2021, Vol. 1, Issue 2, Part A
The application of a refined SWOT-AHP based planning and management approach for the conservation of Ethiopia’s protected area systems
Author(s): Simeneh Admasu, Arega Mekonnen, Fanuel Kebede, Mekbeb Tessema, Zelealem Tefera and Julian Bayliss
Abstract: This study analyzes the internal and external factors influencing the conservation and management successes of Ethiopia’s Protected Areas (PAs) system by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) with special reference to Omo National Park (ONP), Senkelle Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary (SSHS), and Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP) using a refined Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) of Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats (SWOT) analysis. The indicators used within this multi-criteria assessment are those which improve integration among key actors such as governmental, non-governmental and private stakeholders. As a result the top ten factors prioritized are: enhancing direct economic opportunity; strengthening the law enforcement unit; reducing human wildlife conflict; improving tourism infrastructures; integrating cultural and religious amenities and incorporating bylaws; improving participation and awareness of local community; upsizing reserves boundary to protect surrounding areas; establishing buffer zones; creating connectivity with important biodiversity areas; and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem conservation with sound scientific methods. The consistency ratio revealed that good governance and creating economic opportunities are the most important factors for improving the management of protected areas. The socio-cultural and ecological values of the protected areas are essential in order to develop well-functioning protected area systems in the Ethiopia.
Pages: 13-21 | Views: 649 | Downloads: 281
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How to cite this article:
Simeneh Admasu, Arega Mekonnen, Fanuel Kebede, Mekbeb Tessema, Zelealem Tefera, Julian Bayliss. The application of a refined SWOT-AHP based planning and management approach for the conservation of Ethiopia’s protected area systems. Zool Entomol Lett 2021;1(2):13-21.
