(Posted 14th December 2024)
It is with great pleasure that I announce a landmark partnership agreement with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and the Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State for the long-term management of Gambella National Park. This collaboration marks a momentous step for both African Parks and the Government of Ethiopia as we embark on a journey to restore and conserve one of Africa’s most significant landscapes, creating new opportunities for Ethiopia’s people and its wildlife.
The 10-year renewable agreement was signed at an event held in Addis Ababa on the 11th of December and attended by notable ministerial and state members, including H.E. Selam Kasahun, Minister of Tourism; H.E. Ato Silesh Girma, State Minister for Tourism; Kumara Wakjira, Director General of EWCA; and H.E. Ms. Alemitu Umod, President of the Gambella State.
Gambella falls within the Greater Boma-Gambella Landscape and this new management agreement adds to the potential to safeguard these protected areas and their migrations at a transboundary level, building on work done in Boma and Badingilo national parks.
As part of our commitment to Ethiopia, significant investment will be made into the region. This will help unlock the full value of Gambella as a national park to support local communities by enabling socio-economic development through local procurement, job creation and regional tourism.
Our partnership will begin with a 12-month transition period to gather vital information necessary to ensure conservation efforts are sustainable and the needs of the communities living around the park are understood. This will include completing baseline assessments, defining a human resources transition plan, undertaking necessary environmental and social assessments and setting up governance structures, as well as conducting extensive stakeholder mapping and engagement. In this way, we will strengthen our partnerships and relationships in the Gambella Region, while tailoring plans and strategies to the local context.
Gambella National Park is the 23rd protected area to be managed by African Parks, adding approximately 450,000 hectares to the over 20 million hectares we manage in partnership with governments and communities. We are extremely proud to be taking on this management responsibility as we work towards our goal of managing 30 protected areas by 2030, in line with the global goal to conserve 30% of the planet by 2030.
We are deeply grateful to all that have made this vital partnership possible, including the commitment of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority and the Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State, the immense generosity of our donors – the European Union, the Hempel Foundation and The Wyss Foundation – and the dedication of the entire African Parks team.
To read more about Gambella please visit our website.
With all good wishes,
Peter Fearnhead
CEO
African Parks
