six of which are endemic and ten endemic mammals presents a high potential for wildlife and bird watching.

2. Walking/ trekking: The dominant attraction of the park is the natural landscape, to have a special feel of nature and wilderness. Hence, trekking and walking through the landscape are one of the major tourist products of the park.

3. Nature photography and filming: An exceptional value of the SMNP is that it can attract nature photographers and film producers. If this can be promoted well, it will have a greater potential for future.

4. Conducting research on various issues in the SMNP: This product has multiple benefits. One of the benefits is that the park provides an appropriate natural laboratory for exploration, investigation, experimentation and development of knowledge; and the other benefit is that results of the research works can help in solving problems related to conservation of natural resources and management of the park. The latter also has implications for a proper exploitation of the park resources for tourism development.

5. Producing souvenirs: Currently, there are only a few souvenir products, but the potential for diversification is high.

6. Providing transportation service: This refers to the transport services by using vehicles. 7. Lodge service: There are private, community, and public/ government lodges. 8. Renting services: This refers to availability of tents, horses/ mules, cooking equipment,

and sleeping bags for renting by the tourists; local people supply these services. 9. Guiding and muleteer services. Guiding and muleteers services need to be improved to

satisfy the quest of visitors. 10. There are limited number of sign posts, view points, trekking routes and garbage pits

within the park area facilitating the tourist access.

B. New Products:

1. Paragliding: is a recreational and competitive flying sport. A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing, whose shape is formed by the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing.

2. Rock climbing- the appropriate site is Ras Dejen; but it requires further study about the nature of rocks, as rock climbing is not advisable where the rocks are fragile.

3. Horse riding: There is huge horse population around SMNP and partly there are plain field suitable for horse riding sport.



4. Permanent tent camping site: In areas where there are no lodges introducing permanent tent campsites is an appropriate alternative for exploiting tourism resources of SMNP.

5. Local community cultural center: It will be located outside the park. The service that may be provided in this cultural center will, among others, include production of souvenirs items such as weaving products, hat and carpets from sheep fur, providing shopping services for handcrafts, canning foods and drinks, preparation of coffee ceremony (tourists may participate in the preparation process), display traditional agriculture production tools, traditional household items such as the stones for grinding cereals and the like. For some of the services, tourists will pay entrance fees but for others they can buy the items themselves.

6. Organize cultural entertainment groups: These groups will provide entertainment services such as cultural dance, music, drama etc

7. Site for watching stars and planets: This is possible especially during the dry season, when it is easy to observe different stars and planets such as the Jupiter, Venus and Mars in Ethiopia. This will however require acquiring of telescope/s, for which viewers will be charged a certain amount per unit of time.

8. Swimming in natural streams: The SMNP is endowed with several natural streams. Around Mulit, there is a stream called Derek Wenz, which has an excellent site for swimming. Some trekkers already use this stream for this purpose. It will however require provision of certain facilities such as resting places.

9. Community shopping service centre: Providing eco-tourism products using community shops is the major means of benefiting local communities.

10. Guest house service: It is a new tourist service that can contribute for increasing the duration of tourist stay and create conducive situation for researcher who will stay longer period in the park area.

11. Camping sites: These are important products of the park that need to have such facilities as toilets, seats, garbage disposal sites, solar powered light, radio communication, cooking facilities etc..

12. View points: There are several viewpoints for appreciating the beautiful landscape and wildlife of the park.

13. Tourist circuits: There are different trekking routes and based on these trekking routes the tourist circuits are identified:

14. Night Club services: After trekking tourists will like to enjoy themselves and thus require entertainment facilities and quality services.

15. Visitor center: For providing all-round services including information, visitor center should be established.

The environmental impact of some new tourism products, like paragliding, should be cautiously monitored and evaluated.



Table 6. Summary of suggested sites for selling of new products/ visitor infrastructure

and extension of the existing products/ visitor infrastructure

Products/

infrastructure

Existing location Proposed sites for additional or new

products

Remark

Paragliding - • Zenjero Amaga to Dib Bahir

• Nich Gedele to Segenet

• Ras Dejen to Sabra

• Kidus Yared to Gilbena

Rock climbing - Ras Dejen Mountain

local community cultural center

- Aynameda and Mulit

Organize cultural entertainment group

- Ayena Meda and Mulit

Night clubs - Debark

Site for watching stars and planets

- Ayna Meda

Horse riding Aynameda, Limalimo ( Afaf)

Community shopping centre*

Simien lodge, Adisige Melegebissa, Gich

Ayna Meda, Mulit , and Chennek

Recreational centre - Limalimo (Afaf)

Permanent tent Camping site

- Gich and Sanka ber for privates ( may provide drinks and food services also)

Swimming in natural river

- Derek River

Research and study In the park In/around the park

Guest house - Around Dib Bahir

Nature photography and filming

Most parts of the park

Most parts of the park

Car parking - Sankaber and Chennek

Trekking routes - referee to pages below

Bridge - Ensiya river and Jinbar river

Climbing trails Gich to Dirni, Gich to Muchila and Michibign to Adarmaz

Each requires maintenance

Roads From Debark to Mekane Birhane.

Debark to Mekane Birhane.through Adebabye Tsion

Signposts** The existing are not attractive and readable, hence require rewriting

Resting places/ seats At Chennek and Sanka Ber

At least three in each camping site

Waste bin - At each camping site

First aid services - Train local guides and provide kit when they are traveling

Visitors centre Available but not at the right site

Around the gate (Sawrie), the ticket office should be at the gate.

Entrance gate Sawirie Limalimo



Products/

infrastructure

Existing location Proposed sites for additional or new

products

Remark

Outposts Buyit Ras , Sanka ber, Gich, Chennek, Sebat Minich, Adarmaz, Muchila, Dirni, Aynameda

Limalimo, Sugsug , between Bahir Amba and Zakilita, Between Barna and Shino, Silki , Ambiko, Adisigie (Beyeda),

Community lodge Gich, Adisighe Miligebessa

Ayna Meda, Chennek,

Private lodge Buyit Ras -

Public lodge Sanka ber -

Renting tents, sleeping bag, mattress, mule

Eco-tourism society, Simien lodge

Camping sites Sankaber, Chennek, Gich

View points

*May sale souvenir products (produced locally and in Gondar/ Bahir Dar), honey, canned

foods and bottled drinks.

**Signposts – it includes direction indicators into attraction sites, tourist facilities and services and informing the regulations and rules of the park

3.1.1 Infrastructures and Facilities

The major tourist facilities and infrastructures that can have substantial contribution to the development of tourism in natural and protected areas are camping sites, lodges, view points, trekking routes, road network air transport, bank and hotels. Unfortunately the SMNP is not adequately delivered with such essential facilities and infrastructures. Unless tourism products are diversified with support of infrastructures and facilities and have impact on improving the livelihood of the community, conservation of the scenic resources in SMNP will be at stake. Infrastructures are prerequisites for diversifying tourism products and further initiate other economic activities which will support directly and indirectly the tourism industry.

Camping, Recreational and Lodging Facilities:- Camping facilities and lodges found in limited localities of the park area are generally less supplied with services such as water and toilet facilities. Indeed lodge facilities may not be encouraged within the nature protected areas, but mini-eco-lodges supposed to be run by the local communities at selected sites are essential in realizing the benefit of the local communities. At present three community lodges, one government and one private lodge are under operation. Additional 4 ecologes are important in zone of development.

Camping sites will be increased from 6 to 23 considering the new park extension areas. Each camping sites need to have cooking, watering and toilet facilities. In view of minimizing the adverse environmental impact as a result of lodge construction, permanent tents found to be feasible at selected park areas where there is relatively high tourist number.

In maximizing the economic benefits from increased tourist attraction in the park area, establishment of services like cultural center, visitor center, community souvenir shops, Museum, horse and paragliding facilities is necessary in areas that suit each purpose. Cultural centers are recommended in Ayena Meda and Mulit while horse riding is suitable in Ayena



and Limalimo fields. Ayena Meda is also identified as a suitable site for museum center. Paragliding is suitable at the periphery of Limalimo reserve area locally known as Zingero Amaga and at Ras Degjen, Kidus Yared and and Niche Gedel too. Community shopping center is found to be appropriate at Gich, Sankaber, Miligebsa, Chennek and Mulit sites. The visitor center is to be established at the entrance gate of the park area. Gust house could be appropriate at Dib Bahir to create enabling environment for paragliding and research activities in montane forest areas.



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1:300000Scale

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$T CampsitesMain Road

Trekking_routesRiver.

LEGEND

SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP):Camping SitesMap No. 4



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Main Road

Trekking Routes$T Recreational Center

xz Gust_Houses&\ Lodge.shp

RiverLEGEND

SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP) Gust house, Recreational Center and lodge SitesMap NO. 4



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Walka

Kebya

Di rni

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Abeka

Angwa

SawreDi ldy

Feleg

Sakba

Barna

Shiwa Kili l

Atore

Beles

Mulit

Tiguna

Atgeba

Mikana

AzamriNariya

Flasha

Adisge

Debark

Derena

Amedge

Timi lk

Shanha

Di ldiy

Adisge

Zari ma

Adibado

Ayteter

Mizri na

Di hwara

Ambaras

Mecheka

Ambi rko

Meresha

Zelange

Kontel a

Degeriwa

Weldedur

Wemberge

Amiwal kaTiruwata

Abergina

BuyitRas

Li malim o

Seketate

Barangeb

Weromado

Adarkaye

Agidam iya

Michibiny

Work Amba

Di b Bahi r

Denkolako

Tengelila

Chiro Leba

Debirichwa

Tikur wuha


Di l yebiza

Islam Debir

Feres Seber

Mender selam

Kosso Mender

Mekane Sel am

Felasha mender

Sabra

Gilbena

Deb Bahir Ras Dejen

Sebe yebalw

Kidus yared

Zinjero amaga

Above Nich GedeleGich

Mulit

Chenneke

Miligebesa

Ayena meda

Simen lodge

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LEGEND

Main Road

Trekking_RoutesRiver.

c Horse Riding field; Shopping Centeró Paragliding.

ï Rock_Climbing

SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP):Rock Climbing, Horse Riding, Shopping Center and Paraglinding SitesMap NO.5



Outposts: - Outposts are important to assure the safety of international tourists traveling to the park area and to control human and livestock encroachment into the nature areas. The existing and the proposed outposts all together make up 18 in number. They are almost evenly distributed across the park area.

Infrastructures required outside the park area: - Tourism development in SMNP is also strongly linked with infrastructures and facilities outside the park area. Providing banking and air transport services, and upgrading the existing hotels, telecommunication facilities and gravel road from Gondar to Debark are important measures to sustain tourism development in SMNP. In this regard, relevant organizations have been consulted for their coming five year plans. The Regional Rural Road Authority has no any plan either to realign the current Debark to Janamora/ Beyeda roads or upgrade community roads along Adarkaye and Debark sides. However, the Federal road authority planned to upgrade the current all weather gravel road from Gondar to Axum to Asphalt road which would help on improvement of other tourist infrastructures and services around the SMNP and ultimately increase tourist number and revenue from SMNP.

Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation has launched a massive expansion of telecommunication services all over the country. At present Beyeda and Janamora woredas are connected with broad band VSat and far away VSat through woreda net capacity building program. Specifically the telecom corporation is executing two projects around SMNP. These are Gondar-Debat-Debark and Debark-Adarkaye-Mytsemerie projects. These projects are aimed at providing mobile service and other wireless communications services that can support broad band facilities. The wireless telephone service used to support the broad band facility is part of the national project recently commissioned by a Chinese company. The project is supposed to be implemented over a period of two years through out the country. The objective is to introduce a new technology that would provide fast access to internet and other services relatively on fairy prices. Besides to these specific projects, the Federal Government has a five year plan to reach every kebele administration in the country with far away VSat facilities which will benefit many spot areas including the SMNP. In general, the telecommunication facilities and services in the SMNP will be improved very soon and this in turn provides an opportunity to promote the park resources for those interested in nature tourism and facilitates information exchange.

The other basic service that should be available in the SMNP is electrical power supply. Similarly, the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EPCO) has ambitious plan which intend to increase the current 22% power supply coverage to 50% after two years (2010). The full coverage will be achieved in 2023. However, no specific information was obtained for areas around SMNP. Anyway, special emphasis has to be given to such important tourist destination areas. Particularly solar powered energy sources need to be widely used in SMNP areas in order to minimize the impact of tourism development on natural vegetation.

As the tourism industry grows there will be opportunities for further tourism infrastructure and allied commercial developments like better standard plan accommodations including hotels and guest houses which at present are either very limited or don't exist at all. The current development of hotels at Debark town and elsewhere at surrounding areas of SMNP should be tailored to the tourist industry

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Bahir Dar District office has carried out three feasibility studies at different time to open up bank services at Debark town. According to their studies, it was found to be feasible to provide the service at this particular site and there is strong demand from the community side as well. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia will start to



provide the service as soon as decision is taken on the feasibility study proposal submitted to the Federal Government.

The coming five years plan to improve the basic infrastructures like telecommunication, road, power supply etc. in nationwide would enable to easily networking the main tourist destination areas including the SMNP.



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Chiro Leba

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Tikur wuha


Di l yebiza

Islam Debir

Feres Seber

Mender selam

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Mekane Sel am

Felasha mender

Gich

Dirini

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Muchila

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Gobatit

Mosbite

Adarmaze

Limalimo

Ayena meda

Tekera washa

Tende wachie

Sbate meneche

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Main Road

&V Out post Sites

LEGEND

SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Outpost SitesMap NO. 6

Scale



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Mikana

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Adarkaye

Agidamiya

Michibiny

Work Amba

Di b Bahi r

Denkolako

Tengelila

Ras Dejen

Chiro Leba

Debirichwa

Tikur wuha


Di l yebiza

Islam Debir

Feres Seber

Mender selam

Kosso Mender

Mekane Sel am

Felasha mender

Entrance Gate

Gich

Sankaber

Chenneke

Mulit

Ayena meda

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Main Road

Trekking_RoutesRiver.

; Cultural Center%[ Permanent Tent Sites#þ Visitor Center$T ParkinglotLEGEND

SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Permanent Tent sites, Cultural Center, Visitor Center and Parkinglot SiteMap NO. 7



Trekking Routes and View Points: - Trekking routes have major role in easing tourist access to the park area. Mainly they lead to observation points where tourists can have an overview to the different landscapes, the flora and fauna. Trekking routes in SMNP are aligned with tourist facilities like camping sites and lodges. Trekking routes where there was no facility at all will have either camping sites or temporary tourist resting facilities. The alignment and density of trekking route is determined in such a way that they will have minimal effect on the environment. Thus all trekking routes are designed outside the strictly protected zone in which the landscape is very susceptible as well as main habitat for wildlife species. Trekking routes on the low land areas and around Ras Dejen still follow steep slopes that are difficult to derive pack animals.

Most of the trekking routes are found on the highland areas. With the exception of short distance trekking routes that may only require 1 hrs walking nine major trekking routes are identified in both high land and low land areas. Some of the trekking routes may take up to 12 days.

The high land trekking routes:- 1. Debark----Limalimo-----------Debark (day trip)

2. Debark----Sankaber------------Debark (1 day)

3. Debark----Sankaber-Through the escarpment to the water fall------Sankaber-----Debark

(3 days)

4. Debark--- Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imet gogo---Chennek-Ambiko (Ras

Dejen)----Mitlal-----Sona-----lamu—Mulit—Adiarkay-------then back to Debark

(approximately 10 days)

5. Debark---Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imet gogo -Chennek---Ambiko (Ras

Dejen)---Sona—Tiruwata---Antola--Aykotiba---Naria-Adarmaz---Sugsug---Dib Bahir---

then back to Debark ( approximately 15 days)

6. Debark--- Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imet gogo ---Chennek (Bwahit--Tsion --

--Beles---then back to Debark (approximately 8 days)

7. Debark-----Sankaber -----Gich campsite ----- Imetgogo----- Gich ---- Snakaber -------

Debark (4-5 days)

8. Debark-----Sankaber ------Chennek ------- Bwahit-------Chennek ---- -Sanakaber -----

Debark (6 days)

9. Debark-------Sankaber -------- Chennek-------Ambiko/Mizma-----RasDejen

Ambiko/Mizma -------Chennek -------- Sankaber --------Debark (7-8days)

10. Debark------Sankaber------Gich------Imetgogo--------Gich---------Chennek-------

Ambiko/Mizma---------Ras Dejen--------Ambiko/Mizma--------Chennek-------Sankaber ---

----- Debark (8 days)

11. Debark---------Sankaber ---------Chennek -------Ambiko/Mizma -------Ras Dejen --------

Ambiko/Mizma -------- Arkwazye-------- Lamo ------ Mulit-------- Adarkaye (9-10 days)



The low land trekking routes:-

9 Debark-------Dib Bahir------Kerengan-------Angua-------Muchila----Antola------Dirni----Duhara--- Arkuazye-----Chennek------Sankaber-----Debark (11-12 days)

View Points: - Identifying and setting view points in order to facilitate the tourist access to the park area and enhance satisfaction level in enjoying the beautiful landscape and other environmental features with minimal effect on environment is the most fundamental issue. In fact a considerable number of spectacular view points have already been identified but with further assessment of additional tourist potential sites in the park and the extension area the current view points are increased to 24 sites. The view points are connected to the main road with trekking routes. Spatial distribution of the view points and the trekking route networks are well mapped so as to improve the decision of tourists in traveling to the different nature areas of the park.



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Tirfe

IntayeBwahit

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Tiya ras

Chenneke(1,2,3)

Imet gogo

Ras DejenChinquanit

Mechebegne

mefelkiawe

Gider gote Korbte metaya

Niguse ayesmu

Zinjero amaga

Gich megentaya Kuchila metaya

Jinbara waterfall

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Tourism Development ZoneEco_Tourism Zone

Zone of DevelopmentWildlife CorridorStrictly Protected Zone

Main RoadTrekking_RoutesRiver

#Y Viewponts

LEGEND

SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): View PointsMap NO.8



Main Tourist Attractions: - The SMNP is well known in resources diversity. The spatial distribution of these resources is important for visitors' experience. Thus tourists have to go to different areas to observe different wildlife species and nature areas. The trekking routes are mainly to access the different nature areas. Some of the major nature areas or environmental features and wildlife species that can be observed along the trekking routes are summarized as follow.

1. Buyit Ras ------Jinbar water fall � Gelada baboon � Klipspringer � Ericaceous forest � Leopard � Bush buck � Water fall � Afro-montane forest

2. Gich---Imetgogo---Ayena Meda----Chennek

� Guassa � Festuca sp � Lammaergeyer � Giant lobelia � Gelada baboon � Ethiopian Wolf � Plateau landscape � Mountain escarpments � Spot heights (Inatye, Imetgogo, Saha) � Walia ibex , Klipspringer and Erica forest inside the cliff

3. Chennek-----Sebate Minch

� High population of Walia ibex � Guassa and Giant lobelia � Helicrysum spp � Gelada baboon � Ethiopian Wolf � The plateau landscape � Spot height (Bwahit)

4. Chennek --------Ras Dejen � Gussa � Helicrysum spp. � Gelada baboon � Walia ibex � The plateau landscape � The highest peak (Ras Dejen)

5. Ras Dejen----Mulit � Saint place Kidus yared church � Unique geological features like rock pillars � cave

6. Arkwazye------ Sona----Adarmaze � Unique geological features (rock pillars) � Ericaceous forest on the side of the cliff



� Gelada baboon � Walia ibex on the side of the cliff � Grave yard forest � Afro-montane forest

7. Adarmaze ---Dib Bahir---------Limalimo � Afro-montane forest

o Hygenia abyssinica o Juniperous procera o Ficus spp

� Leopard � Menlik Bush Buck � Paragliding site

Tourist Circuits:-. Tourist circuits are main routes that enable the tourists to visit different parts of the park area. In accessing a wide range of natural resources and landscape in SMNP, tourists need to follow different routes. Mapping the tourist circuit is important to offer tourists with choices to visit the nature areas of their interests and perhaps assist in control and spread the flock of tourists within the park. Map of the tourist circuit with the above full information should be available for tourists. In general, in enhancing the quality of tourist experiences and level of satisfaction, three tourist circuits have been identified each constituting unique scenic resources. The first circuit is a long route that starts from Debark passing to Ras Dejen through Chennek and then to Adiarkay through Mulit and back to Debark through Limalimo. Along this route tourists will have an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate almost all kinds of scenic resources like spot heights, plateau landscape, rock-pillars, afro-alpine habitats, Wila ibex, Gelada baboon, Ethiopian Wolf and water fall. The second tourist circuit has the same starting point and destination but follow nearly the boundary of the park after turning from Ras Dejen passing through Sona-Antola-Adarmaze-Sugsug route to Dib Bahir then back to Debark through Limalimo. This route may take up to 15 days. In addition to the features seen in circuit one tourist may enjoy plenty of grave yard and afro-montane forests. The third circuit starts from Debark and follow Sankaber-Gich-Chennek route and then turns to Sebat Minch through Bwahit and return back to Debark through Adebabay Tsion and Beles. Tourists will have the chance to enjoy the plateau landscape, the afro-alpine habitat, Gelad baboon, Walia ibex and Ethiopian Wolf and Saint Places. The tourist circuits are outlined as below

1. Debark--- Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imetgogo ---Chennek-Ambiko (Ras

Dejen) ---Mitlal-----Sona-----lamu—Mulit—Adiarkay ------then back to Debark

(approximately 10 days)

2. Debark---Sankaber---Gich-----Kedadit-------Saha------Imetgogo-------Chennek---Ambiko

(RasDejen)---Sona—Tiruwata---Antola--Aykotiba---Naria-Adarmaz---Sugsug---Dib

Bahir--- then back to Debark (approximately 15 days)

3. Debark--- Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imetgogo ---Chennek (Bwahit--Tsion -

---Beles---.then back to Debark (approximately 8 days)



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1:300000Scale

Tourism Development ZoneEco_Tourism ZoneStrictly Protected ZoneWildlife CorridorZone of DevelopmentRiver.

Circuit_1.

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LEGEND

SIMEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Tourist CirucuitMap No. 9



3.2. Possible Revenue Generation Items of the SMNP

Fees for tourism services of parks in Ethiopia are low as compared to other African Countries. Similarly, infrastructure and facility provisions are inadequate and poorly supplied. It is therefore necessary to improve infrastructure and facilities of SMNP and, at the same time, increase fees for the services.

There are a range of possibilities through which incomes can be collected by both the government and the local communities from ecotourism activities in the SMNP. These include the following.

A. Entrance fee: This type of fee is to be collected by the government. Visitors of the park are expected to pay entrance fee as they come to visit the park. Even though many tourists consider Ethiopia to be among the expensive destinations of Africa, the existing entrance fee (Table 7 below) to the SMNP is very low compared to prices of other African countries. This type of fee is mandatory to all tourists and it will be used for protection and conservation of natural resources of the park. As the existing fee is quite low, it is now time to raise it by 100 per cent for each category of visitors. We have learnt from interviews that there is, however, complaint concerning the need for a discount for students and that the timing should be counted in a day or a single trip in a day (i.e. per day) and not in terms of hours as it is currently the case (i.e. 48 hours). As it is almost a universal practice to have discounted prices to students in tourist sites, it is proposed that the entrance fee for students to be only 50 per cent of that of each category of visitors.

Table 7. The Entrance Fee for Visitors (in ETB)

Visitors Existing (for 48 hrs) proposed (a day) remark

Adult

Child Adult

Child

Ethiopian resident 3 2 6 4

Ethiopian non-resident - - 50 15

Foreign resident 30 10 60 20

Foreign non- resident 50 25 100 50

Note child indicates age class <18 years

B. Selling of printed materials: At the present, the park office has only two printed materials, postcards and brochures, for sale), which were originally produced for promotional purpose. But there is a great potential to diversify this. Some of these include producing CD ROMs (documentary films), booklets, tourist maps, and high quality and variety of postcards. These items can be useful for promotional purposes as well as for generating income.

C. Rental services: Eco-tourists may stay more than one day in the park by engaging in different activities and appreciating the natural environment. They will thus require tents, cooking materials, mules/horses, mattresses, sleeping bags and the like. Currently, the local people supply these materials for tourists. The existing renting price, however, is too low and requires revision. It is suggested that a rise of the existing prices (Table 8) by 100 per cent.



Table 8. Rental Fees for Cooking Materials on Daily Basis

Types of

Visitors

Fees for the respective number of visitors (in ETB)

1-2 persons 3-5 persons 6-10 persons >>>> 10 persons

Existing proposed Existing proposed Existing proposed Existing proposed

Ethiopian 20 40 30 60 40 80 60 120

Ethiopian non-resident

- 45 - 65 - 85 - 125

Foreign resident

25 50 35 70 45 90 65 130

Foreign non- resident

30 60 40 80 50 100 70 140

Table 9. Renting Fee for Different Items on Daily Basis

Items Fee(in ETB)

Existing proposed

Tent 25 50

Mattress 10 20

Sleeping bag 10 20

Mule/ horse 20 40

D. Permission fee: The Park Administration can collect income by providing permission for different activities such as research, filming, photographing, advertisement and the like. There is a good potential for such activities given the fact that the SMNP is characterized by an amazing landscape and mix of biodiversity. There should be an agreement between park administration and researchers to provide the research documents and maps both in soft and hard copies. During filming and research there is a need of one expert from Park Office to watch and follow the day to day activities and to support the film makers and researchers. The research fee will not be applicable to national researchers unless the research is jointly done with foreign institutions. Moreover in encouraging the long-term research activities in the park area, setting the upper limit for research duration may not be sound.

Table 10 . Permission Fee

Title Residence Fee Remark

Existing Proposed*

Filming for commercial purpose

Foreign $ 3000 for maximum of 21 days

$ 6000

Ethiopian - 10000 ETB

Research Foreign $ 500 $ 2000 >1 month**

Photograph for commercial purpose

Foreign - $ 1000 only for commercial use



Title Residence Fee Remark

Existing Proposed*

Foreign - $ 100 for small camera including mobile camera designed for filming

Ethiopian - 1000 ETB

* The existing fees are fixed at national level and there is a possibility for the federal office to improve the tariff. ** If the research duration is less than a month it shouldn't be charged.

E. Providing different services: The local people currently serve tourists as guides,

Community scouts, cooks and muleteers. The charges for these services are rather low (Table x) and require revision. Hence, it is proposed that doubling of the existing charges, as shown in Table 11 below.

Table 11. Service Fee for a Day in ETB

Types of services Fee

Existing proposed

Guide 75 150

Community scout 30 60

Cooking 50 100

Muleteer 20 40

F. Camping site use and accommodation fee: Presently, the government collects camping site and accommodation fee. There is also a community lodge.. The fees for both types of services are quite low, and hence a 100 per cent increase is suggested (Table 12).

Table 12. Camping Site Use and Accommodation Fee for a Day in ETB

Types services Visitors Adult

Child (<18 years)

Existing proposed Existing proposed

Camp site use Ethiopian 2 4 1 2

Ethiopian non -resident

- 5 - 3



20 40 10 20

Lodge service (per bed )

Ethiopian 15 30 15 30


- 35 - 35



40 80 40 80



Types services Visitors Adult

Child (<18 years)

Existing proposed Existing proposed

Community lodge Ethiopian - 30 - 30


- 35 - 35

Foreign resident - 70 - 70


40 80 - 80

G. Vehicle tariff: The existing practice is that tour operators provide transport service for

tourists within the park area and they are the one charged for entrance fee (Table 7). It is obvious that using cars within the park disturbs the wildlife and can damage the natural environment. In addition to this, local community may lose the opportunity of renting mules/ horses and serving as muleteers. In order to minimize these apparently undesirable effects, the existing tariff for using cars within the park can be raised so that the high fee becomes a disincentive and encourages tourists to opt for other eco-friendly modes of transport (mules/horses). The suggestion is to raise the existing tariff by 150 percent (Table 13).

Table 13. Vehicle Tariff for a Day

Number of seats Fees (in ETB) Remark

Existing proposed

Less than 5 10 25

Between 6 and 12 15 37.5

Above 12 20 50

H. Parking fee:-There is no currently set parking fee. Therefore it is suggested that for

vehicles having <12 seats and >12 seats 10 ETB and 15 ETB per day per vehicle respectively.

I. Concession fee:-When private sectors are involved for providing tourist service such as accommodation (lodge, permanent camp site, and guest house), tour guide, souvenir shop, etc will have concession agreement with the government to pay some amount of fee. Concession system is a new experience for the SMNP and it would be necessary to suggest 5% of the service cost per tourist to be paid for the local community.

J. Paragliding fee: - It is new tourist product for the SMNP.

Table 14 Paragliding Service Fee per flight(in ETB)

Visitors Fee remark

Ethiopian resident 100

Ethiopian non-resident 150

Foreign resident 250

Foreign non- resident 400

NB: The equipment for paragliding will be made ready by the park administration

Fees for each service are raised in recognition of



� The current low level of total revenue from park resources which could be partly due to the current low level of fee.

� Low economic benefit to the local communities � The need to motivate sense of ownership among the local communities in

management of the park resources, � Minimizing the adverse environmental impacts. � Devaluated local currency.

When all tariffs proposed by the document for SMNP are considered in comparison with African neighbor countries, they are totally lower prices. The comparison is given below in Table 15



Table 15. Comparison of the Existing Tariffs of SMNP with Kenyan and Tanzanian National Parks (Fees in US$) by Visitor Category

Country Protected Areas Type of Fees Visitor Category Adult Child Student

Kenya National parks Entrance Citizen 2.97 1.49 0 .74

Residence 14.88 7.44 1.49

Non-residence 40 20 10

Tanzania National parks(Serengeti) Entrance Tanzanian 1.21 0.40

Non-Tanzanian 50 10

Ethiopia SMNP Entrance Ethiopian resident 0.33 0.22

Foreign resident 3.32 1.11

Foreign non- resident 5.53 2.77

Kenya Camping fee

Citizen 2.23 0.74 0 .74

Residences 4.46 1.49 1.49

Non residences 10 5 5

Tanzania

Tanzanian 0.81 0.4

Non-Tanzanian 30 5

Ethiopia SMNP Ethiopian 0.22 0.11

Ethiopian non -resident - -

Foreign resident 1.11 0.55

Foreign non- resident 2.21 1.11

Difference in

US$ (%) US$ (%)

Comparison Type of fees Adult Child

Kenyan National Parks-SMNP Entrance Citizen 2.64 800 1.27 577

Residence 11.56 348 6.33 570

Non-residence 34.47 623 17.23 622



Tanzania(Serengeti) -SMNP) Entrance Citizen 0.88 267 0.18 82

Residence - - - -

Non-residence 44.47 804 7.23 261

Kenyan National Parks-SMNP Camping fee Citizen 2.01 914 0.63 573

Residence 3.35 302 0.94 171

Non-residence 7.79 352 3.89 350

Tanzania(Serengeti) -SMNP) Citizen 0.59 268 268 264

Residence - - - -

Non-residence 27.79 1257 1257 350

Kenya Vehicle charges per day3 in protected areas

Seats

Less than 6 seats

4.46

6-12 seats 11.9

13-24 seats 23.32

25-44 seats 44.64

45 seats and above 74.4

Ethiopia Vehicle Tariff per day

Seats

Less than 5 1.11

Between 6 and 12 1.66

Above 12 2.21

Comparison Seats Difference in

Kenya -Ethiopia US$ %

Less than 5 3.35 302

Between 6 and 12 10.24 617

For the sake of comparison all fees are converted into US$ .Comparisons are made in reference to SMNP



3.3. Revenue Collection from Tourism in the SMNP

Table 16 below shows details of incomes collected from tourism in the SMNP between 1992 and 1998 E.C. The highest sum of money was obtained in 1997 and the lowest was in 1992. The largest annual increase was observed between 1996 and 1997. The community revenue accounted for 50.1% of the total revenue on average; it ranged from accounting about 44 percent to about 56 percent of the total revenue over the period under consideration. Figure 3 shows trends of the revenue collected. As it is clearly observable, there has been a significant increase in the total revenue over the period 1992-1998 E.C. The share of the revenue by the local communities has also shown a considerable rise. However, a downward change was observed in 1998 compared to the 1997 level.

Table 16. Revenue Collected from Tourism in the SMNP during 1992-1998 E.C. in ETB

Years

(E.C)

Revenue generated Annual

changes in

total revenue

Community

revenue in

percent of

total

Remarks

Local

community

Government Total

1992 196172 216303 412475 0.00 47.6

1993 230000 209579 439579 + 27104 52.3

1994 241031 302614 543645 + 104066 44.3

1995 355997 357444 713441 + 169796 49.9

1996 517847 380001 964100 + 250659 53.7

1997 736567 616147 1352714 + 588614 54.5

1998 745049 593678 1338727 - 213987 55.6

Table 17. Expenditure _Revenue Comparison Table

Year(E.C) Revenue Expense(recurrent

budget)

difference

(Revenue-expense)

1991 N.A 343900 -

1992 216303 353600 -137297

1993 209579 371400 -161821

1994 302614 511200 -208586

1995 357444 N.A -

1996 380001 N.A -

1997 616147 566079 50068

1998 593678 629115 -35437

1999 828724 684631 144095



The above table shows comparison between revenue and expense of the park office over the last 9 years. Except in year 1997 and 1999 through out the period under consideration the expense of the park office exceeds the revenue collected from tourism resources. This implies that park office requires some times to achieve the capacity of self financing. The support from non-government organizations like Austrian Government funded programs (IDP) should continue until the financial capacity of the park office is well established. The current low level of revenue can be directly attributed to low number of tourist visiting the park area and relatively high level of running cost required to manage the national park. So as to bring financial sustainability of the Park Office, rehabilitation of the park resources with corresponding increase in tourist number can have significant contribution. Moreover, fair tariff increment proposed for each type of fee will have its own contribution. In general proper protection of the nature area, development of tourist infrastructures and facilities both inside and outside the park area will have contribution for increased revenue and in turn ensure financial sustainability of the park office.

Figure 3. Trends of Revenue Collected from Tourism in the SMNP

Trends of revenue from tourism

0

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1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

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Bir

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3.4. Benefit Sharing of Local Communities from Ecotourism Activities

The SMNP-IDP program is well underway to improve the welfare of the communities and thereby establish the required partnership. The ongoing effort is quite encouraging, and it is a step in the right direction. In line with this, it is also recommended that a scheme of “Benefit sharing” has to be introduced to further strengthen or consolidate the partnership between the two parties.

The area of each woreda contained within the park area and their population are the bases for putting modalities in benefit sharing of local community in SMNP. The human population of rural kebeles residing within and outside the park are who may be immediately affected by the decision on the use of resources in the park were taken into account. Thus simple



arithmetic method was employed in determining the share of revenue generated from park resources among the five woredas bordering the park area and religious institutions.

In effecting the guiding principles of this tourism plan, the largest proportion of revenue generated from the park should be directed to the community. In this case 60% of the revenue is recommended. However government as a responsible body for over all management and development of infrastructures and facilities within and around the park should also take the second loin share from the revenue. Table 18. Benefit Sharing Modality for Woredas of SMNP

Woreda

Percentage of Areas within the

park

Percentage of population within/

outside the park

Percentage of Income share

Remarks

Adi Arkay 17.8 11.48 8.49

Debark 26.47 36.34 18.22

Beyeda 22.66 16.27 11.27

Janamora 29.51 20.76 14.58

Tellemit 3.56 15.15 5.43 Estimated area

Religious Institutions - - 2.01

Government

-- - 40.00

Total 100 100

The Ethiopian government has carried out a national census. ANRS PaDPA is remapping the park boundary. When these two activities are completed and come up with latest data, the criteria used for benefit sharing may change. It is therefore necessary to update the benefit sharing proportion depending on latest information.

3.5. Tourism Investment Potentials of the SMNP

Ecotourism is at its early stage of development in the SMNP. Thus, there are wide opportunities for investment by the private sector. These include investment potentials in the areas of:

• Accommodation and catering services in the surrounding towns: There is a high demand for these services in Debark, Adi Arkay and Makane Birhan towns.

• Permanent tent camping sites and eco-lodge buildings

• Tour operators

• Guesthouse building

• Hotel and night clubs in the surrounding towns, e.g. at Debark.

• Banking service at Debark

• Recreational centers in the surrounding towns

• Air transportation



CHAPTER 4: ZONATION OF THE SMNP

The SMNP has unique resource-base upon which eco-tourism can be developed. Both the physical characteristics especially the landscape, afro-alpine vegetation and wildlife resources can significantly contribute to eco-tourism development of the area. However, converting these immense resource potentials into realistic economic gains without causing any detrimental effect on the environment and tourism resources require proper planning and management of the natural resources. Planning necessitates zonation of the resources into homogenous units. A systematic classification of the entire nature area into tourism affiliated zones is thus to underpin environmentally friendly tourism development and sustain the well being of the local communities. Zonation scheme primarily facilitates identification of major wildlife habitats, suitable tourist sites and management of land use conflicts and, ultimately it provides a frame-work in protecting the natural qualities of the park and regulating and promoting the use of resources. In order to meet the above objectives, tourism development zones have been proposed for the SMNP. The zonation defines the set of activities to be undertaken in each zone.

4.1. Zoning and the Basis for Zoning of the Park

The principal bases for zoning of the SMNP for tourism development are the type and distribution of the major wildlife species, the panoramic view of the various landscapes and the suitability of the area for development of tourist infrastructure, facilities and products. Taking these major criteria into account, four major tourism development zones are identified in the SMNP. These are strictly protected zone, eco-tourism zone, Zone of development and wildlife corridor zone. The tourism development zones have no basic difference from that of the management zones identified in the park’s management plan except that they are defined in the context of tourism development.

i) Strictly Protected Zone: This refers to the major wildlife habitat areas where tourist access is strictly prohibited. Severe restriction in this zone is mainly to avoid disturbance on wildlife and minimize adverse environmental effects on the fragile ecosystems of the core zone. The strictly protected zone is overwhelmingly dominated by mountain cliffs and escarpments with more than 55% slopes and Afro-alpine steppe vegetation species. It covers an area of 12,558.8 ha or 52.46% of the area of the park.

Continued intense pressure on wild animals on plateau areas both from the local communities and predators has pushed away the major wild animals (like Walia ibex, Klipspringer and Gelada baboon) to the highly rugged part of the mountains, which is serving as a shield to the animals against attack. It is also the main calving ground for most species of wild animals. Thus, tourists can be allowed to enjoy the landscape and wildlife in the strictly protected zone only with the aid of binoculars or being in viewpoints exactly at the border of the strictly protected zone. Development of road infrastructure and tourist facilities like lodging, camping sites and trekking routes are also strictly forbidden.

Investigation on productive and reproductive behavior of wildlife and the very nature of ecological relationships among the various species is an absolute necessity. Thus, such kind of research should be conducted in the strictly prohibited or core zone with permission of the park administration. Similarly, periodic assessment on the status of wildlife and patrolling are necessary activities to be carried out in the strictly protected zone in order to take the right measure against problems that may arise. The major activities to be carried out in the strictly protected zone are:

� Protection of the area for natural regeneration of the floral species;



� Research on productive and reproductive behavior of wildlife and ecological relationships among species;

� Regular assessment and patrolling for knowing the status of wildlife; � Prohibit tourist access and development of tourist facilities; � Control introduction of any plant and animal genetic material; � Protect any human activity including grazing, mowing grasses and cutting trees for

domestic use. However, in the first year of the master plan cut and carry system should be allowed in a regulated way;

� Photographing and bird watching using the remote sensing optical instruments; � Development of traverse routes at selected sites; and; � Strict control application of chemicals.;

ii) Eco-tourism zone: The eco-tourism zone largely constitutes piedmont slopes and plateaus of the Gich and Ayena Meda and the montane forest of Limalimo reserve area. It covers an area of 11,361 ha i.e. 47.54% of the area of the park. The Gich and Ayena Meda plateaus were traditional habitat for Walia ibex, Ethiopian Wolf and Gelada baboon and constitute beautiful scenery for tourism development. The former species is no more in this region due to extensive human and livestock invasion into the area. It is also a centre of afro-alpine biodiversity attracting research attention. The eco-tourism zone identified between Chennek and Sebate Minch exactly follows the main road as the high altitude areas of Bwahit and its surrounding is the major habitat for Walia ibex and Gelda baboon. To some extent, the Ethiopian Wolf has been observed in the area. In this part of the park area tourists should observe the wildlife and the landscape just trekking along the main road without causing any disturbance to the wildlife. As a guiding principle, tourists in eco-tourism zone have direct access to enjoy both the landscape and wildlife following trekking routes. More than 90% of the trekking routes, camping sites, lodges and outposts and viewpoints are found within the eco-tourism zone.

Besides the trekking routes, other tourist infrastructure and products like camping site, mini-lodges, outposts, museum, viewpoints, cultural centers, golf fields, recreational centers, horse riding grounds and paragliding facilities are the dominant features in the eco-tourism zone. Photographing and film productions and ecological research can be carried out with permission of the park administration. On the other hand, settlement development, cultivation and grazing use should be restricted. Thus the major activities in the eco-tourism zone include: � Development of tourist infrastructure and products; � Photographing and documentary film production; � Research and regular assessment of wildlife; � Control of both livestock and human activities; � Paragliding and mountaineering in selected sites; � Development of cultural and recreational centers; � Patrolling of wildlife and human encroachment into the park area; and � Better care of the environment e.g. control littering, control illegal dumping of garbage.

The Eco-tourism zone can be considered as tourism product diversification area for improving livelihoods of the local communities. Thus, the local communities, by organizing themselves into various eco-tourism societies, can benefit from lodging services, sale of drinks, cultural shows and cultural product sales, film production activities, providing horse riding services and being employed in tour guide service provision, recreational centers and wildlife museums.

iii) Zone of development: As defined in the management plan, it is the external buffer zone that covers the entire Kebele Administrations bordering the park area. It is also known as



major tourist facility zone. Virtually there is no wildlife species in the zone of development. It has been under cultivation since human settlement in the area. However, the communities, supported by IDP, are largely influencing conservation and sustainable development of tourism in the park as they are direct users of the rangeland, arable land and forest resources. Indeed, without active participation of those communities residing both inside and outside the park area efforts of conservation and tourism development are unlikely to be sustainable. Furthermore, the tourism master plan is basically envisaging community-based development of tourism in the SMNP. All proposed eco-tourism development activities are primarily mean to benefit the local communities. The tourism related development activities proposed in the zone of development are similarly aimed to benefit the local communities and need to be implemented through partnership among the government, private investors and the communities themselves. From tourism perspective, zone of development can be regarded as the tourist infrastructure development zone. Thus guest houses, visitor centers, lodges, hotels, cultural shows, and road infrastructure and communication facilities are expected to be developed in the zone of development. Public facilities and services like schools and clinics need to be constructed in this zone in collaboration with the government, the Austrian Government, international organizations (e.g. the UNESCO), private investors and voluntarily contributing tourists. The local communities can also benefit by horse/ mule renting, being employed in lodges and hotels, and presenting their cultural products for sale, selling of some local drinks and food, arranging entertainments and by providing lodging services, etc.

In optimizing utilization of the tourism products in the SMNP the local communities need to: � create the conditions for a greater sense of security; � Avoid any harassment of visitors; and � Improve the range and quality of attractions;

iv) Wildlife Corridor: Wildlife corridors identified are those connecting the main park area from Chennek to Siliki through Arquazeye and the other one stretching between Mentaber and Tiguna connecting the northern and southern parts of the Ras Dejen wildlife reserve area. The wildlife corridors are encroached by settlements. For instance, the Arquazeye village emerged recently and is expanding in the middle of the Walia ibex route. This strongly restricts the free movement of the animals to the Ras Dejen reserve area and vise versa.

The width of the wildlife corridor recommended in the management plan ranges between 2 km and 5 km. Except for research activities and aligning of traverse trekking routes, development of tourism products has to be highly restricted in the wildlife corridor zone.

Similar to those in the main park area, the local communities around the wildlife corridor should have to be organized into eco-tourism societies so as to benefit more from mule/ horse renting, muleteer service, provision of lodge services, and sale of cultural products and entertainment shows. Communities residing in each adjacent kebele to wildlife corridor can be organized in their respective kebeles separately.



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0

3600

2000

180

0

1600

2000

2800

2600

2800

3000

220 0

240

0

3200

3000

2800

2800

2600

2200

36002400

340

0

3000

1800

2200

2600

3800

2000

2400

2800

3600

2000

1600

2800

160

0

3400

3000

2400

2600

2400

3400

320 0

2000

280

0

2200

2000

1800

2000

3600

300 0

2800

2400

240

0

1800

3000

3200

1800

28 0

0

1800

280

0

1600

3000

2800

1400

3000

2200

16 0

026

00

28002 2

00

3400

2400

2000

2200

240

0

3400

3000

1800

2000

2600

160

0

2000

220

0

1400

360 0

2000

3000

1800160

0

1800

2600

1800

3200

2400

2000

2800

280

0

2400

2400

240 0

1800

2800

26 0

0

2400

360

0

2200

2600

2600

3000

2400

2000

2800

2000

1600

Kara

Maje

Lori

Tiya

Sera

Loba

Mewa

Abare

matba

Zelwa

Amdi r

BerjeDi hi l

Silk i

Walka

Kebya

Di rni

Argin

Abeka

Angwa

SawreDi ldy

Feleg

Sakba

Barna

Shiwa Kili l

Atore

Beles

Mulit

Tiguna

Atgeba

Mikana

AzamriNariya

Flasha

Adisge

Debark

Derena

Amedge

Timi lk

Shanha

Di ldiy

Adisge

Zari ma

Adibado

Ayteter

Mizri na

Di hwara

Ambaras

Mecheka

Ambi rko

Meresha

Zelange

Kontel a

Degeriwa

Weldedur

Wemberge

Ami wal kaTiruwata

Abergina

BuyitRas

Limalimo

Seketate

Barangeb

Weromado

Adarkaye

Agidamiya

Michibiny

Work Amba

Di b Bahi r

Denkolako

Tengelila

Ras Dejen

Chiro Leba

Debirichwa

Tikur wuha

Chir DebirMilligebsa

Di l yebiza

Islam Debir

Feres Seber

Mender selam

Kosso Mender

Mekane Sel am

Felasha mender

380000

380000

400000

400000

420000

420000

440000

440000

460000

460000

14400001440000

14600001460000

1480000 1480000

15000001500000

N

1:300000Scale

Tourism Development ZoneEco_Tourism Zone

Wildlife CorridorZone of Development

Strictly Protected ZoneMain Road

Trekking_Routes

LEGEND

SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Tourism Development ZoneMap NO. 10



Table 19. Proposed Activities to be Undertaken in Each Zone of the SMNP

Type of Use Strictly

Protected Zone

Ecotourism

Zone

Wildlife

Corridor

Zone of

Development

Research and Studies

√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ √√√√

Conservation of biological diversity

√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ √√√√

Settlement ×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√ Camping site ** ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√ Permanent tent camping site

×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√

Viewpoint ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√ Trekking route √√√√* √√√√ ×××× √√√√ Mountaineering ×××× √√√√ ××××

Photographing ×××× √√√√ √√√√ √√√√ Filming ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√

Bird watching ×××× √√√√ √√√√ √√√√ Fuel wood collection

×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√

Grass mowing ×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√ Grazing ×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√ Cultivation X x x √√√√ Afforestation ×××× √√√√ indigenous ×××× √√√√ Gravel road construction

×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√

Public service (clinic, school, water supply, market )

×××× √ only water for visitors

×××× √√√√

Eco-lodge ×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√ Guesthouse X x x √√√√ Community Cultural center

×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√

Community shopping center

×××× √√√√* ×××× √√√√

Public lodge ×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√ Private lodge ×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√ Recreational centre ×××× Only in

Limalimo Afaf

×××× √√√√

Paragliding ×××× √√√√ in areas with less wildlife

population

×××× √√√√

Charcoal making ×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√ Mountain biking ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√ Mountain climbing ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√



Type of Use Strictly

Protected Zone

Ecotourism

Zone

Wildlife

Corridor

Zone of

Development

Bridge ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√ Climbing trails ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√ Signposts*** ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√

Resting areas ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√ First aid services ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√ Visitors centers**** ×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√ Outposts ×××× ×××× ×××× √√√√ Car parking ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√ Museums ×××× √√√√ ×××× √√√√

√√√√ Permissible

√√√√* Permissible under certain conditions

×××× Prohibited

** Camping facilities include shower, toilet, and seats *** Signpost **** Visitors centers include ticket office



4.2. Carrying Capacity of the SMNP

Carrying capacity is defined as the maximum load or amount that can be borne by something before it becomes unsustainable (Nicole & Srasdas, 2002). In tourism, carrying capacity is determined by how many people can visit the site before there is a problem that disturbs the tourists, local communities and the natural environment. For instance, if too many people are visiting the SMNP at a time, there will be too much waste material along the trials and wild animal's disturbance. The experience in SMNP indicates that there is no limit on the number of visitors. As the result, the environmental, social and economic damages may be serious within a few years. Therefore, it is advisable to determine the carrying capacity of the park by setting small number at the beginning and then raise it slowly without increasing environmental, social and economic damages on the sites.

For natural site like SMNP, most scholars recommended the carrying capacity to be up to 15 visitors per day per hectare of land provided that the area has lower significance in environmental degradation. The Greece experience is 5 person/ha for agricultural areas and 3-10 person/ha for forested mountains. However, the experience of Greece and United States shows that area alone can not be used for determination of carrying capacity. Moreover, carrying capacity is not always a matter of determination, some times it is a decision.

In SMNP the park has a total area of 23919.8 hectares. Nevertheless in reality it is highly influenced by rugged topographic feature and thus only limited part of the park will be used for ecotourism activities. As a result, the above park area cannot be used for computation of the carrying capacity. Tourist accessed areas of the park (11460.13Ha) identified as zone of Eco-tourism can be used for carrying capacity determination. Still from the above area of Eco-tourism zone, areas above 30% slope covering 4418.25ha should be excluded from carrying capacity computation as they are inaccessible to tourists and pack animals. Therefore the potential carrying capacity of SMNP on area basis alone taking 3 visitors/ha with out considering infrastructure exceeds more than 20,000 visitors per day. However it would be impossible for the existing infrastructures to support the above huge number of visitors. Thus the carrying capacity has to be adjusted to the tourist infrastructures to be developed and the trend of tourist arrivals in the SMNP. Hence it is a must to consider the following realities.

In 2006, tourist arrivals of the park were around 6000. Up on implementing the master plan, the annual tourist arrivals after five years will be 30,000. On the other hand the total number of the existing and the proposed camping sites & lodges are 23 and 8 respectively. The existing experience that indicates, almost 50 percent of tourist arrivals in SMNP belongs to Gich, Sankaber and Chennek. The other fact is almost 80 percent of visitors are coming in peak seasons (seven months of the year). If we consider the above facts,

The total number of tourist arrivals in peak season will be 24, 000 In each month, the total tourist arrivals will be 3430 In each day , the total arrivals will be 115 And the tourist arrivals in Gich, Sankaber and Chennek will be 58. On average, the tourist

arrival in each camping site will be 19.

Therefore, if the required facilities are fulfilled, the maximum carrying capacity of each camping site will be nearly 20 visitors. The carrying capacity of each site is worked out in detail. Please refer to the annexed tables 9-13.

The carrying capacity computed for the master plan period on monthly basis considering the existing and proposed camping facility shows that over crowd of visitors will not be a problem during the master plan period. The number of tourists expected to visit the park area



in each month through out the master plan period are also less than the maximum supporting capacity of the park. Thus, negative impact on environment as a result of steady increase in tourist number cannot be a threat in the coming fiver years. However, further study has to be carried out to determine the carrying capacity of the park in relation to ecological, social or psychological or aesthetics, natural and economical perspectives. In the ecological perspective it is mainly expected to define the ability of natural resources and ecosystems to support tourism development. In the physic perspective, it is mainly to determine the ability of the relative or general infrastructures to support tourism development. In the social or psychological factor, to assess the visitors’ pleasure/enjoyment as a measure/limit for tourism development in the park, while in the economic perspective it is mainly to define the limit of equation of marginal cost with the marginal profit that results from the tourism development for the area. Further study should come up with the critical factors to determine the carrying capacity of the nature area, optimum requirement of facilities per person, suitable area in each camping site, carrying capacity of the trekking routes and turn over rate etc.

In the planning of tourism growth of an area, the carrying capacity determination based on detail assessment in each site could be vital to planning of new use site (camping, gust house ecologes etc,), renovation of older developed sites and continuous management of all areas of the park, to prevent overcrowding and resource deterioration.

Table 20. Carrying Capacity of SMNP per Camping Facility (person/camp site/month)

Month 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 After 5 year

July 19 23 29 36 45 62

August 22 27 34 43 54 74

September 22 28 35 43 54 75

October 56 70 88 110 137 189

November 38 48 60 75 93 129

December 48 60 75 93 117 161

January 52 65 82 102 127 175

February 40 50 63 78 98 135

March 32 40 50 63 78 108

April 32 40 51 63 79 109

May 14 17 21 26 33 45

June 13 16 20 25 31 43



CHAPTER FIVE: MASTER PLAN STRATEGY AND THREE

YEARS OPRETIONAL PLAN

5.1. Master Plan Strategy

5.1.1 Strategic Assumptions

As stated in the previous section, the SMNP is endowed with natural resources for eco-tourism development. The success of tourism is, however, dependent not only on the presence of natural resources but also on several external and internal factors. This master plan has thus considered the following strategic assumptions:

A. To achieve the objectives of the master plan, there is a need for empowering and building of capacity of the Park Office and Culture and Tourism Office in terms of finance as well as skilled manpower.

B. When ecotourism related activities are implemented in the SMNP, there is a need for considering principles of ecotourism i.e benefiting local communities, protecting and preserving natural and cultural environments and increasing level of satisfaction of tourists.

C. The tourist arrivals of the SMNP will continue with the same increasing rate as it is recorded within the last six years.

D. Peace and security prevail in the country as conflicts and acts of terrorism have been known to cause serious reduction in tourist arrivals.

E. Relevant training will be given to members of local communities and for those who are involving in the tourism industry so as to facilitate ecotourism development in the SMNP.

5.1.2 Strategy Components

SMNP is an issue of national and international interests and, therefore, strategies followed for its development need to lead to the fulfillment of these interests. For these purposes, different level objectives are put in an objective tree format (Fig 4, below) and the corresponding Log Frame (Fig 6, below ) are presented to show the interlinkages of these objectives and to guide the implementation of the Master Plan. Staring from the lower level objectives, the main strategic components are the following.

For the SMNP to be one of the major natural tourist destinations in Ethiopia, the following strategy components must be put in place:

O.1.11.Establish Community-Based Ecotourism Associations - The purpose of establishing such associations is to provide different tourist services and agricultural products to the tourism industry and, at the same time, to bring about genuine community participation.

O.1.2. Raise community awareness – for the sustainable development of ecotourism in the SMNP, genuine community participation is a critical issue. Community participation can easily be reached if continuous awareness raising efforts are launched.

O.2.1. Have genuine community participation – the realization of the above two lower level objectives enable to have genuine community participation, which later contributes to other higher level objectives.

O.2.2. Build the Capacity of Park Office – the Office has a decisive organizational importance. All the time, its capacity should remain the focus of the Master Plan. Human resources development is basic for the public sector. Ecotourism development and park management by their nature require human resources of

1 One of the lowest level objectives



multidisciplinary backgrounds. Hence, providing short-term training as well as formal training and maintaining the required number of staff is necessary

O.2.3. Strengthen Woreda Coordinating Committee – this committee can play a pivotal role if properly used. Without strengthening it, integration of all stakeholders will be too difficult.

O.2.4. Encourage the involvement of private investors - At present, there is a need for diversified and qualified services for tourists within and around the park i.e. at Debark, Adarkay and Mekane Birhan.

O.3. Creating strong coordination and integration among stakeholders – when the above mentioned low level four objectives are in place, there will be a fertile ground for the realization of integration of stakeholders. The integration modality should also establish a link with key stakeholders like Ethiopian Airlines, catering and accommodation service providers, tour operators, bank and telecommunication services. Creating network with other tourist destination areas (Bahir Dar, Gonder, Lalibelia and Axum) through wide area network system would facilitate information exchange related to accommodation, weather conditions, attraction resources and other tourist related information.

O.4. Diversify income sources – the best strategy to avoid community encroachment into the park is to improve household incomes that come both from tourism and other sectors like agriculture and off-farm activities. At this junction, introducing benefit sharing mechanisms will result in positive effects with multiplying and spill over effects.

O.5.1. Increase benefits for local communities – when income sources are diversified, including the community benefit sharing, benefits of local communities will be improved, which can serve as a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the park and tourism.

O.5.2. Improve infrastructure – Natural attractions without the required infrastructure worth little from the point of view of tourism development. So, to exploit the existing resources of the SMNP, there is a need for development of infrastructure, services and facilities to the tourists and local community. The middle level objectives (integration of stakeholders, diversification of income sources, etc.) contribute towards infrastructure development, which, in turn, easily facilitate tourists’ access to information, tourism products and tourist sites.

O.6.1. Upgrade information access to tourists – the information given at one point in time has an impact on the number of tourist coming later. Well organized information should be made available to tourists. The SMNP is rich in its resources but the number of visitors is not commensurate with its potential. A contributory factor for this problem is the presence of inadequate promotion. Promoting the existing resources and services of the park by identifying the right target tourists and using the right promotional mechanisms will increase tourist arrivals of the SMNP. The most available appropriate promotional methods are leaflets, brochures, postcards, documentary films, websites and International Medias.

O.6.2. Diversify tourism products – these have significant meanings to tourists. Existing products need to be maintained and improved and new ones be developed. This is one of the factors that attract tourists. Ultimately, it contributes to increased income of the community.

O.6.3. Improve accessibility of tourist sites – Tourist products and sites should be accessible to tourists, which has to be well managed. O.6.4 Improve resource management – the improvement of the resource management

practice within and outside the park is one of the factors that determine the sustainable development of the park. In this regard, special attention should be given to practices related to indigenous and local plant species.



O.7.1 Conserve and protect natural resource – SMNP can maintain its World Heritage Status and center of attraction if and only it is conserved and protected. If this objective is not realized, sustainable tourism development will be a problem.

O.7.2 Increase number of tourists – all nationalities of the world have legitimate right to visit and enjoy the park. When tourist inflow increases, the tourism revenue from the SMNP will do so. This enables the park to react to many of its problems and ensures its sustainability.

O.8 Develop ecotourism at a sustainable manner – all objectives mentioned above are lower level objectives and are contributory to the achievement of sustainable tourism development. When tourist number increases, continuous flow of income is certain. But if nature is not conserved, the tourist flow and the consequent income can be interrupted.



Benefits for Local Communities Increased

Natural Resources Conserved and Protected No of Tourists Increased

Accessibility of Tourist Sites

Improved

Tourism Products

Diversified Information Access to Tourists Upgraded

Infrastructure Improved

Resource Management

Practice Improved

Income Sources

Diversified

Integration of Stakeholders

Improved

Private Sector Encouraged Genuine Community

Participation Improved

Woreda Coordinating

Committee Strengthened

Park Office Capacitated

Community-Based Ecotourism

Associations Established Community Awareness Raised

Sustainable Tourism Developed

Figure 4. Development Strategy for Simien Mountains National Park Three Years Operational Plan – Objective Tree



5.2. Three Years Operational Plan

5.2.1. Introduction

This operational plan is designed to guide the implementation of the tourism mater plan of the SMNP. It helps for establishing sustainable tourism development throughout the SMNP by outlining modalities and principles of ecotourism. This action plan is a direct reflection of the short-term and long term objectives of the tourism mater plan and includes the suggestions of various stakeholders, experts and concerned bodies. To give this tourism master plan life, the goodwill and cooperation of all stakeholders will be a mandatory element. The vision can be realized over time, but this can only happen with steady application of this operational plan and firm commitment of different stakeholders. In formulating this operational plan, it is imagined that there may be human resource constraints in the field of ecotourism for implementation of the suggested activities in accordance with the suggested timing and organizational responsibility. For a given short period of time to come, however, this problem may be solved by using related professionals.

Even though it is not a formal structure, due attention should be given to IDP and its structure in order to fill the man power gap the Park Office has at Debark.

5.2.2 Organizational Management and Structure

5.2.2.1 Organization The park office is responsible for the direct management and administration of the wildlife and other natural resources within the park area. The organizational structure of the park office is shown in Figure 5. The park warden is accountable to the PaDPA of the ANRS, which in turn operates under “the Board” (the management board), which coordinates and steers the duties of the Authority. Further, at Woreda level, the duties of the park office is also coordinated by the Woreda Steering Committee, which consists of the administrators of the five woredas (Debark, Adi Arkay, Beyeda, Tellemet and Janamora), the heads of the three Woredas’ agricultural office, the park warden (who serves as a secretary of the committee) and the manager of the SMNP-IDP. The Woreda steering committee is functionally linked to PaDPA and the park office by the doted line in the Figure. In general, the organizational arrangement is quite proper to facilitate the linkage and coordination of the park activities with other development sectors around the park area.

The park office has an Administration and Finance Service, which deals with mainly the administration, financial and logistic matters. There are also an auditor, planning and programming service, legal service and a number of technical experts working under the direct supervision of the park warden. The structure is similar to the old structure which was formulated by the former EWCO and approved by the federal government in 1995 except with addition of planning and programming and legal services.



Figure 5: Organizational Structure

5.2.2.1.1 Staff

The park office has a total of 58 staff, out of which four are professionals (first degree holders), five middle level technical staff (diploma holders or equivalent), three lower level technicians and 34 scouts serving at the field level. The others are drivers, office guards and cleaners.

In general, the existing staff number and technical composition is not sufficient enough to carry out the enormous task of the park office. The staff members are also less qualified in managing the complex situation in the park area. In particular, in view of the extended size of the park area, the park administration has to recruit additional 23 scouts to cover or properly patrol the entire areas of the park. The park also lacks professionals especially in the field of wildlife management, park administration and ecotourism development and, therefore, three additional professionals are to be added. Totally 26 additional staffs should be recruited.

5.2.3. Super Goal of the three Years’ Operational Plan

The super goal that receives contribution for its realization from the operation of the three years’ operational plan is ‘Sustainable eco-tourism developed in SMNP’.

The implementation of the three years’ operational plan contributes to enhancing sustainable eco-tourism development, and conservation of environmental and biodiversity resources in the SMNP, and improve the livelihood of the local communities through partnership among the government, the private sector and the local communities.

PaDPA Wereda

Steering

Committee

Park Office

Auditor Admit. & Finance

Service

Experts

Scouts

BoCT

Planning &

programming

service

Legal

service

The Board



5.2.4. Goal

The goal of the three years’ operational plan that receives contribution from the realization of purposes is:- ‘Natural resources in and around the SMNP conserved and protected with an

increasing number of tourists’.

5.2.5. Purposes of the Operational Plan

The purposes of the three years’ operational plan that contributes to the realization of the above goal are:- 1. Resource management practices within and around the SMNP improved; 2. Visitors’ information center upgraded; 3. Accessibility of tourist sites of the SMNP improved; and, 4. Tourist products within and around the SMNP diversified.

5.2.6. Outputs of the Operational Plan

After implementing this operational plan, the expected outputs that lead to the achievement of purposes of the operational plan are: 1. Integration of stakeholders improved; 2. Income sources diversified and infrastructure improved; and,

3. Benefits for local communities increased.

5.2.7. Stakeholders Analysis

No. Stakeholders Expectation of

stakeholders from

park office

Expectation of office

from stakeholders

Consequences if

expectation is not fulfilled

1 Tourism industry

Technical support Provision of quality services for tourists and protect the environments

Tourist may be dissatisfied and will not come again

2 ANRS PaDPA To come up with technical gaps

Technical support Impeded performance of office

3 ANRS BoCT To come up with policy gaps

Policy support Impeded performance of office

4 Ecotourism associations

Technical and financial support

Provision of quality support and protect the environments

Tourist may be dissatisfied and will not come again

5 Tourists Creating conducive environment during visiting

Responsibility for protecting the natural environments

The natural environment will degrade and the amount of tourist arrivals will decrease

6 Local community

Increasing their benefit in tourism sector through involving different activities

Support parks involvement in protecting the natural environment of the park

Poor coordination between the office and local community and local community will not be benefited from the park.

7 Investors Identify investment opportunity

Active participation in the investments

Tourists will not get enough services

8 NGO Identify intervention areas

Support the developmental programs technically and financially

The developmental program will not be effective.



No. Stakeholders Expectation of

stakeholders from

park office

Expectation of office

from stakeholders

Consequences if

expectation is not fulfilled

9 Higher institutions

Identify the intervention areas/research topics

Participating in problem oriented(solving ) research

Problems will not solve systematically and lack of integrated development

10 Woreda administration

Identify the required supports

Coordinate different stakeholders

Loose coordination among stakeholders

11 Culture and Tourism Offices & BoCT

Managing tourism resources and developing tourism facilities

Promotion of resources, provide technical and policy supports

The tourist arrivals will not increase and they will not be satisfied

12 Agricultural and Rural Development Office

Organize local community to produce agricultural products

Technical support for local community who produce agricultural products

Local community will not benefiting by providing agricultural products

13 Environmental Protection, Land Administration and Use Authority

Considering the rule and regulation of environmental protection in any developmental activities

Environmental impact assessment for developmental activities, implementation of rational land use plan in the zone of development

Loss of wildlife habitat and other scenic resources

14 Education Bureau

Empowerment of the community in management of natural attractions

Establishment of schools & include nature based tourism development education in the lower level education curriculum

unwise use of natural attractions leading to loss of nature areas

15 Health Bureau Effecting regulations that ensure clean and healthy tourist destination nature area

Formulating regulations related to sanitation

Unclean nature area causing dissatisfaction to tourists

16

Religious Institutions

Benefit sharing and promotion of their cultural resources

Teach the community to protect and manage the nature area; develop by-laws to take care of heritages.

Loss of wilderness and reduced revenue from tourism resources and less community participation.

17 ANRS Investment Agency

Conducive working environment for investors.

Promotion of investment opportunities and devising incentive mechanisms to attract investors.

Investors may not invest in and around the SMNP; Tourists visiting the SMNP may decrease in number.



5.2.7. Implementation Strategies of the Operational Plan

�� Integration among stakeholders and encouragement to the private sector: - for ease implementation of the operational plan, the capacity of the Management Board, the Park Office, Woreda Steering Committee, Communities and the private sector should be built. Awareness raising and developing and polishing working systems, developing guidelines, etc. are some of the important factors contributing towards capacity building and better integration. Areas where private sector can invest have to be investigated and information given to investors.

Increasing the benefit of local community: - diversifying the products and satisfying the tourists’ interests, which consequently increase the duration of tourists’ stay, will ultimately increase the amount of income to be gained from tourism sector. Since communities are the most important stakeholders, it is necessary to develop confidence that they are going to be benefited from sustainable tourism development.

Increasing community participation in developmental activities of the park: local communities play decisive role for sustainable development of the park. Therefore to exploit the local community effectively and efficiently, organizing the local community in ecotourism associations or in any form of local community organizations is advisable.

Provide quality services – provision of quality service may help in increasing the number of tourists up to the acceptable amount, to increase the satisfaction level of tourists and to increase the duration of stay of tourists. One of the major strategies to increase the quality of services provided within and around the park is providing trainings for those who provide various services and also continuous follow up concerning the services that they are provided. Some times certifying those who provide better services may encourage in improving the quality of services provided. For this purpose, standards can be set. Applying and respecting set standards for service provision depends on competition within the private sector with the assumed intention of attracting large number of tourists.

Conserve & protect the natural resources of the park- visitors, local community and the industry are among the major stakeholders that are responsible either to damage or to preserve the natural resources of the park. Preserving the natural resources may be effective through awareness of these stakeholders about the advantage of park protection, through applying proper benefit sharing mechanism and some rules and regulation that are applicable for each stakeholder.

When the implementation of operational plans is underway, gender consideration has to be given due emphasis. In every attempt, women should be given special emphasis and treatment. When appropriate, similar preferential treatment is important for the youth.

Implement the master plan in accordance with the priorities sited below: - This priority setup shows only the emphasized trend of implementing the operational plan. Otherwise, many activities have to be implemented to achieve objectives of the operational plan.

1st priorities are:

• Raising community awareness at required level;

• Establishing community based associations; 2nd priorities are:

• Capacitating Park Office, and strengthening Woreda Coordinating Committee;

• Ensuring genuine community participation;

• Encouraging the participation of the private sector in tourism; 3rd priorities are:

• Creating strong coordination among stakeholders in order to: � diversify income sources; � increase benefits for local communities; � improve infrastructure; � diversify tourism products; and,



� To upgrade tourist information center and improve accessibility of tourist sites.

5. 2.8. Detail Action Plan for the Next Three Years Objective Level - in Decreasing Order

Activities to be

performed to achieve

the different level

Objectives

Amou

nt (No)

Implementation

Year

Financial Requirement

Responsibility

Remark

1st

2nd

3rd

1 Sustainable Tourism Developed

2.1 Number of Tourists Increased

3.1. Information Access to Tourists Upgraded

Brochure 5000 X X X 50000 CoBT and its subordinate

organs

Copies

Leaflets

5000

X

X

X

25000

BoCT and its subordinate organs

Dissemination by

Ethiopian Airlines

Postcards 5000 X X X 15000 BoCT and its subordinate organs

Postcards ( big size with frame)

200 X X X 20000 BoCT and its subordinate organs

Booklets 4000 X X X 50000 BoCT and its subordinate organs

Develop its own logo that can be used on promotional materials

1

X

5000 BoCT and its subordinate organs

Develop tourist maps at different scales

3000 X X X 300000 BoCT and its subordinate organs

Produce documentary films

X 250000 Private Sector

Produce gift products (printed cap, badge, fobs, t-shirt)

5000

X

X

X

100000

BoCT and its subordinate

organs

Develop Website 1 X 100000 BoCT, .MoCT, UNSECO

Broadcast using National & international media (television , radio, magazine etc)

X

X

500000

.MoCT,

UNSECO

Provide certificate for those who are visiting SMNP

20000

X

X

X

30000

Park Office

Establish sign posts for an indication of direction, resources, rules and regulation

X

X

X

50000

PaDPA



Objective Level - in Decreasing Order

Activities to be


the different level

Objectives

Amou

nt (No)

Implementation

Year


Responsibility

Remark

1st

2nd

3rd

of the park

Establish bench mark at Ras Dejen (height mountain peak of Ethiopia)

1

X

3000

PaDPA, UNSECO

Organize and develop database system

X 100,000 PaDPA

Creating network with other tourist destination areas (Bahir Dar, Gonder, Lalibelia and Axum)

4

X

X

100000

BoCT

4 areas

Total 1,698,000

Tourism Products Diversified

Develop mountain climbing trails

3 X 60000 PaDPA Mainte- nance

Develop horse riding fields

2 X X 60000 PaDPA

Establish visitor centre

1 X X 500000 PaDPA

Develop paragliding facilities

5 X X X 500000 PaDPA

Built community cultural centre

2 X X 600000 PaDPA

Organize cultural dance group

2 X 100000 Tourism& Culture Offices

Total 1820000

3.3. Accessibility of Tourist Sites Improved

4.1 Infrastructure Improved

Trekking route 9 X X X 200000 PaDPA

Bridge 2 X X 150000 PaDPA

Outposts 6 X X X 1200000 PaDPA

Camping sites 10 X X X 1000000 PaDPA

Car parking 2 X 100000 PaDPA

Picnic sites/seats 50 X X X 5000 PaDPA Woody

Construction of houses for muleteers & mules

10 X X X 150000 PaDPA

Establish radio communication & wireless telephone

14 X X 350000 PaDPA

Strengthen ticket office at the entrance of the park

1 X 100000 PaDPA Entrance gate




Activities to be


the different level

Objectives

Amou

nt (No)

Implementation

Year


Responsibility

Remark

1st

2nd

3rd

Organize community shopping centers


Total 3555000

2.2 Natural Resources Conserved and Protected

3.4 Natural Resource Management Practice Improved

Plantation of indigenous trees

X X X 100000 BoARD

Implement dry waste management schemes

X

X

X

100000

PaDPA

EPLAUA

Arrange waste bins at appropriate sites


Further study on carrying capacity determination

%

X

150,000

PaDPA

Total 205000

4.2. Benefits for Local Communities Increased

5 Income Sources Diversified (Contributes also to Infrastructure Improved, 4.1)

Promote photography, filming and research works

-

X

X

X

100000

PaDPA

Introduce concession fee

X X 100000 PaDPA

Support the local community to produce agricultural products.

X

X

X

200000

BoARD

Promote new tourist products (paragliding, horse riding, rock climbing, Golf, etc)

X

X

X

300000

BoCT and its subordinate

organs

Total 700000

6 Integration of Stakeholders Improved (Capacity Developed)

7.1–7 .3 Park Office Capacitated, Woreda Coordinating Committee Strengthened, Genuine

Community Participation Improved,

Conduct regular workshop with major stakeholders


Develop monitoring and evaluation system for the master plan implementation

3 X

X

X

150000

PaDPA

Experience sharing (with in the country)

3 X X X 150000 PaDPA Tour groups




Activities to be


the different level

Objectives

Amou

nt (No)

Implementation

Year


Responsibility

Remark

1st

2nd

3rd

Experiences sharing (abroad)

2 X X 400000 PaDPA 2 Countries

Provide short-term training on data organization and management


Upgrade staff members to Diploma, Degree and MSc levels

0

• certificate to diploma

15 X 7.1 X 300000 PaDPA

• Diploma to first degree

10 X 7.1 X 400000 PaDPA

• First degree to MSc.

6 X 7.1 X 600000 PaDPA

Develop eco-tourism working manual

1 X X X 100000 PaDPA/ BoCT

Award individuals who have higher performance in protecting and preventing the park environment

30

X

X

X

150000

PaDPA

Equip office with different materials

X X X 1500000 PaDPA

Total 4150000

7.4 Private Sector Participation Encouraged

Develop incentive mechanism to attract private investments

X

10000

PaDPA/ Investment

Agency

Identify and promote investment potentials

X X X 20000 PaDPA/ Investment

Agency

Training on handcraft production

60 X X X 150000 PaDPA

Training local guides about techniques of guiding & first aid services

30 X X X 15000 PaDPA Tourism &

Culture Offices

Training scouts and local communities

60 X X X 12000 Park Office

Training cookers 50 X X X 150000 BoCT

Training reception workers

30 X X X 15000 BoCT

Training waiters 30 X X X 15000 BoCT

Total 387000

8.1 Community-Based Eco-tourism Associations Established




Activities to be


the different level

Objectives

Amou

nt (No)

Implementation

Year


Responsibility

Remark

1st

2nd

3rd

Organize and support ecotourism associations

X

X

X

150000

Tourism &

Culture Offices

Organize eco-tourism associations also in park extension areas

X

X

100000

Tourism &

Culture Offices

Training Hotel Managers

10 X X X 15000 BoCT

Total 265000

8.2 Community Awareness Raised

Organize series of awareness raising Programs to the community

X

X

X

180000

Park Office

Total 180000

Grand Total 13,110,000



CHAPTER 6: PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUTURE

INTERVENTION

The implementation of the Tourism Master Plan is anticipated to bring about positive changes that will be appreciated by all stakeholders including international communities and organizations. Even up to now, IDP, Park Office and other public institutions have tried to change the image of the park by the promising results recorded. Keeping up already recorded results and implementing the Master Plan, the following intervention areas should be given due attention as specific priority areas by the different stakeholders and should be implemented in juxtaposition with the Master Plan.

1. Taking the name of the park out of the Endangered List The four bench marks set by World Heritage Committee of UNESCO to bring out the name of the park from World Heritage Endangered List should be given attention and, as soon as possible, fulfilled. It is also important to reinforce those measures taken to fulfill some of the benchmarks.

2. Agricultural development and other income generating schemes to gradually pull population out of and around the park

3. One of the bench marks set by the World Heritage Committee for a removal of the SMNP from World Heritage Endangered List is significant and sustainable reduction

in the human population density within the park. It is also clear that the population pressure around the park has an effect on the population density within the park. To ensure sustainable reduction of population both within in and outside the park, health and family planning, education and employments from the non-agricultural sectors should be sought for side by side with the implementation of the Tourism Master Plan.

4. Researches A large number of studies have been conducted in the SMNP emphasizing more on the natural resource. Still studying the following areas will have positive impacts on the park.

• The profile of tourists – it helps to design appropriate promotional methods, to identify appropriate facilities and the like;

• Identification of bringing additional wildlife that suit to the environment and the existing wildlife. For this purpose the food chains and the food web need to be thoroughly studied;

• In-depth study on the behaviors of wildlife of SMNP;

• Possibilities for park expansion.

• Impact of benefit sharing scheme on population pressure within and around the park – it is certain that increasing benefits shared by the community will improve community participation. The prediction of the exact long term cumulative effect of benefit sharing on the sustainable development of the park may not be possible. Continuous studies are necessary to take appropriate measures on time. Development of modalities for benefit sharing local communities – the consequences of the 60% Vs 40% share on the communities attitude towards the park and its sustainability has to be examined and reformulated accordingly;

5. Organize local community to produce agricultural products for tourist supply – satisfying the needs of the tourists, it will also increase the benefit of local community. Communities have to be organized and be assisted by providing revolving fund and credit from donor/ saving agencies.



6. Information exchange among major destination around SMNP- information exchange among tourist destination areas like Gondar, Bahir Dar, Lalibela and Axum increase the satisfaction level of tourists’ and the duration of their stay. To this effect, information provision about all tourist destinations at each of the above place is an important task.

7. Opening liaisons / booking office in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar and Gonder - this may help for booking and updating information to tourists and the main Park Office in Debark.

8. Improving the salary of the scout and restricting the activity of the scout on the patrolling/ inspecting the park. Scouts are involved in patrolling the park and follow and take care of tourists. These two responsibilities are burden for scouts and may affect the protection of the park. Therefore through providing short training on how to use gun and behave guests, the activity of taking care of tourists may be left to the local communities. This responsibility shifting may also help to benefit the local communities.

9. Develop ecotourism guiding manual for training the local community – this manual helps the local community to create awareness on ecotourism development in SMNP, in protecting and preserving the park

10. Develop minimum standards for each of the services provided in the park. 11. Develop strategies of awareness-raising and work in line with reducing sense of

dependency of communities, especially rural ones, on external support. This can be successful if churches and monasteries/nunneries used as strategies to teach rural households.

12. The road from Debark to Janamora and Beyeda may have unexpected negative impact on the eco-tourism activities of the park. It is therefore necessary to monitor and evaluate the effects and impacts of the road so that appropriate corrective measures can be taken timely.



CHAPTER 7: MONITORING & EVALUATION

Monitoring and evaluation is an important part of any plan and helps to facilitate and sustain the achievements and to measure the success of the plan. Monitoring is more common during implementation or planning period while evaluation is more common at end of certain program or after planning periods, may be monthly, quarterly or annually. Monitoring and evaluation will be effective using performance indicators of plans and means of verification. To simplify monitoring and evaluation in tracking actual progress against planned activities, appropriate verifiable indicators and their means of verification should be set with their planned activities. As a framework to serve for monitoring and evaluation the log frame in Fig 6 below can be used. When annual plans are formulated, specific verifiable indicators and means of verification have to be worked out for each planned activity



Intervention Logic Objectively Verifiable Indicators Means of Verification Important Assumptions

Super Goal:

Contribution to National Tourism Revenue increased and SMNP remained at World Heritage Status

1. % of Park Contribution to National Tourism Revenue 2. Being World Heritage Status Park

1. Annual reports of Ministry of Culture and Tourism

2. UNESCO Reports

Goal: Sustainable tourism developed

Appreciation by UNESCO and other International Organizations

1. UNESCO Reports 2. Local Environmental Body reports

Practical Support from international organizations is realized

Purposes:

1. No of Tourists Increased 2. Natural Resources Conserved

and Protected

1. Percentage of annual arrival of tourists’ increase 2. a) % of annual increase of Walia ibex

b) % of annual increase of Ethiopian wolf c) Annual expansion in the ecological coverage of the

three endemic plant species of the Park

1. Park Office annual reports 2. a) Park Office annual count reports b) Park Office annual count reports c) Sample taken by annual survey

1. a) Tourists Ethics are respected b) Tourists are willing to pay

2. b) Park is excluded from Endangered List c) Park’s World Heritage Status is well recognized by all stakeholders d) present peace and security continues

Outputs:

Visitors information service upgraded Tourism products diversified Tourism sites accessibility improved 2. Resource management practices improved

1.1. % of tourists annually satisfied with the

information provision 1.2. % of new products annually made available 1.3. a) Increase of annually accessed areas b) % of tourists annually satisfied with the infrastructure and service

2. No of indigenous plant species planted

1.1. Questionnaire filled by sampled tourists 1.2. Park Office annual reports 1.3. Park Office annual reports 2. Park Office annual reports

1.1. Tourists give reliable feedback 1.2. Products have no any negative effect on the environment 1.3. Infrastructures have no any negative effect on the

environment 2. a) Community concern for the park

grows b) Survival rate of plants is acceptable

Activities:-

1. To improve infrastructure 2. To increase benefits for local

communities

Inputs and Resources:

• Budget as indicated in the plan

• Communities

• Park Office

• Woreda Coordinating Committee

• Private Sector

• Regional, National and International Organizations

1. Annual implementation reports 2. Household survey

1. a) Infrastructure standard maintained b) Lower level objectives are archived

2. a) Encroachment into the Park gradually declines b) income sources diversified c) Integration of stakeholders improved d) Lower level objectives are achieved

Preconditions:

• Master Plan Approved

• Austrian Government continues supporting the park

• International stakeholders are willing to extend financial support

Figure 6 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development – Tourism Master Plan General Strategy/Mother Log Frame



Development activities going on an area like the SMNP require being cautious towards monitoring of environmental aspects. During plan implementation, monitoring from EIA point of view has to be done periodically and regularly. Monitoring is necessary to check that mitigating measures are implemented in accordance with the EIA report and to provide early warning of environmental damage so that remedial measures can be activated to prevent or reduce deterioration of the environment.

Baseline monitoring and impact monitoring are the two most important aspects of environmental monitoring. Baseline Monitoring involves the measurements of environmental variables during a representative pre-project period to determine the nature and range of natural variation, and where appropriate, to establish the nature of change where as impact monitoring involves the measurement of environmental variables during project implementation to determine changes which can be attributed to activities or the project.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Guideline of the Amhara Region puts examples of checklists of possible environmental impacts and their probable mitigation measures that every development project should follow. To ensure the sustainability of development in the park and to comply with compliance monitoring, therefore, the following procedure has to be maintained for every project and activity within and around the park.

1. Soil Resources Some of the possible impacts could be:

o Soil erosion o Contamination of soil etc.

2. Water resources Some of the possible impacts could be:

o Flooding o Fall of ground water table o Pollution of surface and ground water o Increment of turbidity

3. Air quality Some of the possible impacts could be:

o Contribution to depletion of ozone layer and climate change due to emission of some gases

o Affected human health due to emission of gases o Reduction of air quality, which may endanger life of flora and fauna.

4. Flora, Fauna and Ecosystem These are the most important assets of the park that environmental impact assessment should give due consideration. Some of the possible impacts could be:

o Loss of fauna and flora o Disturbance of an ecosystem o Exploitation of natural resources o Wildlife affected by polluted water and encroachment.

5. Socioeconomic o Conflict between upstream and down stream o Gradual loss of social identity o Population pressure due to the upcoming operational benefit-sharing scheme o Encroachment into the park as a result of population pressure

6. Natural and cultural heritages o Landscapes may become unpleasant e.g. due to deforestation o Traditional house construction may rapidly disappear

7. Noise



o Unusual noise may disturb animals To establish a well organized evaluation and monitoring system for activities going on in the park, it is advisable to develop a GIS-assisted spatial database. At detail scale level data base will enable to have reliable benchmark database. Plant and animal species mixes can be inventoried and categorized under defined land units, which can be used for baseline monitoring.



Glossary

Carrying capacity: Refers to the maximum load or amount that can be borne by something

before it becomes unsustainable (Nicole & Srasdas, 2002).

Code of Ethics: is a set of standards, rules, guidelines, and values that govern and guide ethical business behavior in a company, profession, or organization of its employees, interactions among the employees, and interaction between the employees and the general public. Ecotourism: Socially and environmentally responsible travel to natural area that promotes

conservation and the benefit of local community. It is perceived to be sub components of

sustainable tourism.

Local community: That body of people who come together around a common objective or

common purpose.

National Park: A national park is a natural area designated to protect the ecological integrity of

one or more ecosystems for present and future generations (World Conservation Union).

Paragliding: A recreational activity or sport in which somebody jumps from a high place

wearing a rectangular parachute that allows control of direction in descent to the ground.

Protected area: Area dedicated primarily to the protection and enjoyment of nature or

cultural heritage, to the maintenance of biodiversity, and/ or to maintenance of ecological life

support services (IUCN, 1996).

Sustainable tourism development: – Tourism development, management and any other

tourism activity which optimizes the economic and other societal benefits available in the

present without affecting the potential for similar benefit for the future.

Tourism master plan: The document that describes an overall tourism developmental

direction for a given destination.

Tourists: a person who travels away from home, staying away for at least one night.

Wildlife: J.C Hilllman(1993) defines as small and large animals-mammals, birds, reptiles,

amphibians, fish, invertebrates, wild plants and the habitat that are necessary for their self-

sustained existence.

.



References

1. Andrew Holden (2003). Environment and tourism, Routledge, London UK

2. Hürni, H. & Ludi, E. (2000). Reconciling Conservation and Sustainable Development.

A Participatory Study Inside and Around the Simien Mountain National Park, Ethiopia.

University of Berne, Switzerland.

3. IUCN (1996). Tourism, ecotourism and protected oves, SADAG, Bellegared - Sur –

Valserine, France

4. Martin Mow forth and Ian Munt (2003). Tourism and Sustainability, Development and

new truism in the third world, Zwel , Routledge New York

5. Nicole hausler and Wolfgang Strasdas (2002). training manual for community based

tourism, Zsch. Gemin

6. Nivergelt, B., Good, T. and Guttinger, R. (1998). A Survey on the flora and fauna of

the SMNP, Ethiopia.

7. Potjana svansri (2003). Community Based Tourism Manual hand Book, Thailand

8. Amhara National Regional State (2001). Simien Mountains National Park Management

Plan

9. Simien Mountains National Park Office and Nature Oriented Tourism Project (1999)

and revised by SMNP-IDP (2003) : Guides training Manual of Simien Mountain

National Park, Debark ( Unpublished)

10. Tanzania National park (2001). Udzungwa mountains national parks, general

management plan, Tanzania.

11. Wolf Gang strasdas (200). The Ecotourism Training manual for protected area

managers, Zschortav.



ANNEXS 1. Code of ethics for tourism industry

A. Commit to excellence in quality of tourism services B. Encourage an appreciation of and respect for cultural and natural resources of local

community C. Respect the value of local community D. Achieve tourism development through maximizing tourism development and

minimizing the negative impacts of tourism E. Efficiently use of our natural resources and manage efficiently the waste F. Collaborate with other stakeholders for sustainable tourism development.

2. Code of ethics for tourists

Environmental conservation

• Help to prevent littering and pack trash out of natural area

• Do not collect plants and animals or disturb them in their natural habitat Respect for local culture and customs

• Obtain permission before taking picture of video

• Do not wear culturally inappropriate clothing such as tank tops or shorts

• Respect the community rules and regulations

• Try to behave as the villagers do Support the local economy

A. Buy local community B. Accept the standard of services that the community able to provide C. Do not give money or items to children freely because it will habituate them to ask for

things from tourists

3. Rule and regulation of the park

A. Prohibited activities

• Removing any genetic materials

• Disturbance wildlife ( feeding, chase , etc)

• Entering with domestic dog and motor bike

• Picnic out of the allowed trekking routes

• Camping, feeding or taking rest in most frequent wildlife habitat

• Collecting natural vegetation for any use

• Paragliding or rock climbing out of the allowed site

• Leaving or throwing rubbish every where in the park.

• Firing a gun or any other weapon

• Transplanting exotics

• Extension program inside the park

• Hunting wildlife and fishing

• Camping outside designated camping sites

• Entering the national park without payment and permit

• Collecting firewood within the park

• Driving vehicles with a speed of greater than 30 km/hour

• Driving from 6:00 P.M to 6:00 A.M



B. Obligatory

• Joining community scout while you are in the park

• Paying all fees in ticket office

• Respect peoples, culture and religion since they are the primary assets of the park C. Required permit

• Taking film or photos for commercial use

• Entering with heavy track for tourism beyond the entrance







Fig 1. Tourist Arrival in Master plan period

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year(E.C)

arr

iva

ls

Tourist arrivals

Table 1. Projected Tourist Growth

Year Tourist arrivals Annual growth rate (%) Remark

1991 1182 - -

1992 1289 9.05 actual

1993 1825 41.58 actual

1994 2652 45.31 actual

1995 3489 31.56 actual

1996 3969 13.76 actual

1997 5074 27.84 actual

1998 6019 18.6 actual

1999 6991 16.14 actual

2000 8923 25 Projected(based on the average of the

last 9 years

2001 11153 25 projected

2002 13941 25 projected

2003 17426 25 projected

2004 21756 25 projected



Table2 Location of View Points No. X Y Altitude Location

1 412163 1465926 3571 korbte metaya

2 412459 1466504 3630 Chenneke1

3 412589 1466363 3637 Chenneke2

4 412745 1466404 3629 Chennek 3

5 408771 1466195 4079 Inatye

6 399097 1463555 3139 Jinbara waterfall

7 407492 1468997 3936 Imet gogo

8 404943 1468736 3789 Saha

9 400093 1463444 3316 Gich megentaya

10 415279 1465602 4106 Bwahit

11 397003 1463648 3307 Niguse ayesmu

12 396091 1463401 3278 Chinquanit

13 396388 1463432 3277 Ayemtrie

14 394940 14662919 3178 Kuchila metaya

15 392509 1461346 3197 Mechebegne

16 389469 1460868 3280 Tirfe

17 379854 1459204 2859 Limalimo

18 377480 1458326 2927 Zinjero amaga

19 426225 1454055 3856 Temdesh

20 432034 1463419 4560 Ras Dejen

21 407246 1468133 3660 mefelkiawe

22 403017 1467974 Kedadit

23 392416 1461141 Tiya ras

24 399747 1465657 Gider gote

Table3 Location of Campsites No. X Y Altitude Location Remark

1 412705 1466119 3627 chenneke existing

2 404570 1464116 3662 Ayena meda proposed

3 403394 1467024 3618 Gich existing

4 397907 1468007 2437 Muchila existing

5 408187 1471587 20801 Dirini existing

6 391812 1462567 20340 Adarmaze existing

7 413352 1456728 3988 sbate meneche proposed

8 396087 1462859 3253 sankaber existing

9 430309 1457147 3939 Adi_ lemelem proposed

10 394254 1452398 Adebabay proposed

11 405670 1455825 Barna proposed

12 426995 1467616 Mentaber proposed

13 385768 1464138 Kernejan proposed

14 392762 1466761 China proposed

15 402741 1483836 Mulit proposed

16 404497 1472727 Antola proposed

17 399792 1470856 Aykotiba proposed

18 415301 1473567 sona proposed

19 424348 1464710 Ambiko proposed

20 430342 1468604 Metelale proposed

21 394460 1449913 Beles proposed

22 409105 1474556 Lamu proposed

Sugsug proposed



Table 4 Location of Lodges

No. X Y Altitude Location Remark

1 412596 1466244 3624 Chennek Community

2 403215 1466833 3599 Gich Community

3 395815 1462975 3237 Sankaber Government

4 389746 1459711 3162 Miligebesa Community

5 389175 1460572 3281 Buyteras Private

6 413300 1456493 4000 Sebate minch Community

7 431419 1469459 Sabra Community

8 42339 1474954 Adirkambo/Adi-lemlem Community

9 424348 1464710 Ambiko proposed

Table 5 Location of Outpost Site No. X Y Altitude Location

1 412519 1466310 3636 chennke

2 404656 1464188 3662 Ayena meda

3 403572 1466727 3598 Gich

4 397907 1468007 2437 muchila

5 408187 1471587 2801 Dirini

6 391365 1462566 2294 Adarmaze

7 413300 1456493 4000 Sbate meneche

8 379837 1458650 2882 limalimo

9 426225 1454055 3856 Temdesh

10 428029 1453513 4005 Debedeb

11 433987 1460582 4185 Gobatit

12 435532 1462041 4116 Tekera washa

13 437582 1463511 3836 Wochenaw ketna

14 442571 1465272 3908 Tende wachie

15 436284 1469471 3704 Mosbite

16 432802 1467806 3734 Islamoch washa

17 428711 1472870 3450 wakelo wenze ras

18 sugsuge

Table 6 Location of Paragliding Sites

No. X Y Altitude Location

1 379459 1463178 2116 Deb Bahir

2 377480 1458326 2927 Zinjero maga

3 432034 1463419 Ras Dejen

4 443916 1466951 Sebe yebalw

5 442738 1467125 Above Nich Gedele

6 429043 1470497 Kidus yared

7 431446 1469428 sabra

8 432000 1475158 Gilbena



Table 7 Location of Shopping Center No X Y altitude location

1 412705 1466119 3627 Chenneke

2 403394 1467024 3618 Gich

3 402741 1483836 Mulit

4 389746 1459711 3162 Miligebesa

5 404570 1464116 3662 Ayena meda

6 389175 1460572 3281 Simien lodge

Table 8. The Experiences of Tariffs of Tourist services in Kenya (since the 1st of July 2006) and Tanzania (since the 30th June 2006)

Country Entrance fee for protected areas

Kenya

Protected areas Types of fee

Adult Child Student

National parks2 Entrance Citizen Ksh2001 Ksh100 Ksh 50

Residences

Ksh1000 Ksh500 Ksh 100

Non residences

US$40 US$20 US$10

Mt. Kenya

Mountaineering to climb (fixed rate - first 3 days minimum)

Citizen Ksh1000 Ksh400 Ksh 400

Residences

Ksh2000 Ksh1200 Ksh 600

Non residences

US$70 US$50 US$40

Vehicle charges per day3 in protected areas

Seats Fees in Ksh

Less than 6 seats 300

6-12 seats 800

13-24 seats 1500

25-44 seats 3000

45 seats and above

5000

Trucks charges per day Capacity Fees in Ksh

1-3 tonnes 500

4-7 tonnes 2000

7 tonnes and above

3000

Services and special Activity4

Types Fees in Ksh

Security service per section of ten persons per day

75

Public site reservation in national parks per day

75



Guided tours per guide per 4 hours

1500

Guided tours per guide over 4 hours

2500

Guided foot or horse safaris Fees in Ksh Per Full Day 1,000 Per 'half' day (4 hours)

500

Camping fee in national parks per night

Adult Child Student

Citizen Ksh 150 Ksh 50 Ksh 50

Residences Ksh 300 Ksh 100 Ksh 100

Non residences

US$10 US$ 5 US$ 5

Tanzania

Entrance fee for National Parks National Parks Types of fee Adult 5 Children 6

Serengeti Enterance Tanzanian 1,500 Tshs 500 Tshs7

Non-Tanzanian

50 US$ 10 US$

Kilimanjaro Enterance Tanzanian 1,500 Tshs 500 Tshs

Non-Tanzanian

60 US$ 10 US$

Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara

Enterance Tanzanian 1,500 Tshs 500 Tshs

Non-Tanzanian

35 US$ 10 US$

Permit for each Motor vehicle Vehicle weight (Tare)

Tanzanian Registered

Non –Tanzanian registered

Up to 2000 kg 10,000 Tshs 40 US$ 2000-3000 kg 25,000 Tshs 150 US$ 3001-7000 kg 50000 Tshs 200 US$ 7001-10000 kg

100000 Tshs 300 US$

Permit for camping in public camping sites in any one period of 24 hours Types of fee Adult Children Permit Tanzanian 1,000 Tshs 500 Tshs

Non-Tanzanian

30 US$ 5 US$

Guiding fees Types of guide Fees Official guide within normal working hours

Tanzanian 500 Tshs Non-Tanzanian

10 US$

An official Tanzanian 1000 Tshs



guide who accompanies the tourist outside normal working hours

Non-Tanzanian

15 US$

Walking Safaris guides

Tanzanian 5000 Tshs

Non-Tanzanian

20 US$

Filming Fees Filming fees are applicable to each person per day and covers entrance, camping and filming fees and are not categorised into Tanzanians and Non Tanzanians and all pay 100 US$ in most national Parks

Hotel concession Fees Fees of 10% per person on half board (bed, breakfast and meal) shall be payable by the

owner or proprietor of a hotel or lodge in respect of each who lodges or stays in such a hotel or lodge

Note

1. 1 US Dollar is 67.20 Kenyan Shilling (26 September 07) 2. Aberdare, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Meru and

Nairobi National Parks 3. Per daily fee refers to one day (24 hours) 4. Half day fees are not applicable 5. Adults are classified from ages 17 and above 6. Children are classified between the ages of 5 to 16. 7. 1 US Dollar is 1235.5 Tanzanian Shilling (26 September 07)



Table 9. Carrying Capacity of SMNP in 2000 Season Camping site Lodge

Chennek Gich Sankaber Others(20) Buyteras Others(7) Gust house

per day per month

per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month

Peak season 7 170 6 170 6 170 24 714 16 240 0 0 6 105

Slacken season 2 60 2 59 2 59 6 178 2 30 7 105 2 30

Table 10. Carrying Capacity of SMNP in 2001

Season Camping site Lodge


per day per month

per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month

Peak season 7 213 7 212 7 212 21 637 16 240 0 0 7 105

Slacken season 3 75 2 74 2 74 7 223 3 45 7 105 2 30

Table 11. Carrying Capacity of SMNP in 2002



per day per month

per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month

Peak season 9 266 8 265 9 265 26 796 16 240 0 0 8 120

Slacken season 3 93 3 92 3 93 9 279 3 45 7 105 3 45



Table 12 Carrying Capacity of SMNP in 2003 Season Camping site Lodge


per day per month

per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month

Peak season 11 332 11 331 11 332 33 995 16 240 0 0 11 165

Slacken season 4 116 3 116 4 116 20 3000 4 60 7 105 3 45

Table 13 Carrying Capacity of SMNP in 2004



per day per month

per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month per day

per month

Peak season 14 415 13 414 14 414 41 1243 16 240 0 0 14 210

Slacken season 7 105 7 105 7 105 20 3000 7 105 7 105 7 105



Table 14 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development – Tourism Master Plan General Strategy/Mother Log Frame


Super Goal:

Contribution to National Tourism Revenue increased and SMNP remained at World Heritage Status

1. % of Park Contribution to National Tourism

Revenue 2. Being World Heritage Status Park

1. Annual reports of Ministry of Culture and Tourism

2. UNESCO Reports

Goal: Sustainable tourism developed


3. UNESCO Reports 4. Local Environmental

Body reports


Purposes:

1. No of Tourists Increased 2. Natural Resources

Conserved and Protected

1. Percentage of annual arrival of tourists’ increase 2. a) % of annual increase of Walia ibex b) % of annual increase of Ethiopian wolf c) Annual expansion in the ecological coverage of the three endemic plant species of the Park

1. Park Office annual reports 2 a) Park Office annual count reports b) Park Office annual count reports c) Sample taken by annual survey

1. a) Tourists Ethics are respected b) Tourists are willing to pay 2 a) Park is excluded from Endangered List b) Park’s World Heritage Status is well recognized by all stakeholders c) Present peace and security continues

Outputs:

Visitors information service upgraded Tourism products diversified Tourism sites accessibility improved 2. Resource management practices improved

� % of tourists annually satisfied with the

information provision � % of new products annually made available � a) Increase of annually accessed areas � b) % of tourists annually satisfied with � the infrastructure 2. No of indigenous plant species planted

1.1. Questionnaire filled by sampled tourists 1.2. Park Office annual reports 2.3. Park Office annual

reports 3. Park Office annual

reports

1.1. Tourists give reliable feedback 1.2. Products have no any negative effect on the environment 1.4. Infrastructures have no any negative effect on the environment 3. a) Community concern for the park

grows b) Survival rate of plants is acceptable

Activities:-

1. To improve infrastructure 2. To increase benefits for

local communities


• Budget as indicated in the plan

• Communities

• Park Office

• Woreda Coordinating Committee

• Private Sector

• Regional, National and International organizations

1. Annual implementation

reports 2. Household survey

1. a) Infrastructure standard maintained b) Lower level objectives are archived

2. a) Encroachment into the Park gradually declines b) income sources diversified c) Integration of stakeholders improved d) Lower level objectives are achieved

Preconditions:


• Austrian Government continues supporting the park

• International stakeholders are willing to extend financial support



Table 15 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development – Three Years Operational Plan (Tourism Master Plan

Kid Strategy/Kid Log Frame)


Super Goal:

Sustainable eco-tourism developed in SMNP


1. UNESCO Reports 2. Local Environmental Body reports


Goal: Natural resources in and around the

SMNP conserved and protected with an

increasing number of tourists’

1. a) % of annual increase of Walia ibex

b) % of annual increase of Ethiopian wolf c) Annual expansion in the ecological coverage of

the three endemic plant species of the Park 2. Percentage of annual arrival of tourists increase

1. a) Park Office annual Count reports b) Park Office annual count reports c) Sample taken by annual survey 2. Park Office annual reports

1.b) Park is excluded from Endangered List

c) Park’s World Heritage Status is well recognized by all stakeholders d) present peace and security continues

2.a) Tourists Ethics are respected b) Tourists are willing to pay

Purposes:

1. Resource management practices

within and around the SMNP

improved

2. Visitors’ information center upgraded

3. Accessibility of tourist sites of the

SMNP improved

4. Tourist products within and around

the SMNP diversified.

1. No of indigenous plant species planted 2. % of tourists annually satisfied with the

information provision 3. a) Increase of annually accessed areas

b) % of tourists annually satisfied with the infrastructure

4. % of new products annually made available

1. Park Office annual reports 2.Questionnaire filled by sampled tourists 3 a)Park Office annual reports b)Questionnaire filled by sampled tourists 4. Park Office annual reports

1. a) Community concern for the park grows b) Survival rate of plants is acceptable 2. Tourists give reliable feedback 3. a) Infrastructures have no any negative effect on the environment b) Tourists give reliable feedback 4. Products have no any negative effect on the environment

Outputs:

4. Integration of

stakeholders improved

5. Income sources

diversified and

infrastructure improved

6. Benefits for local

communities increased

1. a) Decreasing number of complaints due to

exclusion from participation b)Number of measures taken on strategic issues

2. a) Additional number of income sources b) % of households involved in additional 1, 2, 3, etc. income sources

3. The level of improvement of community participation

1. Minutes of the Committee 2. Household survey 3. Household survey

1. Integration is sustainable 2. Income improvement has no negative impact on NRM and heritages 3. a) Participation is genuine and there is no imposition b) Community is well aware of international community interests

Activities

1. To build capacity of Park Office 2. To strengthen Woreda Coordinating

Committee 3. To put genuine community

participation in place 4. To encourage the private sector


1. Budget as indicated in the plan 2. Communities 3. Park Office 4. Woreda Coordinating Committee 5. Private Sector

1. Annual Park Office Reports 2. Annual Park Office Reports

Man power turnover is insignificant within short intervals

Preconditions:


• IDP continues operational



Table 16 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development – for very Short Time Span within the Three Years Operational Plan (Operational

Plan Kid Strategy/Kid Log Frame


Goal: Income Sources Diversified

1. Additional number of income sources 2. % of households involved in additional 1, 2, 3, etc.

income sources

1. Household survey 2. Household survey

1. Additional income sources yielded significant income 2. Real PCI of involved households increased

Purposes:-

Integration of Stakeholders Improved

1. Decreasing number of complaints due to exclusion

from participation 2. Number of measures taken on strategic issues

1. Complaints observed 2. Woreda Coordinating Committee minutes

Community interests receive due attention

Outputs: -

1. Park Office Capacitated

2. Woreda Coordinating

Committee Strengthened 3. Community Participation

Improved 4. Private Sector Encouraged

1. a) No of professionals increased as planned b) Minimized man power turnover compared to previous years c) The level of measure of performance indicators put in the three years operational plan 2. Number of effected regular meetings 3. Number of measures taken in line with the interest of

communities 4. a) Amount of capital invested in and around the park

b) Type and no of new investments

1. Park Office Quarterly Reports 2. Minutes of the Committee 3. Park Office and Committee reports 4. Sector Offices Reports

1. Staff professionally motivated 2. Committee members are responsible and aware of international conventions 3. a) Participation is genuine and there is no imposition b) Community is well aware of international community interests 4. Projects/activities pass through strict EIA

Activities

1. To establish community-based ecotourism associations

2. To raise community awareness


1. Budget as indicated in the plan 2. Communities 3. Park Office 4. Woreda Coordinating Committee 5. Private Sector

1. Annual Park Office Reports

2. Annual Park Office Reports

1. a) Associations have clear and feasible

objectives b) Associations receive steady technical support 2. Benefit sharing scheme realized

Preconditions:


• IDP continues operational



Questionnaire

1. What makes SMNP special tourist destination with compared to other tourist attraction sites of Ethiopia?

2. What are the major tourist interests in SMNP? 3. What are major potentials sites for tourism developments in SMNP? 4. What are the core and other problems that are affecting sustainable tourism

development in SMNP? 5. Suggest possible solution to the major problems that is/are mentioned? 6. In your opinion, what are the major activities that will be done for the next five years

to improve tourism development in the park? 7. In your opinion what promotion methods do you think effective for SMNP? 8. In your opinion, what are the major services that will be provided for tourists in

developing ecotourism in SMNP? 9. In your opinion, what are the major tourist activities that suites for tourists in SMNP? 10. Benefiting the local community is among the major principles of sustainable tourism

development, would you explain how the local community can be befitted from ecotourism activities of SMNP?

11. Is there any possibility of developing tourist circuit using existing and newly developing trekking routes? List possible tourist circuit?

12. What are the major handcrafts/ souvenirs produced by the local community? 13. Is there any written signage/ boards that indicate code of tourists, local guides, tour

operator and local community in/around SMNP?

Recommendation

The Amhara Region has immense resources of natural and cultural heritages. The absence of a clear Regional Tourism Policy can be a great impeding factor for a sustainable tourism development to exploit the potential the Region has. It is therefore recommended that the Amhara Region develop a Regional Tourism Development Policy.