Ecotourism Potentials of the Proposed Hallaideghe Asebot National Park, Northern Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Daniel Worku

doi:10.7176/jths/46-02

Abstract

In the features of deprivation of natural resources and lack of additional income, there are potentials of ecotourism in the proposed Hallaideghe-Asebot national park (HANP), which is being degraded by anthropogenic activities. This study examined ecotourism potentials of the proposed HANP for sustainable natural resources management. Descriptive research design was employed to collect relevant data. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources. The findings showed that ecotourism potentials of the study area lie in three distinctive landscapes: Hallaideghe plain, Asebot Mountain and Bilen spring areas, as well as cultural and historical attractions. Sever grazing by livestock, deforestation, and inter-ethnic conflicts are detected as the major drivers of change in the area. Finally, introducing ecotourism is important strategic direction for sustainable management of natural resources for the proposed HANP and related protected areas in Ethiopia. Keywords: Ecotourism, HANP, Natural Resource Conservation DOI : 10.7176/JTHS/46-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Highlights

IntroductionTourism is a system that brings together many interrelated issues such as society, nature and environment (Hari, 2010)
The World Tourism Organization reported that international tourist arrivals reached 1.138 billion in 2014, 51 million more than 2013
The findings of the research revealed some of ecotourism potentials of Hallaideghe Asebot National Park (HANP)

Summary

Introduction

Tourism is a system that brings together many interrelated issues such as society, nature and environment (Hari, 2010). Because of the various impacts (both positive and negative) many scholars have come to agree that mass tourism in the 21st century is becoming unsustainable (Kelly, 2009). Because of this concern the concept of ecotourism came into being in the recent years and become popular in many developing countries. Ecotourism is a sustainable tourism, which is based on ecological principle and sustainable development theory. Its aim is to conserve resources, especially biological diversity, and maintain sustainable use of resources, which can bring ecological experience to travelers, conserve the ecological environment and enhance economic benefits to local community (Hongshu and Mintong, 2009)

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion