Wildlife and Ecotourism Contributions for Sustainable Natural Resource Management In and Around Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia

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Abstract Ecotourism resources were assessed in and around Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) to examine the potentials of ecotourism or alternative options for sustainable use of natural resources which will improve the livelihood of local communities and conservation of park. Survey questionnaires, interview, field observation and literature reviews were employed to collect primary and secondary data. The analyses of the study revealed that natural and cultural resources such as abundance and diversity of mammals and birds, scenic landscape, cultural and historical attractions and some hotels or lodges at nearby areas are the main ecotourism potential in BMNP. The study also revealed some income generating alternatives or ecotourism potentials which could help to reduce the present degradations of natural resources of the park. About 37.2% of sampled households expressed their interests for diversified livelihood or ecotourism activities. Offering tourist facilities and services and creating job opportunities for members of local communities are the positive impacts of the tourism activities whereas, cutting trees, occurrences of seasonality and leakages are the negative impacts. Reinforcing existing off-agricultural livelihoods, introducing additional alternative options or ecotourism are important strategic directions for sustainable management of natural resources for BMNP and related protected areas.

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