Various efforts are being made to tackle challenges in wildlife conservation activities, according to the division of conservation at the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority.
Authority Lead Executive Officer Desta Bedaso told ENA that incompatible development activities such as agriculture, road construction and mining through National parks, illegal domestic animals deployment in parks, illegal hunting and smuggling of wildlife, and climate change are among the challenges the sector faces.
To tackle these problems, Environmental Crime Unit comprised of the pertinent stakeholders, including the Federal police, prosecutors, financial institutions and other security bodies has been established to enforce the law in protecting wildlife.
A Joint Task Force is also established in respective regions of the country that consists of personnel from the sector and regional leaderships to enhance the effort of wildlife conservation, it was learned.
Noting the lack of awareness about the significance of wildlife in the economy, Desta pointed out that awareness creation campaign is being carried out in collaboration with local respective media and others.
Indicating the multiple challenges in the sector, he stressed the need for concerted efforts not only from local but also international stakeholders.
In this respect, Ethiopia has signed different international agreements that enable it to work together in conserving and protecting wildlife, the lead executive said, adding that efforts are being made to implement the agreements.
He also called on the general public as well as the pertinent bodies to meet their responsibilities in supporting the effort in the conservation of wildlife.
Recall that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority is taking part in a month-long exhibition that will remain open until November 9 at the Science Museum.
Ethiopia has over 87 wild life protected areas, out of which 29 are national parks, 4 wildlife reserves, 4 sanctuary, 5 biosphere reserves, 7 community conservation areas, 33 control hunting areas, and 5 open hunting areas.
The Simien Mountains National Park and the Bale Mountains National Park are registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
And most of the wild life protected areas are registered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as they have fulfilled the criteria of registration.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency