Ethiopia | Leveraging Wildlife Conservation and Ecological Restoration to Drive Eco - Tourism

Ethiopia is leveraging wildlife conservation and ecological restoration to drive eco - tourism, aiming to become a competitive global, sustainable travel destination.

By protecting endemic species and developing national parks, the initiative enhances biodiversity while boosting local economies and foreign currenty earning, driven by Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation authority.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism has highlighted the role of wildlife and natural resource conservation in strengthening the country’s position as a leading and competitive eco - tourism destination in the international landscape.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary of the Ethiopian Conservation Authority (EWCA) on 12 March 2026, Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma credited the authority’s decades - long work in protecting biodiversity as a key driver of tourism growth.

Ethiopia’s endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf, Walia ibex, and Gelada baboon, continue to attract international visitors, while national parks such as Chebera Churchura, Borema, Gambella, Mago, Nechisar, Omo and others are being upgraded in collaboration with conservation organisations expand eco - tourism offerings.

Environmental programmes such as the Green Legacy Initiative are further supporting ecosystem restoration, forest expansion, and biodiversity enhancement, underpinning activities including wildlife viewing experiences, trekking, and bird - watching.

Programs like the “Dine for Ethiopia” initiative are developing modern, sustainable lodges in Chebera Churchura National Park and infrastructure to improve access and experience in rural areas.

The strategy ensures that eco – tourism provides jobs and economic incentives for local communities, reducing reliance on poaching-and creating community - led stewardship of natural assets.

Ethiopian Conservation Authority (EWCA) Director - General Kumera Wakjira noted that the authority has identified 87 conservation areas across the country based on scientific research, marking significant progress over six decades of wildlife protection, developed to strengthen natural habitat preservation.

Despite these advances, the sector continues to face challenges including illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking, and climate change, with officials calling on communities, international partners, and industry stakeholders to sustain and build on conservation achievements.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-s-wildlife-conservation-efforts-drive-eco-tourism-growth.html