FINALtourism Strategy For SMNP

TOURISM MASTER PLAN FOR THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (SMNP)
Simien Mountains National Park- Integrated Development project (SMNP-IDP)

MULTI-SECTORAL CONSULTANTS PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY (MSC)
S C
December 2007 Bahir Dar
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Preparation of tourism master plan is essential for efficient and effective utilization of tourism resources of SMNP and requires the participation of different stakeholders. For this reason, there are various people and institutions who contributed significantly to the successful completion of the study and the Master Plan Preparation. We would like to express our gratitude to every one of them, whose kind assistance is worth mentionable. First and foremost we would like to thank Ato Mulugeta Wubshet (Manager, Park Development and Protection Authority) for his invaluable ideas which helped us in enriching this report. We would also like to give grateful thanks to Ato Teshome Mulu (Project Manager, Integrated Development of Simien Mountains National Park) for arranging necessary facilities and services during the collection of first hand data about SMNP to accomplish the consulting service assignment. His invaluable ideas contributed a lot for preparation of this document. Our gratitude also goes to Ato Asfaw Menesha (Warden of SMNP) for his contribution in providing necessary information that helped in developing the master plan. We would also like to thank Ato Derbe Dekisyos (Staff member of Park Office) who helped us during the collection of primary data about the SMNP and in providing necessary information. Last but not least, we are pleased to thank all staff members of PaDPA, SMNP-IDP, and Park Office of Debark and other interviewed individuals for their willingness and contribution to the study and preparation of this Master Plan.
MULTI-SECTORAL CONSULTANTS PRIVATED LIMITED COMPANY (MSC)
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN
Executive Summary
The SMNP, well-known the world over for its breathtaking landscape, biotic diversity and endemism, has a huge potential for ecotourism development. However, this potential has until now remained largely unexploited for various reasons. Full utilization of this resource potential can certainly make a significant contribution to improvement of livelihoods of local communities in and around the park, and it will also make an important contribution to the region at large. But, this requires a detailed understanding of the resource base - including its potentials and carrying capacities - and preparation of a guiding master plan for ecotourism development. The overall aim of this study was to undertake this important task of developing a tourism master plan for the SMNP so as to serve as a general framework to ecotourism development. The vision of the master plan is to see the SMNP as a well-managed and internationally recognized ecotourism site that provides the finest quality services, conserves the natural and cultural environments and benefits the local community; and its goal is to enhance sustainable eco-tourism development, and conservation of environmental and biodiversity resources and improve livelihoods of local communities through partnership among the government, the private sector and the local communities. The key results, conclusions and recommendations of the study are summarized below. The SMNP is endowed with natural beauty and thus has a large potential for eco-tourism development and for attracting both domestic and international tourists. The number of tourist arrivals is likely to show a consistent increase and reach 21,782 by the year 2011/12 provided that tourist facilities and services will be improved during the master plan implementation period. At the present, ecotourism development in the SMNP is constrained by a number of problems related to inadequate tourist facilities and infrastructure (e.g. camping sites, trekking routes, roads, hotels, banks) development and population settlement in and around the park. The existing tourism products are also far below what is possible given the resources of the park. Considerable investment is thus required on improvement of the existing and development of new tourist facilities and infrastructure as well as tourism products. Diversifying tourism products generally has the effect of initiating other economic activities, which directly or indirectly supports the tourism industry itself. By undertaking a detailed SWOT analysis, the study has identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to development of ecotourism in the SMNP. Building upon the strengths, overcoming weaknesses, seizing opportunities and strategically dealing with threats ought to be pursued in order to achieve the desired results of sustainable tourism development and improving livelihoods of local communities. The SMNP has a large potential for developing diversified tourism products such as wildlife and bird watching, walking/ trekking, nature photography and filming, paragliding, rock climbing, swimming in a natural stream, serving as a research environment, etc. Development and full utilization of these tourism products can contribute to the satisfaction of tourists, and generate economic benefits to the local communities and enhance protection of the natural environment. It is thus recommended that due emphasis ought to be given to development and diversification of tourism products. The study has identified a multitude of potential tourism products, tourist facilities and infrastructure, and possible revenue generation items that can be developed. The study has also identified a wide range of opportunities for the private sector to invest in the tourism industry in the SMNP. The SMNP-IDP is well underway to improve the welfare of communities and thereby establish the required partnership. The ongoing effort is quite encouraging, and it is a step in the right direction. In line with this, it is also recommended that a scheme of benefit
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN sharing has to be introduced to further strengthen the partnership between the two parties, communities and the government. In this case, 60% of the revenue is recommended to the share of communities Selection of appropriate promotional methods to the existing tourism products is necessary for improving tourist inflows to the SMNP. The promotional mechanisms currently in usebrochures, postcards, leaflets, and t-shirts and capes- are not of good quality and do not reflect the international status of the park. Recognizing this deficiency, the study has identified and recommended numerous additional promotional mechanisms. The study has also underlined the need for effective use of the internet technology, which is cheap and efficient. As in any tourist destination in the world, seasonality of tourist inflow is a major problem to the SMNP. Tourist arrivals are low during May to September, basically because of the Kiremt rains; but many tourists from the Mediterranean region often come during the rainy season. Hence, attracting a larger number of tourists from this region of the world during the rainy season can be pursued as a strategy to overcome the problem of seasonality in tourist inflows. Comparison between tariffs of SMNP and parks in other East African countries, Kenya and Tanzania, shows that all types of tariffs of SMNP are the lowest. The Master Plan has proposed new tariffs, which are still lower than that of the above countries. With a view to foster environmentally friendly and sustainable ecotourism development in the SMNP, the study has come up with a zoning scheme based on identification of major wildlife habitats, the panoramic view of various landscape units, suitability of areas for development of tourist facilities and products, and the existing land use practices. Thus, four major zones viz., strictly protected zone, ecotourism zone, zone of development and wildlife corridor zone, together with the set of activities to be undertaken in each zone, are identified. The carrying capacity computed for the SMNP on a monthly basis, considering the existing and proposed camping facility, shows that overcrowd of tourists will not be a problem during the Master Plan period and, therefore, negative impact on environment as a result of increase in tourist number is not a threat. Achievement of the stated goal of the master plan depends on several factors, some of which can be external to the agencies implementing the master plan. In order to provide a guiding framework, however, the study has identified some major strategic components that ought to be put into practice and developed a three years operational plan and its implementation strategies with a detail of activities to be undertaken. Along with this, priority areas for intervention have also been pointed out. Finally, the study has suggested a general framework, supported by a log frame for use in monitoring and evaluation of achievements from implementation of the master plan.
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CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................................... PAGE
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 1 1.1. THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK ...................................................................................... 1 1.1.2. SOCIOECONOMIC AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND ................................................................................ 4 1.1.3. DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES.................................................................................................................. 5 1.2 VISION, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................ 6 1.2.1. VISION ................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.2. SUPER GOAL ......................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.3. GOAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.4. OBJECTIVE............................................................................................................................................. 6 1.2.5. OUTPUTS ............................................................................................................................................... 6 1.3 DURATION OF THE MASTER PLAN: ........................................................................................................ 6 1.4. POLICY ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................................. 7 1.5 METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................. 9 1.6. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR ECOTOURISM............................................................................................ 10 CHAPTER 2: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE SMNP ................................................................ 11 2.1. THE EXCEPTIONAL VALUE OF SMNP................................................................................................. 11 2.2. AN OVERVIEW OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE SMNP ...................................................... 12 2.2.1. AFRICAN EXPERIENCE ........................................................................................................................ 12 2.2.2. NATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND POLICY DIRECTION .............................................................................. 13 2.2.3. TYPOLOGY OF TOURISTS IN SMNP ..................................................................................................... 13 2.2.3. TREND OF TOURIST ARRIVALS TO THE SMNP ................................................................................... 13 2.2.4. THE IMPORTANCE OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT........................................................................... 16 2.2.5. THE IMPACTS OF ECOTOURISM ........................................................................................................... 17 2.2.6. MAJOR CONSTRAINTS TO ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT .................................................................... 18 2.3. LAND USE IN THE SMNP ...................................................................................................................... 19 2.4. THE SITUATION OF THE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES IN THE SMNP ..................... 22 2.6. PROMOTIONAL MECHANISMS OF THE SMNP .................................................................................... 25 2.7 SWOT ANALYSIS FOR DEVELOPING ECOTOURISM IN THE SMNP ................................................... 26 CHAPTER 3: TOURIST PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SMNP ....................................... 28 3.1. POSSIBLE TOURISM PRODUCTS AND VISITORS INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE SMNP ........................ 28 3.1.1 INFRASTRUCTURES AND FACILITIES .................................................................................................... 31 3.2. POSSIBLE REVENUE GENERATION ITEMS OF THE SMNP ................................................................. 46 3.3. REVENUE COLLECTION FROM TOURISM IN THE SMNP.................................................................... 53 3.4. BENEFIT SHARING OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES FROM ECOTOURISM ACTIVITIES ............................. 54 3.5. TOURISM INVESTMENT POTENTIALS OF THE SMNP ......................................................................... 55 CHAPTER 4: ZONATION OF THE SMNP .......................................................................................... 56 4.1. ZONING AND THE BASIS FOR ZONING OF THE PARK .......................................................................... 56 4.2. CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE SMNP ................................................................................................. 62 CHAPTER FIVE: MASTER PLAN STRATEGY AND THREE YEARS OPRETIONAL PLAN ... 64 5.1. MASTER PLAN STRATEGY ................................................................................................................... 64 5.1.1 STRATEGIC ASSUMPTIONS ................................................................................................................... 64 5.1.2 STRATEGY COMPONENTS..................................................................................................................... 64 5.2. THREE YEARS OPERATIONAL PLAN ................................................................................................... 68 5.2.1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................... 68 5.2.2 ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE........................................................................... 68 5.2.3. SUPER GOAL OF THE THREE YEARS OPERATIONAL PLAN ................................................................. 69 5.2.4. GOAL ................................................................................................................................................... 70 5.2.5. PURPOSES OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN .............................................................................................. 70 5.2.6. OUTPUTS OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN ............................................................................................... 70 5.2.7. STAKEHOLDERS ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................. 70 5.2.7. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN ............................................................ 72 CHAPTER 6: PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUTURE INTERVENTION ................................................ 78 CHAPTER 7: MONITORING & EVALUATION................................................................................. 80 GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................................ 84 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 85 ANNEXS ...................................................................................................................................................... 86
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List of Tables
Table 1. Projection of tourist arrivals.............................................................................................. 14 Table 2. Positive and Negative Impacts of Ecotourism Activities in SMNP ................................. 17 Table 3. Current Land Use and Land Cover in the SMNP ............................................................ 20 Table 4: Visitors Infrastructure in the SMNP ............................................................................... 22 Table 5: The Situation of the Camping Sites or Lodges of the SMNP .......................................... 24 Table 6. Summary of suggested sites for selling of new products/ visitor infrastructure and extension of the existing products/ visitor infrastructure ......................................................... 30 Table 7. The Entrance Fee for Visitors (in ETB) ........................................................................... 46 Table 8. Rental Fees for Cooking Materials on Daily Basis ........................................................... 47 Table 9. Renting Fee for Different Items on Daily Basis ............................................................... 47 Table 10 . Permission Fee ............................................................................................................... 47 Table 11. Service Fee for a Day in ETB ......................................................................................... 48 Table 12. Camping Site Use and Accommodation Fee for a Day in ETB...................................... 48 Table 13. Vehicle Tariff for a Day .................................................................................................. 49 Table 14 Paragliding Service Fee per flight(in ETB) ..................................................................... 49 Table 15. Comparison of the Existing Tariffs of SMNP with Kenyan and Tanzanian National Parks (Fees in US$) by Visitor Category ........................................................................................ 51 Table 16. Revenue Collected from Tourism in the SMNP during 1992-1998 E.C. in ETB........... 53 Table 17. Expenditure _Revenue Comparison Table ..................................................................... 53 Table 18. Benefit Sharing Modality for Woredas of SMNP........................................................... 55 Table 19. Proposed Activities to be Undertaken in Each Zone of the SMNP ................................ 60 Table 20. Carrying Capacity of SMNP per Camping Facility (person/camp site/month) .............. 63
List of Figures
Figure 1: Trends of Tourist Arrivals in SMNP ............................................................................... 15 Figure 2: International Tourist Arrivals in 1998-99 ..................................................................... 16 Figure 3. Trends of Revenue Collected from Tourism in the SMNP ............................................. 54 Figure 5: Organizational Structure .................................................................................................. 69 Figure 6 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development Tourism Master Plan General Strategy/Mother Log Frame .............................................................................................. 81 ACRONYMS and ABREVATIONS ANRS BoARD BoCT EWCO IUCN
MoTC
Amhara National Regional State Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development Bureau of Culture and Tourism Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Organization The World Conservation Union
Ministry of Tourism and Culture
PaDPA PASDEP SMNP SMNP_IDP UNESCO
Park Development and Protection Authority Plan for Action and Sustainable Development to End Poverty Simien Mountains National Park Simien Mountains National Park-Integrated Development Project United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
SMNP is among the major protected and nature-oriented tourist attraction sites of Ethiopia. The amusing landscapes, fauna and flora species diversity and endemism have contributed to the exceptional resources value of SMNP which has enabled its inclusion in the list of World Heritage and in attracting both domestic and international tourists. The effort towards exploiting tourism resources of SMNP without affecting the natural resources of the park is at its initial stage and there is no tourism policy both at national and regional levels. As a result the local communities are not benefiting from the park resources. In order to protect the natural resources and benefit the local community from the tourism resources of the park, developing a tourism master plan is an absolute necessity for the SMNP. Activities related to development of the ecotourism potential such as identification and promotion of tourism products, revenue generation and collection mechanisms, identification of areas of private investment, benefit sharing mechanisms, etc. require preparation of well thought-out tourism master plan. The overall aim of this study was to undertake this important task of developing a tourism master plan for the SMNP.
1.1.The Simien Mountains National Park

The SMNP is located in the north-central highlands of Ethiopia, and it forms part of the Simien mountain chains. In terms of administrative boundaries, it lies within the Debark, Adi Arkay Beyeda, Janamora and Tellemt woredas (districts) which are part of the North Gondar Zone of the Amhara National Regional State (ANRS). The SMNP encompasses part of the spectacular escarpment of the Simien mountain chains, with comparatively large areas of natural vegetation and a wide variety of animal species. Its establishment as a national park dates back to 1969, by Order No 59 of 1969 and this was based on a survey supported by the UNESCO that was carried out during the 1960s. Recognizing that the unique landscape and the rich biodiversity, with a lot of endemic species, need to be protected and managed, the SMNP was designated as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 1978. This clearly shows the international significance of the park. Since recently, in 1996, it has been included in the List of World Heritages endangered. The World Heritage Committee initially adopted the following bench marks for a removal of the property from World Heritage Endangered List. Realignment of the park's boundary to exclude the villages along the boundary. Extension of the park to include at least Mesarerya and Limalimo wildlife reserves Significant and sustainable reduction in the human population density within the park Effective conservation within the extended national park of a larger population of Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf. Seeing the improvements on the management of the park area, their Committee reset the following benchmarks: Finalize the extension of SMNP to include the Silki Yared- Kiddis Yared Mountain and the Ras Dejen Mountain with the interlinking corridors; Re-gazette of the new park boundaries including the extensions of Lemalimo Mesarerya, Silki, Kiddis Yared Mountains and the Ras Dejen Montain as well as the realignment of the boundary to exclude contain village; Develop a strategy and action plan, as part of the planned management plan revision, to significantly reduce the impact of livestock grazing on the conservation of the property by introducing no grazing and limited grazing zones based on ecological criteria and by
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN setting up a strict management regime in zones where grazing will still be tolerated in the short to medium term, and secure funding for its implementation; and, Develop a strategy and action, as part of the planned management plan revision to support the development of alternative livelihoods for the people living within the park as well as the immediate vicinity, in order to limit in the medium term their impact on the natural resources of the property, and secure funding for its implementation. Contribution of the tourism master plan for removal of the property from World Heritage Endangered list cannot be seen in isolation from the contribution of the general management plan of the park. The tourism master plan is part and parcel of the general management plan. However, realization of the economic benefit of the local community from tourism resources through diversification of tourism products builds confidence and sense of ownership in managing and protecting the SMNP. The map of SMNP is given below in Map No 1. At present, the park boundary along Telemit boundery is not clearly defined taking into account the official woreda boundary. Since Telemit woreda is administratively new, the actual area bordering the park should be defined and mapped. This can be used also for the revision of benefit sharing proportion calculation.
Map NO. 1
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SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Woreda Administration

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Woreda Addi Arkay Beyeda 390000 Debark Janamora Telllemet
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN 1.1.1. Environmental Setting and Exceptional Value of the SMNP The Simien Mountains and the general landscape of the area are results of volcanic activity and geomorphologic processes over the geological history of the area. At the present, the SMNP is characterized by diverse conditions. Elevations range from the lowest point at 1500 m asl in the northwest to 4543 m asl, the peak of Ras Dejen mountain. Relief energy is extremely high throughout the area. Owing to the diversity in topography, micro-climatic condition and land cover/ use, different types of soil associations are found in the SMNP, such as Andosol, Pheozem, Vertisol, Luvisol, Regosol and Leptosol (Hurni and Ludi, 2000). Soil degradation, mainly due to erosion by water, is a major environmental problem in the area. In terms of climate, the SMNP and the Simien mountains area lie in the summer rainfall region. The annual average rainfall is about 1500 mm, and it ranges between 1350 mm and 1600 mm. The temporal pattern is unimodal with high amounts occurring between June and September, and the peak being in July. The mean annual temperature, as measured by Hurni at the Gich camp, is 7.7 0C, and annual temperatures range from a minimum of -2.5 0C to -4.0 0C (in January) to a maximum of 11 0C to 18 0C (in April). The SMNP is known for its unique botanical and zoological composition of species. Particularly worth mentioning among the plant species are Erica arborea, Hypericum revoltum, and the grass varieties of fescues, Poa and Danthonia. Of the wildlife, the Walia ibex (Copra walie) - a type of wild goat - is worthy of note as it is one of the major justifications for making this region into a national park. The other major wildlife resources found in the SMNP are Ethiopian wolf, Gelada baboon and Klipspringer. The breathtaking landscape, fauna and flora species diversity and endemism have bestowed exceptional resource value upon the SMNP, which has enabled its inclusion in the list of World Heritages. Because of this exceptional resource value, the SMNP has a huge potential for ecotourism development, which has not so far been exploited. At the present, there exists a favorable policy environment (cf. section 1.5 here under) and political stability in the county and this provides an enabling condition to develop and exploit this potential to the benefit of the local community as well as the country at large. The integrated development program funded by Austrian Government under way is to bring major changes in SMNP including tourism development. There have been developments of tourist infrastructures and services like community lodges, outposts, toilets, tape water, etc. Thus tourists have started to access better facilities than they used in the past and there is increasing trend of tourist arrivals. 1.1.2. Socioeconomic and Cultural Background The SMNP and the surrounding areas are inhabited by the Amharas, part of the Semetic population of the country. In the lowlands north of Adi Arkay, there are Tigrinya people, and to the east below the escarpment in Beyeda, there are Agaw people of Wag. Sedentary agriculture, where crop cultivation is complemented by a strong livestock rearing, is the primary occupation of the Simien people. Livestock provide the draught power needed for the farming while crop residues constitute important sources of feed to the livestock. The area is characterized by a minimum of socio-economic infrastructure and administrative institutions: few schools, no clinics, few markets of only local character, an economy based mainly on subsistence agriculture, and almost no extension services. The religious systems provide the strongest institutional set-up in the villages, followed by the Kebele Associations (KA). KA structures are a more recent, since 1976, element introduced by the Government. Part of the SMNP had likely been settled much before the establishment of the park, probably many centuries ago. Long-term user rights in the area by local land users are in conflict with the national wildlife conservation
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN policy, mainly because natural resources inside the park are being diminished despite the establishment of the park.
1.1.3. Development Initiatives

Though the SMNP has the unique landscape and the rich biodiversity resources, it had been deteriorating as a result of misuse of natural resources (due to high population pressure), overgrazing, land degradation, deforestation, and agricultural encroachment and all these made the park to be inscribed on the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger by UNESCO in 1996. Seeing this deteriorating situation of the SMNP, the Ethiopian and Austrian Governments agreed to act on this problem and to reverse the situation of the park. The Austrian Government through its Embassy Development Cooperation (AEDC), initiated implementation of projects since 1996. These initiatives include: Ecotourism Project, Phase I, signed in 1996 for one year with the objective of the assessment of the tourism potentials of the park; Nature Oriented Tourism Development Project, Phase II, signed for the period Jan 1998 Dec 1999 for two years with the objective of tourism development and park management; The Simien Mountains National Park Integrated Development Project (SMNP - IDP), Phase III, elapsed from Oct 2001 Mar 2004, with the objective of conserving, developing, and managing the environment and natural resources to return the Parks World Heritage Status, and enhancing the income generating capacity of the park; Second Phase of SMNP IDP, strategically considered integrated community development and put more emphasis on park with people development approach. This phase has project components of park management, conservation-based tourism development, agricultural intensification, livestock development, natural resource conservation and development, and institutional/community capacity building. As a result of the endeavor of the above projects, substantial improvements have been recorded. Some examples that indicate improvements achieved are: Walia ibex has increased in number from 200 to 659; Agricultural production improved; Park boundary extended; Park boundary realigned to exclude villages along the boundary; Different capacity building (training and material provision) activities and infrastructural development performed; Draft management Plan of the Park produced; Draft strategy for Reducing Grazing Pressure produced; and, Forestry development and soil and water conservations carried out. These and other accomplishments of the project prompted UNESCO to write appreciation letter to the region.
1.2 Vision, Goal and Objectives

1.2.1. Vision Well-managed and internationally recognized ecotourism site that provides the finest quality services, conserves the natural and cultural environments and benefits the country including the local community. 1.2.2. Super Goal SMNP remained at World Heritage List and contribution to Ethiopian National Tourism Revenue increased. 1.2.3. Goal The goal that receives contribution for its realization from the master plan is Sustainable ecotourism developed in SMNP The master plan contributes to enhancing sustainable eco-tourism development, and conservation of environmental and biodiversity resources in the SMNP, and improve the livelihood of the local communities through partnership among the government, the private sector and the local communities 1.2.4. Objective The general objective of the tourism master plan is to promote development of sustainable tourism in the Simien Mountains National Park and its vicinity. With in the framework of this general objective, the specific objectives are defined as follows: 1. To increase the number of tourists and the length of their stay by increasing satisfaction level of tourists 2. To increase economic benefits to the local community and the government 3. To protect and manage the natural resources of the park 4. To improve the promotion mechanisms of tourism resources of the park 5. To raise community awareness and understanding about ecotourism development in SMNP 6. To improve tourist infrastructures and facilities within and around the park. 7. To improve the capacity of park administration for the management and control of tourism development
1.2.5. Outputs
The outputs of the master plan that contribute to the realization of the above mentioned purposes are:1. Resource management practices within and around the SMNP improved; 2. Visitors information center upgraded; 3. Accessibility of tourist sites of the SMNP improved; and, 4. Tourist products within and around the SMNP diversified. To achieve these outputs of the Tourism Master Plan, integration of stake holders is essential.
1.3 Duration of the Master Plan:- The tourism master plan is planned to be
implemented over five years (2008-2012). This has been determined based on the extent of interventions identified and the time required for its complete revision.
1.4. Policy Analysis

One of the core International Documents that make cultural and natural heritage the subject of an International Convention is Convention Concerning the Protection of the Cultural and Natural Heritage (Paris,16 Nov 1972), which includes many issues among which the following are leading concerns: National and International Protection; Intergovernmental Committee (establishment of the World Heritage Committee); Educational Programmes; Fund; and, Conditions and Arrangements for International Assistance. Ethiopia is endowed with several cultural and natural tourism resources but the development of tourism sector is in its initial stage. Presently the government of Ethiopia is giving much attention for the development of tourism sector. There are several evidences for provision of these attentions: Restructuring of public sector that concerns for the development of tourism sector at national and regional level including district level There was consensus reached at national level as one of a means to end poverty through tourism development. Developing tourism policy at national and regional level.
It was tried to review the draft tourism policy documents both at national and regional level. These policy documents are expected to be finalized and legalized within the near future. Maintaining sustainable tourism development is the overall objective stated in both policy documents and the specific objectives are: Increasing the quantity and the quality of services provide for visitors Increasing the participation of local community in developing tourism sector Increasing the benefits of local communities from tourism activity Protect and preserve both natural and cultural resources of tourism Develop infrastructures Human resource development in tourism sector Promote the participation of private sector in tourism sector Promote tourism resources both national and internationally
In addition to tourism policy, there are other policies that support development of tourism. These are: Wildlife Development, Conservation and Utilization Policy and Strategy, Environmental Policy, Biodiversity Policy, the Rural Land Administration and Use Policy and Proclamation for the Amhara region and Rural Development Policy and Strategies. In each of these policies, the major objective is conservation of the natural environment to the benefit of the local community which will contribute to sustainable development of tourism. The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia: The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia developed in 1997 provides a legal frame-work for sustainable development of environmental resources upon which tourism can be developed. The over all objective is to improve and enhance the health and quality of life and to promote sustainable social and economic development through the sound management and use of natural, human-made and cultural resources and the environment as a whole so as to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The specific objectives relevant to the development of tourism are:-
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Ensure that essential ecological processes and life support systems are sustained, biological diversity is preserved and renewable natural resources are used in such a way that their regenerative and productive capabilities are maintained and where possible enhanced so that the satisfaction of the needs of future generations is not compromised; where this capability is already impaired to seek through appropriate interventions a restoration of that capability Raise public awareness and promote understanding of the essential linkages between environment and development. Wildlife Development, Conservation and Utilization Policy and Strategy (March 2005): this policy document comes to the fore with the objective of properly developing and administrating the countrys wildlife resources, and enabling the sector to contribute fully to the nation building process; and, protecting the wildlife resources and their habitats, maintaining the balance of nature for fostering in accordance with international wildlife conventions and agreements to which the country is a signatory. The whole content of this policy document underpins the protection and development of parks. Rural Land Administration and Use Proclamation: ANRS council approved the rural land administration and use proclamation to give the legislative support to the land use and land administration. The rights and obligation of the land users provided in the revised proclamation No. 133/2006 would give an opportunity for land users to realize sustainable land use options and resources management system in the region. It also provides protection of nature areas for uses that ensure the greatest sustainable benefit of the local community and the region as whole The National Biodiversity Policy: provides a basis for preservation, development, management and sustainable use of the diversity of gene pools of Ethiopia's species of wildlife and domesticated flora and fauna and its natural and human managed ecosystem for the country's social and economic development and for the integrity of the biosphere. Regional Conservation Strategy: one of the major strategy document in the region: It takes holistic view of the natural, human made and cultural resources of the region and their use and abuse and seeks to integrate a coherent whole, existing and future regional planning in all sectors that have impact on the environment including agriculture, forestry, wildlife, fisheries, water, minerals, energy, tourism, urban planning and heritage conservation. Therefore implementation of this strategy document will assist in realization of tourism resources to its potential. Rural Development Strategies: The federal government to be used as guide for planning and implementation of rural development interventions at all levels formulated rural development strategy. The strategy document supports the integration of sectoral plans so as to bring ecologically, socially and economically sustainable development in rural areas and emphasis each development to look into appropriate use of land, water and labor as a factor of production. The strategy has effect on increased production and productivity of agricultural land that would reduce both human and livestock pressure on the protected areas so as to use the area for nature conservation and tourism development. To ensure the effective implementation of the above and other related International, National and Regional policies and strategies, the Amhara National Regional State has taken organizational restructuring measures. These restructuring measures include the establishment of the most relevant public institutions. These are realized by proclamations of the Establishment and Definitions of Powers and Duties of the ANRS Tourism Commission (Proclamation No 70/2002), and the Establishment of Parks Development and Protection Authority of the ANRS (Proclamation No 96/2003) to which the SMNP Office is reporting. The latter has a provision (Article 12) for the establishment of Management Board, which is responsible for the coordination and steering of duties, and deciding on main issues of the Authority. The Board is accountable to the President of ANRS
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN and this justifies the high level of concern the Amhara National Regional State has given to the parks development and protection. Specific to the Simien Mountains National Park, the Parks Development and Protection Authority, by the virtue of its power vested in Article 15 of Proclamation No 96/2003, has produced a directive called SMNP Development and Protection Woreda Coordination Committee. This committee, in turn, is mandated for the development of different bylaws and detail guidelines that may assist the implementation of the directive. Though there is a conducive policy environment for tourism development, there is one major policy gap. The absence of tourism policy makes the situation blurred to maximize the development of tourism in the region. Both national and regional tourism development policies are lacking. And the above mentioned policies and strategies create a great potential for tourism policy development.
1.5 Methodology of the Study

The study involved the following major activities of data collection and analysis: 1. Literature Review The consulting team has reviewed annual reports of the Simien Mountains National ParkIntegrated Development Project (IDP) and Park office at Debark and Park Authority at Bahir Dar, and other relevant studies and documents. The specific documents materials and sources of information reviewed include; Annual reports and information related to tourist flow, revenue collection, infrastructure development. The previous management plan and its revised version Previous research works, such as Hurni (1986) and Nievergelt et al. (1998) Strategic plan documents of the Culture and Toursim Bureau, and the Park Development and Protection Authority of the Amhara National Regional State. Mid-term Evaluation of the Projects in the Food Security Subprogram in North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia National and Regional level policy documents 2. Fieldwork Members of the team conducted intensive fieldwork for over two weeks, focusing on an assessment of the existing and potentials for development of new tourism products including; Identification of existing sites of natural attractions Accessibility of the attraction sites Assessing the exiting infrastructures and tourist services Collecting GPS data for production of maps for ecotourism development activities. 3. Consultation Formal and informal consultations were employed as mechanisms of collecting information. These were done through workshops, group discussions and key-informant interviews. Workshops were held on June 14 and Sept 20/ 2007. The participants of the workshop were from the office of Park Development and Protection Authority, Environmental protection, Land administration and Use Authority, Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, Ethiopian wildlife development and protection agency, Culture and Tourism bureau, members of ecotourism associations, various zonal and woreda government and Non government organizations. The focus group discussions and key-informant interviews were held with members of the Guide Association, cookers, members of the Ecotourism Association, experts of the Park Development
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN and Protection Authority, experts of the SMNP- IDP office, experts of the Culture and Tourism office, Wereda administrations of Debark, Adarkey and Janamora, managers of hotels at Debark and the Simien lodge, tour operators and tourists, and local people. Consultation was also made with experts of telecommunication, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Rural Road Authority main offices at Bahir Dar.
1.6. Guiding Principles for Ecotourism

Promote the socio-cultural aspects of the local community. Provide quality services and create conducive environments for visitors. Provide environmental education for stakeholders; local community, government, non government organizations, industry and tourists. Direct revenue sharing to conservation and management of natural and protected areas Enhance prospects for economic development and employment while maintaining protection of the environment. Provide support through policy development and commitment to promote sustainability in tourism and related activities. Maximize economic, social and environmental benefits from tourism and minimize its adverse effects.
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CHAPTER 2: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE SMNP

2.1. The Exceptional Value of SMNP
The SMNP is exceptional in its breathtaking landscape, species richness and endemism and thus has given international significance. The Simien Mountains are a must for all those interested in wildlife, spectacular landscape and biological research. In fact, it is the beautiful scenery and the presence of such endemic species of mammals as the Walia ibex, the Ethiopian wolf, Menlik Bush buck and Gelada baboon that have bestowed World Heritage status to the SMNP. Its proximity to the old cultural centers like Aksum, Lalibela and Gonder also makes it convenient for visiting for those primarily interested in cultural or historical sites. The SMNP is part of the Afro-alpine centre of biodiversity with high but unquantified levels of endemism (perhaps 5-10 species) due to past isolation by glaciation (Magin, 2001). The Park, on the margins of the Palaearctic biome, preserves a representative part of the Ethiopian Tropical Seasonal Highland biome and contains vegetation characteristic of each. So far in the SMNP 20 plant species are recorded to be endemic to Ethiopia and three of them are only endemic to the Simien Mountains (Simien Mountains National Park Management Plan, 2001). These include Festuca gilbertiana, Rosutaria Simiensis, and Dianthus longiglum. The faunal diversity of the SMNP is also high, which is mainly related to variations in the topography and vegetation cover of the area. A total of 21 mammals including ten endemic species, 182 bird species of which 6 are endemic, 27 aquatic invertebrates and five species of rats and shrews have been recorded in the Simien Mountains (Simien Mountains National Park Management Plan and SMNP-IDP Office). However, human disturbance and habitat alteration has reduced the range of habitats available to the animals in the Park. This was a serious problem before the introduction of the Austrian government assisted Project, IDP. The Walia ibex (Capra walie (CR)), endemic to the Simien Mountains, has taken refuge on the cliffs of the northern escarpment. Similarly the Ethiopian wolf and klipspringer are low in number. The shrinking or loss of habitat for the above species and subsequent decrease in the number of the animals has attracted the attention of the international community towards the SMNP. The SMNP Ecosystem falls in the Great biodiversity hotspot areas in the world that represents the afro-alpine and montane ecosystems. The Afroalpine ecosystem consists of grassland and moorland, with an abundant herb layer, while heathers dominate the heathland scrub. Many species common in montane forest, such as trees of the genera Podocarpus and Juniperus, have economic importance. The primary threat to the biodiversity of the Eastern Afromontane and Horn of Africa Hotspots is habitat loss due to various agricultural activities. As a result only 510% of original vegetation remains in pristine condition and it is with no exception in the Simien Mountains. In addition to the outstanding diversity in flora and fauna it has an exceptional diversity in landscape, and altitude. The Simien Mountains are found between 1500 and 4543 m a.s.l and the nature of the landscape is characterized by deep gorges, precipices, crests, rocky areas and plains. The western rugged massif contains the highest peak of Ethiopia, Ras Dajen, which has an elevation of 4543 m asl. The mosaic pattern of the Simien Mountains promotes species richness and biodiversity, but on the other hand makes it vulnerable to environmental degradation since some habitats are taken over by man either for agriculture or wood cutting or livestock grazing. At present, the Simien Mountains in general and the SMNP in particular are under heavy human population pressure, which is threatening the natural value of the mountain ecosystem. However, compared to the overall land use pattern and environmental situation in the northern Ethiopia,
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN relatively large patches of natural ecosystems in all altitudinal zones of the SMNP are still preserved. A unique altitudinal cross-section with almost undisturbed flora on the northern slope of the Bwahit peak (4430 m asl) is of particular importance. Conservation of such high biodiversity resources with its unique habitat is essential and it has the potential to make significant contributions for the development of the tourism industry. Despite of the rich biodiversity resources and beautiful scenery, tourism development in the SMNP is far behind from its potential development. Development of tourism infrastructure and facilities together with appropriate conservation of environmental resources will perhaps in the near future change the Simien Mountains area into a center of tourism and economic development.
2.2. An Overview of Ecotourism Development in the SMNP

2.2.1. African Experience Wildlife based tourism is the most important economic engine for some of the African countries like Kenya and Tanzania. In Tanzania, 24 percent of the land surface is used for wildlife conservation. Similarly, Kenya is endowed with a great deal of natural attractions, including wildlife in its native habitat as well as some of Africas finest beaches. This natural endowment has turned Kenyas tourism industry into a leading economic sector, generating revenues of almost Ksh 49 billion (US$ 700 million) in 2005 and directly employing 176,000 peopleabout 10 percent of all jobs in the formal sector. 80 percent of the international visitors who came to Kenya for holidays are primarily to view the wildlife habitats. Although large section of the Tanzanian peoples depend on subsistence agriculture and natural resources, the tourism industry is becoming one of the fastest growing economic sectors of the country. Utilization of the wildlife resources has been generating substantial revenue to the government. For example, in 2002/2003, revenue from tourism hunting amounted to USD 9.3 million, photographic safaris conducted in National Parks accrued USD 157,830,837 and collection from non-consumptive tourism activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) amounted to USD 54,229,057 (paper presented to 2nd African conference) Between 1995 and 2001, about 59% of the visitors came to Tanzania for leisure, recreation and holidays compared to those who came for conferences, professionals and others (i.e. 41%). This category of visitors, the former group, includes groups that could indulge in tourist activities that yield more revenue. Tourist hunting for instance is one of the activities with a higher value compared with the rest. Significant income came from tourist hunting where the average annual income is about US$ 10 million, although more could actually be realized had this component of the sector been rationalized and well managed. Increased revenue from tourism resources in the above east African countries is mainly due to an increase in private tour operators and agents, better advertising of tourist attractions abroad and a greater capacity to cater for more tourists. These have not been well developed in Ethiopian parks including the SMNP. As far as the experiences of the above African countries tariff's on various tourist services are concerned, they commonly collect revenue from entrance fee, camping fee, vehicle charges, filming, photography, hunting etc. As the Tanzanian and Kenyan tariffs for each service was compared with the existing tariffs in Ethiopia, SMNP for example, the Tanzanian and Kenyan tariffs, in all kinds of services, are incredibly higher than the SMNP. For example the Kenyan National Park's entrance fee for citizen, residence and non-residence exceeds the SMNP by $2.64 (800%), $11.56 (348%), and $34.47 (623%), respectively while Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) entrance fee for citizens and non-residents exceeds by $ 0.88 (267%), $44.47
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN (804%), respectively. The tariffs for camping site in Kenyan national parks vary between $2.01 and $7.79. Significant difference is also observed with Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) for non-resident fee i.e. $27.79. Similarly wide differences exist in vehicle charges in both countries as compared to SMNP. 2.2.2. National Experience and Policy Direction The Ethiopian tourism sector now constitutes about 2 per cent of GDP, and accounts for 15 per cent of foreign currency earnings, which in 2003 amounted to $77 million. Despite the upward trend, the sector is still seen as under-performing. This is mainly attributed to inadequate development of tourist infrastructures, services and management of tourist attractions which call for formulating a well-defined tourism development strategy. Indeed now a days the Ethiopian Government has given due emphasis to tourism sector as part of poverty reduction development component. In this regard the Plan for Action and Sustainable Development to End Poverty (PASDEP) aims to unleash a process that would make Ethiopia one of the top ten tourist destinations by the year 2020 with an emphasis to maximize the poverty-reducing impacts of tourism. Some of the planned interventions that would supposedly lead to the lofty target include: upgrading the general quality of the hotel managements and service standards; developing national parks into tourist destinations with private sector partners; promoting special initiatives to promote entrepreneurs; and, providing a supportive policy environment to development of tourist facilities and information centers. 2.2.3. Typology of Tourists in SMNP Different tourists have different motivations for visiting various destinations based on their behavior and they have different impacts on a given destinations. Although there is no universal agreement on typology of tourists, different scholars suggested different types of tourists. For example they classify based on the relation between the behavior of tourists, nature of attractions and tourism businesses. Cohen identified four types of tourists: the organized mass tourists, the individual mass tourists, the explorer and the drifter (Holden, 2003). As mentioned in the Guides Training Manual of Simien Mountains National Park (2003), Cochrane also classifies tourists as: Backpackers : who aim to travel cheaply for long periods and may enjoy trekking through natural scenery Explorers: who tend to be solitary and adventurous, and may be wealthy through they avoid non-essential expenses and requires no special facilities. General interest tourists: who may be keen on nature and safe but adventurous activities, but will accept difficult conditions for short periods. Mass tourists: they travel in large group. And they are interested in local culture and natural history if these are easy to experience. Special interest tourists: those who are strongly motivated by a particular hobby and willing to pay well to obtain necessary facilities and services. They are strongly motivated to visit admire scenery and wildlife and they also known as nature- oriented tourists. The types of tourists visiting the SMNP are more or less related to categories given by Cochrane. Nevertheless most visitor categories belong to special and general interest tourists (Nature-Oriented Tourism Project, 1999 and SMNP-IDP, 2003). 2.2.3. Trend of Tourist Arrivals to the SMNP The endowment of the SMNP with several endemic animals and plant life and a unique landscape attract both domestic tourists from different parts of Ethiopia and international tourists from different parts of the world. As indicated from the draft management plan (2001) from the
13
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN establishment of the national park up to 1977 on average over 500 visitors were recorded per annum. Because of droughts and political instability (the civil war during the Derg regime) tourist arrivals declined from 1977 to the beginning of the 1990s. The border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 1998 and 1999 was the cause for a decline in tourist arrivals. After 1999 there has been a tremendous increase in tourist arrivals and proper implementation of the master plan will further increase the number of tourists. Considering the trend of the last 9 years as well as relating to the carrying capacity of the park annual increment of tourist arrival was determined at 25 per cent. Having this in mind tourist arrivals by the year 2004 will be 21756. The assumption to maintain 25 per cent annual tourist increment is simply relating to expectation of improvements of tourist facilities and services during the master plan implementation period. Table 1. Projection of Tourist Arrivals Year Tourist arrivals Annual growth rate (%)
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 6019 6991 8923 11153 13941 17426 21756 18.6 16.14 25 25 25 25 25
Remark
actual actual
Projected(based on the average of the last 9 years(1991-99)
projected projected projected projected
In fact seasonality is one of the major problems of the tourism industry in many of tourist destinations in the world. As indicated in Annex 9 the time from October to April is the peak season, whereas the slack season is between May and September. Tourist arrivals are low during the slack season basically because of the Kiremt rains (the main rainy season in much of Ethiopia) that starts from the beginning of May and lasts until the end of September. But many tourists from Spain and other countries in the Mediterranean region often come during the rainy season. Perhaps attracting a greater number of tourists from this region of the world during the rainy season can be pursued as a strategy to overcome the problem of seasonality in tourist inflows into the SMNP.
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8000
7000
6000
5000
Arrivals
4000
Tourist arrivals
3000
2000
1000
0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Year(EC) 1996 1997 1998 1999
Figure 1: Trends of Tourist Arrivals in SMNP
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Tourist arrivals in 1998_99

1000 900 800 700 600 Arrivals 500 400 300 200 100 0
ly y ry M ar ch ay st r il be be r te m be em be Au g br ua Ap r Ju ar M Ja nu ct o em Ju ne r r
arrivals
Se p
D ec
Months
Figure 2: International
Tourist Arrivals in 1998-99
2.2.4. The Importance of Ecotourism Development In the past, mass tourism was the predominant form and preferred type of tourism in almost all countries of the world. It was basically related to the notion of mass consumption, and which unfortunately leads to emergence of several environmental, cultural and social problems that attract the attention of several international scholars. In specific terms, these problems are environmental, social and cultural degradation, and unequal distribution of financial benefits and the spread of diseases (Mowforth and Munt, 2003). The spread of such problems necessitates the need for development of new or alternative forms of tourism that ought to minimize adverse environmental impacts. There are different definitions given to such new forms of tourism. All of the definitions underline the need for conservation and preservation of the resources for future generations, the use of tourism for contribution of environmental protection, limiting negative socio-cultural impacts of tourism, increasing the satisfaction level of tourists and benefiting local communities economically as well as socially. Ecotourism is among those new forms of tourism. It is defined by the International Ecotourism Society as responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustains the well being of local communities (Strasdas, 2002). The most common activities in this form of tourism are bird watching, game viewing, nature photography, trekking and the like. In most cases, eco-tourists are young and highly educated with professional and managerial occupations. Literature indicates that eco-tourists are characterized by few number in a given tour group, stay longer in a specific destination, use small independent hotels and assign more money for their trip in comparison to mass tourists. It is believed that eco-tourists prefer natural and less crowded attraction sites, and this means that
Fe
ov
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN the Simien Mountains National Park is a very appropriate and preferable site for this form of tourism. Most of the tourists visiting SMNP are nature oriented tourists or eco-tourists. The existing infrastructure, facilities, promotion methods etc couldnt attract the required number of tourists and increase the length of stay of tourist. Therefore improving the existing infrastructure and facilities, and developing eco-tourism is a prerequisite for benefiting the local community and protecting the natural environment of the park area. 2.2.5. The Impacts of Ecotourism As noted above, ecotourism is based on the natural environment as the major resource for tourist attraction. Even though, eco-tourism is considered to be different from mass tourism, it will still have both positive and negative impacts on the natural, socio-cultural and economic environments. Raising awareness of the local community and other stakeholders about the impact of ecotourism activities is advantageous to maximize its positive and to avoid or minimize negative impacts. This can be achieved through organizing different fora like workshops, conferences, training etc. Table 2 below describes some of the potential negative and positive impacts that may ensue from ecotourism activities in protected areas. Table 2. Positive and Negative Impacts of Ecotourism Activities in SMNP
Categories
Impacts Description of the Impact

Positive Protection of natural environments and preservation from further environmental degradation Improvement in the quality of the natural environmental resources Pollution of air Due to the construction of infrastructure and need of fuel wood, there are losses of species of vegetation and wildlife. Losses of vegetation are the cause for soil erosion. The main sources of drinking water for local communities and tourists are surface water. Various activities of local communities and tourists are polluting the drinking water and this is becoming the cause for heath problems of the local communities and the tourists. As the result of activities of local communities and tourists that lack environmental concern accumulation of dry waste (plastic bags and bottles) especially around trekking routes and camping sites is affecting the life of humans and animals. There is loss or change of natural landscape and drainage pattern due to the construction of tourist facilities and road infrastructure i.e from Debark to Beyeda and Janamora, Unwanted sounds (noise) produced due to radio and vehicles crossing the park area are disturbing wildlife during breeding, foraging and preying time. Feeding or touching of wild animals Improved standard of living of local communities Creating opportunities for access of local communities to various facilities and services. Improved level of understanding of local communities about
Natural environment
Negative
Positive
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Categories
Impacts Description of the Impact

the external world Promotion of cultural exchanges of local communities Creates opportunities for meeting interesting people from different parts of the world Increasing social problems( e.g. emergence of begging) Displacement of local residents Cultural loss Source of government revenue Source of employment opportunities for local communities It initiates other economic activities directly and indirectly supporting the tourism industry Source of income for local communities (from provision of goods and services ) Increasing and improving infrastructure development of surrounding areas Effective utilization of natural resources like land, and wildlife as sources of income Increasing price of goods and services Profit may end up into the hands of people outside of the tourism areas High dependency of local people on the tourism sector Seasonal nature of employment in the tourism sector
Socio-cultural environment
Negative
Positive Economic environment
Negative
2.2.6. Major Constraints to Ecotourism Development The problems and constraints the SMNP faced were serious. The intervention by the Austrian Government - Integrated Development Project has, however, managed to show remarkable impacts for eco-tourism development. Despite the general trend of improvement being observed, eco-tourism development in SMNP is still presently beset by a number of problems, related to human factors and infrastructure development. Some of the major constraints are: i.) Excessive human and livestock population pressure on the natural environment ii.) Inadequate infrastructure and facilities within and outside the park area including lack of air transport, banking service and poor quality road from Gonder to Debark and to the park area. The quality of existing infrastructures within the park area need improvements and also insufficient for visitors in terms of quantity. iii.) Inadequate promotion of the existing tourism resources both nationally and internationally iv.) Inadequate quality tourist services provision. v.) Seasonality of tourist arrivals. vi.) Inadequate tourism product diversity or activities. vii.) Limitations in providing appropriate information for tourists. viii.) Inadequate coordination that requires more effort among the different stakeholders. ix.) Low economic benefit to the local community
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2.3. Land Use in the SMNP

One of the major constraints for both conservation of environmental resources and development of tourism in the SMNP is the non-optimal use of the natural resources due to human settlement, grazing and cultivation. Twenty one Kebele Administrations share boarder with the park. More than 85% of the park area is under intense use of grazing and browsing while 10% is under cultivation of cereal farming and the remaining 4% is exposed rock surface constituting the side slopes of the escarpments. The extensive range land dominated by species of Guasa and Giant lobelia has been co-grazed by cattle, sheep and horse population with no complementary effect. Herding various species of livestock with different grazing preferences can often lead to over use of the pasture land. To this effect the beautiful plateaus of the SMNP are grazed down close to the soil surface. This has been causing significant changes in floral and faunal species. A typical example is the short and long grass steppe which was the traditional habitat for the Walia ibex and the Ethiopian wolf is now extremely over used and this in turn gave way to development of short herbs and then forced the Walia ibex to adapt to forested areas and steep escarpments of the park. On the other hand, with increasing tendency of range land degradation Giant lobelia to some extent has shown increased cover or density in some parts of the Ayena meda and Bwahit plateaus. This change in vegetation structure ultimately decreases quality of the landscape scenery for tourism development. Basically the domestic animals which are responsible for loss of wildlife habitat need to be withdrawn from the park area by designing alternative feed development strategies outside the park. It has been reported that one of the most disappointing issues in the minds of most international visitors is livestock grazing in the wildlife habitats. The SMNP is also partly inhabited by subsistence cereal farming communities. A reconnaissance survey made on the land use and land cover of the newly demarcated park area indicated that besides grazing use, 10% of the park area is under cultivation of highland crops, barley being the most dominant crop followed by wheat and pulses. The Gich community is entirely a farming community living inside the park area. Until the IDP interventions, the traditional farming system has been in use without any soil and water conservation measures in place. As a result, the area has reached a critical level of land degradation. Moreover, exotic species of plants like eucalyptus have been introduced into the homestead areas. Such a change in the vegetation type and composition inevitably creates different habitats which will benefit entirely different species, but can be detrimental to indigenous ones. With a further intensification of agriculture that can be expected from the growing demand for food of the inhabitants, there will be a possibility to increased use of chemical fertilizers that will have negative consequences on the natural ecosystem of the park On the other hand, many research works carried out in the field of biodiversity in the SMNP have identified the Gich plateau as a center of biodiversity. It has also been confirmed that the Gich plateau was one of the best places where an outstanding quality of the natural afroalpine grassland was found for ungulates like Walia ibex and Klipspringer. Among the three endemic plant species identified in the SMNP, Festuca gilbertiana is only found in the Gich plateau. Unfortunately, with increased invasion by people and their livestock into the Afro-alpine grassland the Gich plateau has recently been regressing from its natural state. The vegetation structure of the SMNP is well-stratified following altitude and slope of the area. The major vegetation structures mapped using the reconnaissance survey are forest, bush land or scattered trees, grassland, grass mixed with herbs, and exposed rock surface each representing 12.4%, 22.2%, 44.9%, 8.2% and 4.2%, respectively. On the plateau areas with altitudes above 3000 m a.s.l and with slopes of up to 30% grassland with solitary stands of Giant lobelia is the dominant vegetation structure. In grasslands, livestock grazing and foraging of Gelada baboon
19
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN are the main land use activities. It is also a hunting field for the Simien fox where the grass rat is commonly found. Very often one can observe the Erica forests on the side slopes of the Simien Mountains in altitude that range between 3000 and 3800 m asl. The Erica forest comprises Erica arborea and Erica trimera species. The forest cover is denser on the middle of the mountains where human and livestock interferences are minimal. At present this forest belt is the common habitat for Walia ibex, Klipspringer and Gelada baboon. It is the refuge camp for the above wild animals against being chased by humans and predators like leopard. In areas with altitudes ranging between 3800 and 4300 m.asl, the Guassa grass has gave way to the herb layers with particular domination of the Helichrysum species. In this vegetation region, the Walia ibex and Gelada baboon populations are abundant. Bush lands are most commonly found in areas below 3000 m a.sl. They are commonly associated with steep slopes. The steep escarpments with slopes in excess of 55% are bare rocks with light grass cover. Mostly they are suitable for paragliding and mountaineering.
Table 3. Current Land Use and Land Cover in the SMNP Land cover Bush land or scattered trees Cultivated Land Forest Grass Land Grass Land with exposed rock surface Herb_grass Total
Area (ha)
5302.58 2576.45 3382.17 9691.68 1002.09 1964.83 23919.81
Percent of total area (%)

22.17 10.77 14.14 40.52 4.19 8.21 100
Source: Adapted from Reconciling conservation with development by Hrni, H. & Ludi, E, 2000 and woody biomass inventory, 2001) The percentage calculation of Land Use/Cover excludes the area of Ras Dejen, Silki and Kidus Yared. When the area of these places is included, the percentage of crop land will be lower than 10%.
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Map No. 2
370000 1480000
SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Land Use and Land Cover

380000 390000 400000 410000
420000
148000
# # #
1470000
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
147000
# # # # #
# # # # #
1460000
# # ## # # #
146000
LEGEND
1450000 145000
# # # #
Road River W alia Fox Babun Klipspringer

380000
Land use/Land cover Bush land or scattered trees Cultivated Land Forest Grass with exposed rock surface Grass Land Herb_grass
390000 400000
Scale
1:50000
370000
410000
420000
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2.4. The Situation of the Existing Infrastructure and Services in the SMNP
When tourists visit protected areas like the SMNP, they experience, appreciate, and learn about nature, landscape (scenery), wildlife or special natural feature such as a waterfall. These attractions are the original supply elements of tourism. In order to develop ecotourism in the SMNP, the existing attractions should be supported by adequate infrastructure and services. Infrastructure and services should be provided based on an assessment of needs of the target tourists. Since its establishment in 1969, the SMNP has been supported by various infrastructure and services. The existing and the required infrastructure and services of the park are assessed based on the ecotourism training manual prepared for protected areas (Strasdas, 2002) and review of other pertinent literature. The existing lodges in the SMNP are divided into three categories: community lodge (located at Adisgie, Meligebsa, Gich and Chennek), private lodge (the Simien lodge) and public/ government lodge (at Sankaber). Certainly infrastructure and services in protected areas like the SMNP should consider the natural environment and thus ought to have minimal impact on wildlife, natural ecosystem and other natural elements. Minimum infrastructure requirements for a given camping sites and lodge is stated as follow. Camping sites : Water supply, Light, Kitchen, Cooking materials, shower, toilet, tent rent,
seats, first aid services, controlled incineration, parking(for those access to road), wireless telephone service. Lodge : accommodation , water supply, light, kitchen, cooking materials, shower, toilet, tent rent, seats, first aid services, controlled incineration, parking(for those access to road), wireless telephone service in limited lodges employees' house and souvenir shops are necessary. Based on the above requirements, the assessment for the existing lodges and camping sites in SMNP is indicated in Table 5.
Table 4: Visitors Infrastructure in the SMNP
No Infrastructure category 1 Infrastructure that facilitates certain experiences 2 Transportation and movement infrastructure
Infrastructure/services
Situation in SMNP
View points Hiding places to watch wild life
Available but not enough Not available (probably not necessary)
Trekking routes Bridge Climbing trails
Available but not enough Not available Available (need maintenance)
Roads Car parking Mule/ horse for renting Horse riding 3 Information related Direction signs and attraction
Available Not available Available Not available Available but not enough
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN No Infrastructure category infrastructure description board both in and outside the park Signs informing visitors about regulations, codes of conduct/ behaving 4 Infrastructure that meets physical needs Resting places (including seats) Toilets Bathing facilities First aid services 5 Access point and reception areas Ticket office Entrance gate Visitors center Available but not enough Available but not enough Available but not enough Not available Available Available at Sawrie but not at Limalimo side Available but it is not at the right site 6 Accommodation infrastructure Camping sites Eco-lodges Renting tents Resting room for mules/ horses and Muleteers 7 Water supply and waste disposal facility Garbage disposal site Energy sources Water Available but of low quality Available but not enough Solar energy panel available in some sites 8 communication infrastructure 9 Other infrastructure communication radio/wireless telephone Shopping services Catering services Outposts Cooking materials for renting sign posts Available but not enough Not available Available but not enough Available but not enough Available but not enough Not available Available but not enough Available but not enough Available Not available Available but not enough Infrastructure/services Situation in SMNP
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN No Infrastructure category view points trekking routes Available but not enough Available but not enough Infrastructure/services Situation in SMNP
Table 5: The Situation of the Camping Sites or Lodges of the SMNP

Facilities Buyit Ras* Distance in km from Debark Water supply Light Kitchen Cooking materials Shower Toilet Horse renting Tent rent X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 20 Sankaber ** 36 Chennek ** 58 Gich ** 48 Ayanameda * 42 Sebat Minch* 78 Adarmaz * N.A Muchila * N.A N.A Dirni *
N.A= Data not available ** Outposts and camping sites * Outposts only X = Facility not available = available
24
2.6. Promotional Mechanisms of the SMNP

The promotional mechanisms for the SMNP are encouraging but not very well organized. The Park Administration, SMNP_IDP and the Culture and Tourism Offices are trying to promote the SMNP by using brochures, postcards, leaflets, and t-shirts and capes. The qualities of these materials need improvement so that they can reflect the international significance of the park as a World Heritage site. At the present, the web-based information and communication technology has become the greatest opportunity for promoting tourism resources in the globalizing world. This important technology has not been effectively utilized for promoting the tourism resources of the SMNP. Selection of appropriate promotional methods is necessary for developing ecotourism. At present promotion of tourism resources of SMNP are being carried out by Tourism Industries (Hotels, Lodges, Tour Operators and Ethiopian Air Lines), Culture and Tourism Offices at different levels, Parks Development and Protection Authority, Park Office at Debark, and IDP. Efficient utilization of promotional materials and proper promotion of SNMPs tourism resources requires cooperation among the different stakeholders The SMNP being a World Heritage, promotional activity need to involve various stakeholders including international organizations like UNESCO/IUCN. For instance Web-based promotional mechanisms require involvement of the above international organizations, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bureau of Tourism and Culture, and Parks Development & Protection Authority of the Amhara Region. Magazines promoting the park resources should also be done by the higher/federal institutions including the Ethiopian Airlines, which can shoulder the major responsibility. Brochures, leaflets, post cards, booklets and maps can be done by PaDPA and its branch offices. For the production of documentary films, private companies can be outsourced. As indicated in Annex 8, the top six countries in terms of the number of tourists visiting the SMNP are United Kingdom, USA, France, Holland, German and Spain. Promotional mechanisms and strategies may hence be designed in such a way that they give due attention to the tastes and preferences of people in these countries. The promotional materials need to be published in Amharic, English, German, French and Spanish. The promotional methods that may be used include; Brochures Leaflets Small postcards Bigger postcards (that can be hanged on walls of hotels, institutions) with decorated frames Logo Tourist maps Production of documentary films on DVDs Booklets Souvenir products and others (capes, badges, fobs, t-shirts) Website development Using of international media (television, radio, magazines) Providing of certificates for visitors as proof of visit to the SMNP Provide up to date information for those Embassies in Addis whose citizens are more familiar to SMNP.
25
2.7 SWOT Analysis for Developing Ecotourism in the SMNP

Based on interviews that were held with different stakeholders, experts of PADPA and IDP, tourists and local community members, and from field observation and reviewing of documentary sources, SWOT analysis was undertaken in view of evaluating potentials for and constraints to developing sustainable tourism in the SMNP. The details are given below. Strengths Its location near the major tourist sites of Ethiopia (Gondar Lalibela and Axum) Being home of endemic wild animals and plant life The presence of amusing landscape The presence large number of biodiversity The presence of the Ras Dejen Mountain (Ethiopias highest mountain peak) The presence of a variety of local traditions and culture in the vicinity. Friendly and hospitable people around the park. The presence of a well organized private lodge at Buit Ras Establishment of eco-tourism associations Establishment of camping sites , out posts, community lodges, toilet etc. within the park area Regular count of population of the major wildlife species of the park (Walia and Semin Fox) Road access to some parts of the park The presence of organizational structure for the park office and the culture and tourism office that facilitate park development at the local (district) level. Integrated development program under way(SMNP-IDP) and positive impacts registered. Information center at Debark Development of alternative livelihood for SMNP community The growing trend of tourist arrivals in SMNP The growing trend of tourism industry in the World Weaknesses Inadequate integration with key stakeholders (for instance integration of PA with Ethiopian Airlines in promoting the SMNP) Absence of revenue sharing system with the local community In adequate facilities at camping sites (garbage disposal sites, inadequate toilet facilities, lack of waste bins, lack of seats, lack of kitchen facilities, etc) Poorly developed infrastructure related to telecommunication, air transport and roads into the park Lack of proper promotion of the resources of the park for potential international and domestic tourists. Lack of suitable accommodation and other services and facilities in and around the park Low quality service provision by hotels, transportation, inadequate shopping places, low quality of guide services, catering and other tourism services. Lack of diversified production of souvenirs that could reflect the culture of local community and natural environments Lack of skilled manpower related to the tourism sector and scouts to protect the resources of the park Seasonality of tourist arrivals Lack of night-time resting rooms for muleteers and shelter for mules, as a result of which tourists are disturbed as muleteers chat among themselves.
26
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Soil degradation like formation of deep gullies in some localities of the park area, due to road construction (e.g. around Tiya view point ) Lack of veterinary science professionals in the park office who could monitor health of the wildlife resources of the Park Inability of the local community to adequately supply agricultural products such as vegetables, milk and eggs for the Simien lodge. Absence of banking services Absence of updated and reasonable fees lack of long and medium term tourism plans Lack of networked linkages with other tourist destination areas. lack of properly organized database Opportunities The government policy gives considerable attention to tourism development as part of poverty reduction program The economic policy that encourages private investors including in the tourism sector The plan for developing a tourist circuit connecting the major tourist destinations of Ethiopia: Gondar, Lalibela and Axum Being the only developed natural tourist attraction site in the Amhara National Regional State The global development of information and communication technology for promoting tourism resources of the SMNP. The potential benefit of ecotourism as a source of employment and income for the local community, The potential benefit of tourism for protection of the natural environment of the park The government policy that encourages development of new infrastructure and upgrading of the existing infrastructure throughout the country. The only nature area in the country registered as World Heritage The growing trend of tourism industry in the world Financial support from Austrian Government for the implementation of integrated development in SMNP Tourism continues to grow internationally. Threats Increasing choice of competitive destination options both within the country and abroad. The global problems of security related to global terrorism that affects the travelling of international tourists. Low level of quality of both air transport and road transport from Addis Ababa to the park. Misconceptions, wrong images of and perceptions about Ethiopia that is related to the past political instability, civil war, poverty, drought and famine. Lack of constant flow of both domestic and international tourists throughout the year;. The expansion of settlements and land uses by the local community into the park area. Shrinkage or loss of traditional habitats of some wildlife species Soil erosion in the park area Transmission of domestic animal diseases Negative cultural influence Anticipated negative tourism impacts
27
CHAPTER 3: TOURIST PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SMNP

3.1. Possible Tourism Products and Visitors Infrastructure of the SMNP
The SMNP is full of magnificent sceneries and it is richly endowed with biodiversity. The result is that the potential for tourism products, which can contribute to the satisfaction of tourists, economic benefits to the local communities and protection of the natural environment. Formal and informal consultations were employed as mechanisms for identifying new products and evaluating the existing products. These were done through workshops, group discussions and key-informant interviews as stated in the methodology section. A list of the existing as well as the potential (or proposed) tourism products of the SMNP is given below. A. The Existing Products 1. Wildlife and bird watching: The presence of 182 known bird species, six of which are endemic and ten endemic mammals presents a high potential for wildlife and bird watching. 2. Walking/ trekking: The dominant attraction of the park is the natural landscape, to have a special feel of nature and wilderness. Hence, trekking and walking through the landscape are one of the major tourist products of the park. 3. Nature photography and filming: An exceptional value of the SMNP is that it can attract nature photographers and film producers. If this can be promoted well, it will have a greater potential for future. 4. Conducting research on various issues in the SMNP: This product has multiple benefits. One of the benefits is that the park provides an appropriate natural laboratory for exploration, investigation, experimentation and development of knowledge; and the other benefit is that results of the research works can help in solving problems related to conservation of natural resources and management of the park. The latter also has implications for a proper exploitation of the park resources for tourism development. 5. Producing souvenirs: Currently, there are only a few souvenir products, but the potential for diversification is high. 6. Providing transportation service: This refers to the transport services by using vehicles. 7. Lodge service: There are private, community, and public/ government lodges. 8. Renting services: This refers to availability of tents, horses/ mules, cooking equipment, and sleeping bags for renting by the tourists; local people supply these services. 9. Guiding and muleteer services. Guiding and muleteers services need to be improved to satisfy the quest of visitors. 10. There are limited number of sign posts, view points, trekking routes and garbage pits within the park area facilitating the tourist access. B. New Products: 1. Paragliding: is a recreational and competitive flying sport. A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing, whose shape is formed by the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing. Rock climbing- the appropriate site is Ras Dejen; but it requires further study about the nature of rocks, as rock climbing is not advisable where the rocks are fragile. Horse riding: There is huge horse population around SMNP and partly there are plain field suitable for horse riding sport.
2. 3.
28
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN 4. 5. Permanent tent camping site: In areas where there are no lodges introducing permanent tent campsites is an appropriate alternative for exploiting tourism resources of SMNP. Local community cultural center: It will be located outside the park. The service that may be provided in this cultural center will, among others, include production of souvenirs items such as weaving products, hat and carpets from sheep fur, providing shopping services for handcrafts, canning foods and drinks, preparation of coffee ceremony (tourists may participate in the preparation process), display traditional agriculture production tools, traditional household items such as the stones for grinding cereals and the like. For some of the services, tourists will pay entrance fees but for others they can buy the items themselves. Organize cultural entertainment groups: These groups will provide entertainment services such as cultural dance, music, drama etc Site for watching stars and planets: This is possible especially during the dry season, when it is easy to observe different stars and planets such as the Jupiter, Venus and Mars in Ethiopia. This will however require acquiring of telescope/s, for which viewers will be charged a certain amount per unit of time. Swimming in natural streams: The SMNP is endowed with several natural streams. Around Mulit, there is a stream called Derek Wenz, which has an excellent site for swimming. Some trekkers already use this stream for this purpose. It will however require provision of certain facilities such as resting places. Community shopping service centre: Providing eco-tourism products using community shops is the major means of benefiting local communities. Guest house service: It is a new tourist service that can contribute for increasing the duration of tourist stay and create conducive situation for researcher who will stay longer period in the park area. Camping sites: These are important products of the park that need to have such facilities as toilets, seats, garbage disposal sites, solar powered light, radio communication, cooking facilities etc.. View points: There are several viewpoints for appreciating the beautiful landscape and wildlife of the park. Tourist circuits: There are different trekking routes and based on these trekking routes the tourist circuits are identified: Night Club services: After trekking tourists will like to enjoy themselves and thus require entertainment facilities and quality services. Visitor center: For providing all-round services including information, visitor center should be established.
6. 7.
8.
9. 10.
11.
12. 13. 14. 15.
The environmental impact of some new tourism products, like paragliding, should be cautiously monitored and evaluated.
29
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Table 6. Summary of suggested sites for selling of new products/ visitor infrastructure and extension of the existing products/ visitor infrastructure Products/ Existing location Proposed sites for additional or new Remark infrastructure Paragliding products Zenjero Amaga to Dib Bahir Nich Gedele to Segenet Ras Dejen to Sabra Kidus Yared to Gilbena Ras Dejen Mountain Aynameda and Mulit Ayena Meda and Mulit Debark Ayna Meda Aynameda, Limalimo ( Afaf) Ayna Meda, Mulit , and Chennek Limalimo (Afaf) Gich and Sanka ber for privates ( may provide drinks and food services also) Derek River In/around the park Around Dib Bahir Most parts of the park Sankaber and Chennek referee to pages below Ensiya river and Jinbar river Each requires maintenance
Rock climbing local community cultural center Organize cultural entertainment group Night clubs Site for watching stars and planets Horse riding Community shopping centre* Recreational centre Permanent tent Camping site Swimming in natural river Research and study Guest house Nature photography and filming Car parking Trekking routes Bridge Climbing trails
Simien lodge, Adisige Melegebissa, Gich
In the park Most parts of the park Gich to Dirni, Gich to Muchila and Michibign to Adarmaz
From Debark to Mekane Birhane.
Roads Signposts** Resting places/ seats Waste bin First aid services Visitors centre Entrance gate
At Chennek and Sanka Ber Available but not at the right site Sawirie
Debark to Mekane Birhane.through Adebabye Tsion The existing are not attractive and readable, hence require rewriting At least three in each camping site At each camping site Train local guides and provide kit when they are traveling Around the gate (Sawrie), the ticket office should be at the gate. Limalimo
30
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Products/ infrastructure Outposts
Buyit Ras , Sanka ber, Gich, Chennek, Sebat Minich, Adarmaz, Muchila, Dirni, Aynameda Gich, Adisighe Miligebessa Buyit Ras
Existing location
Proposed sites for additional or new products

Limalimo, Sugsug , between Bahir Amba and Zakilita, Between Barna and Shino, Silki , Ambiko, Adisigie (Beyeda),
Remark
Community lodge Private lodge Public lodge Renting tents, sleeping bag, mattress, mule Camping sites
Ayna Meda, Chennek,
Sanka ber
Eco-tourism society, Simien lodge
Sankaber, Chennek, Gich
View points *May sale souvenir products (produced locally and in Gondar/ Bahir Dar), honey, canned foods and bottled drinks. **Signposts it includes direction indicators into attraction sites, tourist facilities and services and informing the regulations and rules of the park 3.1.1 Infrastructures and Facilities The major tourist facilities and infrastructures that can have substantial contribution to the development of tourism in natural and protected areas are camping sites, lodges, view points, trekking routes, road network air transport, bank and hotels. Unfortunately the SMNP is not adequately delivered with such essential facilities and infrastructures. Unless tourism products are diversified with support of infrastructures and facilities and have impact on improving the livelihood of the community, conservation of the scenic resources in SMNP will be at stake. Infrastructures are prerequisites for diversifying tourism products and further initiate other economic activities which will support directly and indirectly the tourism industry. Camping, Recreational and Lodging Facilities:- Camping facilities and lodges found in limited localities of the park area are generally less supplied with services such as water and toilet facilities. Indeed lodge facilities may not be encouraged within the nature protected areas, but mini-eco-lodges supposed to be run by the local communities at selected sites are essential in realizing the benefit of the local communities. At present three community lodges, one government and one private lodge are under operation. Additional 4 ecologes are important in zone of development. Camping sites will be increased from 6 to 23 considering the new park extension areas. Each camping sites need to have cooking, watering and toilet facilities. In view of minimizing the adverse environmental impact as a result of lodge construction, permanent tents found to be feasible at selected park areas where there is relatively high tourist number. In maximizing the economic benefits from increased tourist attraction in the park area, establishment of services like cultural center, visitor center, community souvenir shops, Museum, horse and paragliding facilities is necessary in areas that suit each purpose. Cultural centers are recommended in Ayena Meda and Mulit while horse riding is suitable in Ayena 31
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN and Limalimo fields. Ayena Meda is also identified as a suitable site for museum center. Paragliding is suitable at the periphery of Limalimo reserve area locally known as Zingero Amaga and at Ras Degjen, Kidus Yared and and Niche Gedel too. Community shopping center is found to be appropriate at Gich, Sankaber, Miligebsa, Chennek and Mulit sites. The visitor center is to be established at the entrance gate of the park area. Gust house could be appropriate at Dib Bahir to create enabling environment for paragliding and research activities in montane forest areas.
32
Map No. 4
370000 380000 390000
SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP):Camping Sites

400000 410000 420000 430000 440000 450000 460000 470000
22 0 0
24 0 0
2600
2000
1490000
1490000
2800
00 26
Adarkaye
3000
1600
1 80
Mulit 1480000
1 40 0
28 00
0 220
2600
260 0
Mulit
# T $
20 16 0 0 00
2600
28 00
24 00
2400
Wemberge Silki
22 0 0
00 28
2400
0
00 26
00 18
2400
2000 2200 2200 2400
2200
2 40
2000 2400
2800
00 20
20
3000
260
Walka
2000
34 00
240 0 260 0
Zari ma
2000
Lamu
T $
3000
3400
Keby a
Weldedur
38 0 0
1600 1800
2400
0 360
28 00
3000
24 0 0
2 60 0
0 0 2000 22
1480000
0 00 220
00 26
2400
2600
2400
26 00
2 40
1800
2000
00 22
Agidam iy a
Antola # D ir ni
T $
3000
Sona
T $
3800
1800
0 300
00 14
1400
00 28
1600
1470000
14 00
160 0
1400
0 1 60
N ariya
Abeka
Aykotiba #$ T 240
0
Dirini
T# $
4000
D egeriwa
Tiya
3600
Berje
0 160
1800
Tiruwat a
Ami w al ka
L ori
Di h il
2400 2200
1600
0 00 3
2000
Azamri
Tiguna
Muchila T $
#
D ih wara
0 1 60
1800
China # Flas ha T $
#
Angwa
Gich
#
T $
Debiric hwa
Mentaber #
Chenneke #
T $
Amdi r 3400 # Mikana
T $
Metelale T $
1470000
2000
1800
3200
3000
2600 2800
At g eba
16 0 0
D i b Ba hi r
Kernejan #
T $
Sera
Adarmaze
# #
Michibiny
Sankaber
Ayena meda
T $
Argin
24 00
2000
T $
#
T $
360
Ambaras
3 40
00 32
C hiro Leba
3200 #
Ambiko
#
T $
Maje
3000 2800
Ras Dejen
1600
1600
00 16
Mizri na
Zelange
3600
1800
Zelwa Mender selam
18 00
Abergina Mec h eka
0 320
00 30
1460000
2000 1800
00 30
Aytet er
Adisge
3400
3000
3000
00 34
Meresha
BuyitRas
Shanha
L i malim o Work Am ba
Islam Debir
Tikur wuha
24 00
Adis ge
Tengelila
00 36
Seketat e
matba
Feleg
L oba
1460000
00 00 3 8 36
Kosso Mender
Ambi rko
Milli gebs a
Shiwa C hir Debir
00 30
Barna Barna
# $ T
32 00
Timi lk
Sebate meneche
T $
Kili l
Adi_ lemelem
T $
2600
34
Adibado
00
Kara Abare
D ebark
Barangeb
300 0
240 2 0 200 260 0
Weromado
D i ldiy
2800
Fer es Seber
Sak ba
Sawre
3600
28 00
D i ldy
Adebabay #
T $
Kontel a
1450000
2 26 80 0 00
Felash a mender
D erena Denkolako
Beles T $
Beles
3200
Mewa
Ato re
2400
Amedge
3400
280 0 24 2 20 00 30 2000 260 00 0 0
28 00
3200
2200
32 00
1450000
Di l y ebiza
3000
00 32
2800
00 28
2800
1800
26 00
2400
00 20
1440000
Meka ne Sel a m
1440000
#
00 26
LEGEND
1430000
River. Trekking_routes 370000 Main Road 380000 T $ Campsites
Tourism Development Zone Eco_Tourism Zone Strictly Protected Zone Wildlife Corridor 390000 400000 Zone of Development
410000
420000
Scale
1:300000 430000
1430000 440000 450000 460000 470000
33
Map NO. 4
360000 370000
SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP) Gust house, Recreational Center and lodge Sites
380000 390000 400000 410000 420000 430000 440000 450000 460000
1500000
15
1490000
00 22
24 0 0
14
20 00
2600
00 26
2800
Adarkay e
3000
1480000
1600
180
28 00
0 2 20
2600
260 0
Mulit
20 16 0 0 00
2600
28 00
24 00
2400
Wemberge Silki
22 0 0
00 28
2400
26 00
2400
00 26
00 18
2000 2200 2200 2400
2200
240
2800
2000 2400
00 20
0 0 2000 22
14
0 00 0 20 22
3000
1 40
2000
240 0 260 0
Zar i ma
3000
3400
Keby a
Weldedur
38 0 0
1600 1800
2400
0 360
34 00
28 00
3000
24 0 0
260
2600
00 26
Walka
2400
2400
00 26
240
1800
2000
2000
1800
00 22
0 00 3
3000
14 00
Agidamiy a
#
D egeriwa
3800
1400
00 28
1600
1470000
0 160
14 00
160 0
D ir ni
#
Tiya
4000
0 Abeka # 1 60
N ariya
# #
14
2400 2200
2000
2400
3600
Berje
1600
0 300
1800
Tiruwat a
Ami wal ka
L ori
D ih il
Sabra
Azamri Tiguna
\ &
3200
2000
1800
3000
1400
#
Angwa
Flas ha
Gich
#
D ih wara
D ebirichwa
0 1 60
1800
\ &
#
Mikana
2600 2800
Chennek
# \ &
Argin
Amdi r 3400 #
At g eba
16 0 0
Di b B a hi r
# x z
#
Sera
Sankaber
#
C hiro Leba
3200 #
Ambiko
Maje
\ &
3000 2800
R as Dejen
\ &
360
Ambaras
3 40
00 32
#
Mizri na
1600
240 0
1600
Zelange
3600
1800
2000
1460000
18 00
2000 1800
# Buyteras
BuyitRas
L i malimo
T $
Work Amba
\ & Michibiny # \ & Miligebesa Islam Debir #

Adisge
Abergina Mec h eka
0 320
3000
3000
00 30
Shanha
00 30
Mender selam
Zelwa
Ay tet er
Adisge
3400
14
300 0
240 220 0 0 260 0
Fer es Seber
Sak ba
Sawre
#
00 28
2 26 800 00
3600
2800
D i ldy
Kontel a
3200
00 16
34
Meresha
00
# 24 00
Tikur wuha
Tengelila
00 36
Seketat e
matba
Feleg
L oba
00 00 3 8 36
Kosso Mender
Ambi r ko
Milli gebsa
Shiwa C hir Debir
Sebate minch
Timi lk
Adi_ lemelem
00 30
Barna Barangeb Weromado
3200
\ &
Kili l
\ &
2600
34
Adibado
00
Abare
Kara
D ebark
Di ldiy
2800
Mewa
At o re
2400
1450000
Felash a mender
Derena Denkolako
14
32 00
Di l yebiza
3200
2200
Amedge
3400
Beles
280 0 24 220 00 30 260 00 0 2000 0
3000
00 32
2800
00 28
2800
1800
2600
00 20
1440000
Meka ne Sel a m
14
2400
LEGEND
\ & z x
1430000
T $
River Lodge.shp Gust_Houses Recreational Center Trekking Routes Main Road
Tourism Development Zone Eco_Tourism Zone Strictly Protected Zone Wildlife Corridor Zone of Development
Scale 1:300000
14
00 26
34
Map NO.5
370000
SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP):Rock Climbing, Horse Riding, Shopping Center and Paraglinding Sites
380000 390000 400000 410000 420000 430000 440000 450000 460000 470000
00 22
24 0 0
2600
00 26
20
00
1490000
#
Adarkaye
1490000
26 00
3000
2800
24 00
Mulit
1600
1 80
;
Mulit
20 00 16 00
28 00
0 220
260 0
260 0
28 00
2400
Wemberge Silki
22 0 0
00 28
2400
260 0
00 26
00 18
2400
2000 2200
2200 2400
2200 2400
2800
2000 2400
00 20
20
0 00 220
3000
34 00
240 0 260 0
3000
Zari ma
3400
Keby a
Weldedur
Gilbena
2000
38 0 0
160 0 1800
2400
0 360
28 00
1480000
1 40
2000
0
300 0
24
00
2 60
Walka
00 22
2000
00 26
2400
2600
1480000
2400
26 00
240
1800
3000
Agidam iya
2000 800 1
00 22
0 300
00 14
3800
1400
00 28
Di r ni
1600
#
1
Abek a 60 0 #
40 00
3600
2400 2200
D egeriwa Tiya
# #
240 0
0 1 60
Nariy a
1800
Tiruw at a
Ami wal ka
L ori
Di h il
Berje
Az amri
Kidus yared Sabra #

Tiguna
1600
0 300
2000
2000
1400
1470000
1 60
1800
16 0 0
#
Angwa
Flasha
Gich #
160 0
D ih wara
Debiric hwa
Chenneke #
Deb Bahir #
D i b Ba hi r
#
Sera
Ayena meda
#
34 00 #
At g eba C hiro Leba
Amdi r Mikana
# #
Above Nich Gedele 0 Sebe yebalw

Maje
3200
3000
2600 280
1 800
00 14
1600
1470000
3000 2800
240 0
2000
; c
Argin
3200 #
360
340
0 20 3
#
Mizr i na
Ras Dejen #
Zelwa
Ambaras
18 00
2000 180 0
Zinjero#amaga
L i malim o
Buy itRas
1460000
00 30
Miligebesa ;
300 0
240 2 0 200 260 0
Fer es Seber
Sakba
#
00 28
2 26 800 00
3600
2800
Sawre
D i ldy
Kontel a
Felas h a mender
D erena Denk olako
Amedge
3400
Beles
32 00
D i l yebiza
280 0 2 220 40 30 2000 0 0 260 00 0
3200
1600
Zelange
3600
1800
Abergina Mech ek a
0 320
00 30
# Simen lodge
Adisge
Michibiny
00 30
Mender selam
Aytet er
Adis ge
34 00
00 16
3000
3000
00 34
Meresha
Shanha
Islam Debir
Work Am ba
24 # 00
Tikur wuha
Tengelila
00 36
Sek etat e
matba
Feleg
L oba
00 00 38 36
Kosso Mender
Ambi r ko
Milli gebsa
Shiwa C hir Debir
Kili l Timi lk
1460000
2600
00 34
Barna
3200
Adibado
Kara Abare
D ebark
Barangeb Weromado
D i ldiy
2800
Mewa
At o re
2400
3200
2200
1450000
1450000
3000
00 32
2800
2800
00 28
1800
2600
2400
00 20
1440000
Meka ne Sel a m
1440000
00 26
LEGEND
Rock_Climbing Paragliding. Shopping Center Horse 370000 Riding field River. Trekking_Routes Main Road
; c
380000
390000
Tourism Development Zone Eco_Tourism Zone Strictly Protected Zone 400000 410000 Wildlife Corridor Zone of Development
N
420000
Scale 430000
440000
1:300000
450000
460000
470000
35
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Outposts: - Outposts are important to assure the safety of international tourists traveling to the park area and to control human and livestock encroachment into the nature areas. The existing and the proposed outposts all together make up 18 in number. They are almost evenly distributed across the park area. Infrastructures required outside the park area: - Tourism development in SMNP is also strongly linked with infrastructures and facilities outside the park area. Providing banking and air transport services, and upgrading the existing hotels, telecommunication facilities and gravel road from Gondar to Debark are important measures to sustain tourism development in SMNP. In this regard, relevant organizations have been consulted for their coming five year plans. The Regional Rural Road Authority has no any plan either to realign the current Debark to Janamora/ Beyeda roads or upgrade community roads along Adarkaye and Debark sides. However, the Federal road authority planned to upgrade the current all weather gravel road from Gondar to Axum to Asphalt road which would help on improvement of other tourist infrastructures and services around the SMNP and ultimately increase tourist number and revenue from SMNP. Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation has launched a massive expansion of telecommunication services all over the country. At present Beyeda and Janamora woredas are connected with broad band VSat and far away VSat through woreda net capacity building program. Specifically the telecom corporation is executing two projects around SMNP. These are Gondar-Debat-Debark and Debark-Adarkaye-Mytsemerie projects. These projects are aimed at providing mobile service and other wireless communications services that can support broad band facilities. The wireless telephone service used to support the broad band facility is part of the national project recently commissioned by a Chinese company. The project is supposed to be implemented over a period of two years through out the country. The objective is to introduce a new technology that would provide fast access to internet and other services relatively on fairy prices. Besides to these specific projects, the Federal Government has a five year plan to reach every kebele administration in the country with far away VSat facilities which will benefit many spot areas including the SMNP. In general, the telecommunication facilities and services in the SMNP will be improved very soon and this in turn provides an opportunity to promote the park resources for those interested in nature tourism and facilitates information exchange. The other basic service that should be available in the SMNP is electrical power supply. Similarly, the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EPCO) has ambitious plan which intend to increase the current 22% power supply coverage to 50% after two years (2010). The full coverage will be achieved in 2023. However, no specific information was obtained for areas around SMNP. Anyway, special emphasis has to be given to such important tourist destination areas. Particularly solar powered energy sources need to be widely used in SMNP areas in order to minimize the impact of tourism development on natural vegetation. As the tourism industry grows there will be opportunities for further tourism infrastructure and allied commercial developments like better standard plan accommodations including hotels and guest houses which at present are either very limited or don't exist at all. The current development of hotels at Debark town and elsewhere at surrounding areas of SMNP should be tailored to the tourist industry Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Bahir Dar District office has carried out three feasibility studies at different time to open up bank services at Debark town. According to their studies, it was found to be feasible to provide the service at this particular site and there is strong demand from the community side as well. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia will start to
36
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN provide the service as soon as decision is taken on the feasibility study proposal submitted to the Federal Government. The coming five years plan to improve the basic infrastructures like telecommunication, road, power supply etc. in nationwide would enable to easily networking the main tourist destination areas including the SMNP.
37
Map NO. 6
360000 380000
SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Outpost Sites

400000 420000 440000 460000
000
15000
00 22
24 0 0
2600
00 26
2800
20 00
Adarkaye
3000
1600
180
28 00
220
260 0
260 0
Mulit
20 00 16 00
26
00
28 00
24 00
2400
Wemberge Silki
22 0 0
00 28
2400
260 0
00 26
00 18
2400
2000 2200
2200 2400
2200
240
2000 2400
2800
00 20
20
0 00 220
3000
34 00
240 0 260 0
Zari ma
3000
3400
Keby a
Weldedur
38 0 0
160 0 1800
2400
0 360
28 00
000
1 40
2000
0
300 0
24 0 0
2 60
Walka
00 22
2000
00 26
2400
14800
2400
2 40 0
2600
26 00
1800
2000
2000
00 22
3000
Agidam iya
Wakelo wenze ras

V &
00 28
Degeriwa
800 1
0 300
00 14
3800
1400
Di rni
1600
#
160
Nariy a a 0Abek #
# #
240 0
V & Dirini Tiya

#
0 300
Tiruwat a Ami wal ka
40 00
3600
Berje
1 60
1800
160 0
Muchila V &
#
Lori
Di hi l
Az amri
Tiguna
Di hwara
#
Angwa
Flasha
1 60
1800
Gich # V & Ayena V & meda

Argin
Debiric hwa
1400
Chennke # V &
At geba
34 00 #
Amdi r Mikana
# #
Mosbite # V & Islamoch washa V &
2400 2200
1600
2000
2000
1 800
3200
3000
14 00
2600 2800
16 0 0
Di b B a hi r
#
Sera
2000
2 40
Adarmaze #V &
#
Abergina Michibiny Mechek a
360
Ambaras
340
00 32
Chiro Leba
3200 #
Maje
Tende wachie
V &
Ras Dejen
#
Mizri na
18 00
0 320
00 30
2000 180 0
000
00 30
Limalimo V &
#
Kosso Mender
Buy itRas
00 30
Mender selam
Aytet er
3000
3000
Meresha
Shanha
Islam Debir
Wochenaw ketna 36 V & # 00 Tekera V &washa# 34 00 # Gobatit V &

Zelange Zelwa Adis ge
3000 2800
1600
300 0
240 2 0 200 260 0
Feres Seber
Sakba
Sawre
#
00 28
3600
2800
Di ldy
Kontel a
2 26 800 00
Felas ha mender
Derena Denk olako
Amedge
3400
Beles
32 00
280 0 2 220 40 30 0 0 260 00 2000 0
Di l yebiza
2600
2400
3200
1600
00 16
1800
34
00
Work Am ba
24 # 00
Tikur wuha
Tengelila
00 36
Sek etat e
matba
Feleg
Loba
14600
34 00
Kara
00 00 38 36
Ambi rk o
Milli gebsa
Adisge
Shiwa Chir Debir
Sbate meneche
Timi lk
Barna Barangeb
3200
V &
Kili l
Debark
Weromado
Di ldiy
2600
2800
At ore
Adibado
Abare
Mewa
# Temdesh V & V & Debedeb
2400
3200
2200
3000
00 32
2800
00 28
2800
1800
00 20
000
Mekane Sel am
14400
#
LEGEND
V &
Out post Sites Main Road
380000 400000
00 26
Scale
420000
1:300000
360000
440000
460000
38
Map NO. 7
370000 1500000 380000
SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Permanent Tent sites, Cultural Center, Visitor Center and Parkinglot Site
390000 400000 410000 420000 430000 440000 450000 460000 470000 1500000
22 00
24 0 0
2600
20 00
00 26
1490000
#
Adarkay e
1490000
24 00
260 0
3000
2800
Mulit
1600
1 80
# ; Mulit
20 00 16 00
26
28 00
2 20
00 28
2600
00
2800
2400
Wemberge Silki
2400
22 0 0
2400
00 26
00 18
2000 22 00 2200 2400
2200 2400
2000 2400
2800
00 20
20
260 0
3000
2000
1480000
1 40
2 60
Walka
00 22
2000
0 00 220
34 00
240 0 260 0
Zari ma
3000
3400
Keby a
Weldedur
38 0 0
160 0 1800
2400
0 360
28 00
00 26
300 0
2400
24 0 0
1480000
24 00
2600
00 26
2 40
1800
2000
2000
00 22
3000
#
Degeriwa
Agidam iya
3800
4000
3600
2400 2200
800 1
0 300
14 00
Di rni
1400
00 28
1600
#
160
Nariya
Abeka
# #
Tiya
240 0
1600
0 300
160
1800
1470000
160 0
1400
Tiruwat a
Ami wal ka
Lori
Di hi l
Berje
2000
1800
2000
Azamri
Tiguna
#
Angwa
Flasha
1
1800
600
Gich #% [
360 0
Di hwara
Debirichwa
#
Amdi r Mikana
3200
3000
2600 2800
1470000
00 14
Chenneke # T $
At geba Argin Chiro Leba
34 00 #
16
1600
00
Di b B ahi r
#
Sera
240 0
2000
# #
Sankaber T $ [ %
Abergina Mecheka
# ; Ayena meda
340 0
Ambaras
# 3200 #
Miz ri na
Maje
3000 2800
Ras Dejen
1600
Zelange
36 00
1800
18 00
2000 180 0
0 320
Michibiny BuyitRas
3000
3000
1460000
Li malim o Work Am ba
Shanha
00 30
00 30
00 32
Zelwa Mender selam
Ay tet er
Adisge
3400
300 0
240 2 0 200 260 0
Feres Seber
Sakba
Sawre
#
28 00
3600
2800
Di ldy
Kontel a
2 26 80 0 00
Felasha mender
Derena Denk olako
3200
00 16
00 34
Meresha
Islam Debir
24 # 00
Tik ur wuha
Tengelila
0 60 3
Sek etat e
matba
Feleg
Loba
1460000
00 00 38 36
2600
Kosso Mender
Ambi rko
Milli gebsa
Adisge
00 30
Debark
Entrance Gate #
Shiwa Chir Debir
Kili l
00 34
Barna Barangeb
3200
Timi lk
Adibado
Weromado
Di ldiy
Abare
Kara
2800
Mewa
At ore
2400
3200
2200
3400
1450000
Beles
Amedge
32 00
Di l y ebiza
1450000
#
280 0 2 2 20 40 30 0 0 260 00 2000 0

00 28
3000
00 32
2800
2800
1800
26 00
2400
00 20
1440000
Mekane Sel am
1440000
#
LEGEND
T $ # [ %
00 26
1430000
Parkinglot Visitor Center Permanent Tent Sites Cultural Center River. Trekking_Routes Main Road
370000 380000
Tourism Development Zone Eco_Tourism Zone Strictly Protected Zone Wildlife Corridor Zone of400000 Development 390000 410000
Scale 1:300000
420000 430000 440000 450000 460000
1430000
S
470000
39
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Trekking Routes and View Points: - Trekking routes have major role in easing tourist access to the park area. Mainly they lead to observation points where tourists can have an overview to the different landscapes, the flora and fauna. Trekking routes in SMNP are aligned with tourist facilities like camping sites and lodges. Trekking routes where there was no facility at all will have either camping sites or temporary tourist resting facilities. The alignment and density of trekking route is determined in such a way that they will have minimal effect on the environment. Thus all trekking routes are designed outside the strictly protected zone in which the landscape is very susceptible as well as main habitat for wildlife species. Trekking routes on the low land areas and around Ras Dejen still follow steep slopes that are difficult to derive pack animals. Most of the trekking routes are found on the highland areas. With the exception of short distance trekking routes that may only require 1 hrs walking nine major trekking routes are identified in both high land and low land areas. Some of the trekking routes may take up to 12 days. The high land trekking routes:1. Debark----Limalimo-----------Debark (day trip) 2. Debark----Sankaber------------Debark (1 day) 3. Debark----Sankaber-Through the escarpment to the water fall------Sankaber-----Debark (3 days) 4. Debark--- Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imet gogo---Chennek-Ambiko (Ras Dejen)----Mitlal-----Sona-----lamuMulitAdiarkay-------then (approximately 10 days) 5. Debark---Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imet gogo -Chennek---Ambiko (Ras Dejen)---SonaTiruwata---Antola--Aykotiba---Naria-Adarmaz---Sugsug---Dib Bahir--then back to Debark ( approximately 15 days) 6. Debark--- Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imet gogo ---Chennek (Bwahit--Tsion ---Beles---then back to Debark (approximately 8 days) 7. Debark-----Sankaber -----Gich campsite ----- Imetgogo----- Gich ---- Snakaber ------Debark (4-5 days) 8. 9. Debark-----Sankaber ------Chennek ------- Bwahit-------Chennek ---- -Sanakaber ----Debark (6 days) Debark-------Sankaber -------Chennek-------Ambiko/Mizma-----RasDejen Ambiko/Mizma -------Chennek -------- Sankaber --------Debark (7-8days) 10. Debark------Sankaber------Gich------Imetgogo--------Gich---------Chennek------Ambiko/Mizma---------Ras Dejen--------Ambiko/Mizma--------Chennek-------Sankaber ------- Debark (8 days) 11. Debark---------Sankaber ---------Chennek -------Ambiko/Mizma -------Ras Dejen -------Ambiko/Mizma -------- Arkwazye-------- Lamo ------ Mulit-------- Adarkaye (9-10 days) back to Debark
40
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN The low land trekking routes:9 Debark-------Dib Bahir------Kerengan-------Angua-------Muchila----Antola------Dirni---Duhara--- Arkuazye-----Chennek------Sankaber-----Debark (11-12 days)
View Points: - Identifying and setting view points in order to facilitate the tourist access to the park area and enhance satisfaction level in enjoying the beautiful landscape and other environmental features with minimal effect on environment is the most fundamental issue. In fact a considerable number of spectacular view points have already been identified but with further assessment of additional tourist potential sites in the park and the extension area the current view points are increased to 24 sites. The view points are connected to the main road with trekking routes. Spatial distribution of the view points and the trekking route networks are well mapped so as to improve the decision of tourists in traveling to the different nature areas of the park.
41
Map NO.8
370000 380000
SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): View Points

390000 400000 410000 420000 430000 440000 450000 460000 470000 1500000
1500000
00 22
24 0 0
2000
2600
00 26
1490000
1490000
24 00
3000
2800
1600
180
20 00 16 00
28 00
0 220
2600
260 0
2600 2800
2400
22 0 0
00 28
2400
00 26
00 18
2400
2000 2200 2200 2400
2200 2 400
2800
2000 2400
00 20
20
00 00 22
260
3000
260
0 0 2000 22
00 26
34 00
240 0 260 0
3000
3400
38 0 0
1600 1800
2400
0 360
28 00
1480000
2000
1 40
0
3000
24 0 0
1480000
2400
2400
2600
26 00
240
1800
2000
2000
00 22
0 00 3
3000
00 28
3800
4000
1800
14 00
1400
1600
0 1 60
2400
3600
0 300
1600
2400 2200
1800
1400
160 0
1470000
0 160
1800
0 160
2000
2000
Saha Imet Y gogo # Y mefelkiawe # Kedadit Y #
1800
3200
Y #
3000
2600
2800
1470000
00 14
Gider gote
Y #
Intaye
Y #
Chenneke(1,2,3) Y # Ymetaya # Bwahit Korbte Y #
3400
Y #
3200
16 0 0
240
Jinbara Niguse ayesmu Chinquanit Y # Ayemtrie YGich # Y # Y megentaya # Kuchila Y metaya waterfall Y# # Tirfe
3000 2800
1600
3 60
0 320
340
Ras Dejen
Y #
2000
1600
3600
1800
18 00
1460000
2000 1800
Y #
Mechebegne Y ras # Tiya Y #

3000
24 00
3000
00 30
00 30
00 32
34
3400
00
300 0
240 2 0 200 260 0
Y #
3600
28 00
00 28
3400
1450000
2 26 800 00
3200
280 0 2 220 40 30 0 0 260 00 2000 0
00 16
Limalimo Y # Zinjero amaga
Y #
00 36
1460000
00 00 3 8 36
2600
34 00
00 30
3200
2800
2400
Temdesh
3200
2200
32 00
1450000
3000
00 32
2800
00 28
2800
1800
2600
2400
00 20
1440000
1440000
LEGEND
Y #
1430000
Viewponts River Trekking_Routes Main Road

370000 380000
390000 400000 410000
00 26
Scale 1:300000
420000 430000 440000 450000 460000 470000
1430000
42
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Main Tourist Attractions: - The SMNP is well known in resources diversity. The spatial distribution of these resources is important for visitors' experience. Thus tourists have to go to different areas to observe different wildlife species and nature areas. The trekking routes are mainly to access the different nature areas. Some of the major nature areas or environmental features and wildlife species that can be observed along the trekking routes are summarized as follow. 1. Buyit Ras ------Jinbar water fall Gelada baboon Klipspringer Ericaceous forest Leopard Bush buck Water fall Afro-montane forest 2. Gich---Imetgogo---Ayena Meda----Chennek Guassa Festuca sp Lammaergeyer Giant lobelia Gelada baboon Ethiopian Wolf Plateau landscape Mountain escarpments Spot heights (Inatye, Imetgogo, Saha) Walia ibex , Klipspringer and Erica forest inside the cliff 3. Chennek-----Sebate Minch High population of Walia ibex Guassa and Giant lobelia Helicrysum spp Gelada baboon Ethiopian Wolf The plateau landscape Spot height (Bwahit) 4. Chennek --------Ras Dejen Gussa Helicrysum spp. Gelada baboon Walia ibex The plateau landscape The highest peak (Ras Dejen) 5. Ras Dejen----Mulit Saint place Kidus yared church Unique geological features like rock pillars cave 6. Arkwazye------ Sona----Adarmaze Unique geological features (rock pillars) Ericaceous forest on the side of the cliff
43
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Gelada baboon Walia ibex on the side of the cliff Grave yard forest Afro-montane forest 7. Adarmaze ---Dib Bahir---------Limalimo Afro-montane forest o Hygenia abyssinica o Juniperous procera o Ficus spp Leopard Menlik Bush Buck Paragliding site Tourist Circuits:-. Tourist circuits are main routes that enable the tourists to visit different parts of the park area. In accessing a wide range of natural resources and landscape in SMNP, tourists need to follow different routes. Mapping the tourist circuit is important to offer tourists with choices to visit the nature areas of their interests and perhaps assist in control and spread the flock of tourists within the park. Map of the tourist circuit with the above full information should be available for tourists. In general, in enhancing the quality of tourist experiences and level of satisfaction, three tourist circuits have been identified each constituting unique scenic resources. The first circuit is a long route that starts from Debark passing to Ras Dejen through Chennek and then to Adiarkay through Mulit and back to Debark through Limalimo. Along this route tourists will have an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate almost all kinds of scenic resources like spot heights, plateau landscape, rockpillars, afro-alpine habitats, Wila ibex, Gelada baboon, Ethiopian Wolf and water fall. The second tourist circuit has the same starting point and destination but follow nearly the boundary of the park after turning from Ras Dejen passing through Sona-Antola-AdarmazeSugsug route to Dib Bahir then back to Debark through Limalimo. This route may take up to 15 days. In addition to the features seen in circuit one tourist may enjoy plenty of grave yard and afro-montane forests. The third circuit starts from Debark and follow Sankaber-GichChennek route and then turns to Sebat Minch through Bwahit and return back to Debark through Adebabay Tsion and Beles. Tourists will have the chance to enjoy the plateau landscape, the afro-alpine habitat, Gelad baboon, Walia ibex and Ethiopian Wolf and Saint Places. The tourist circuits are outlined as below 1. Debark--- Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imetgogo ---Chennek-Ambiko (Ras Dejen) ---Mitlal-----Sona-----lamuMulitAdiarkay ------then back to Debark
(approximately 10 days) 2. Debark---Sankaber---Gich-----Kedadit-------Saha------Imetgogo-------Chennek---Ambiko (RasDejen)---SonaTiruwata---Antola--Aykotiba---Naria-Adarmaz---Sugsug---Dib Bahir--- then back to Debark (approximately 15 days) 3. Debark--- Sankaber---Gich---- Kedadit--- Saha --Imetgogo ---Chennek (Bwahit--Tsion ---Beles---.then back to Debark (approximately 8 days)
44
Map No. 9
3600 00 3800 00 1500 000
SIMEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Tourist Cirucuit

4000 00 4200 00 4400 00 4600 00
00 22
24
00
20
00
3000
2600
00 26
2800
1600
2 20
00 28
180
20 00 16 00
28 00
2600
260 0
26 00
2800
24 00
2400
22 0 0
2400
0
00 26
00 18
2400
2000 2200 2200
0 2200 2 40
2800
2400
2000 2400
00 20
0 00 0 20 22
3000
2000
40 0
34 00
3000
3400
Circuit_1
1480 000
240 0 260 0
38 0 0
160 0 1800
2400
0 36 0
28 00
300 0
24 0 0
260 0
2600
260
0 0 2000 22
00 26
2400
24 00
00 26
2 40
1800
2000
200 0
1800
00 22
0 00 3
3000
00 28
00 14
3800
4000
1400
1600
160
240 0
3600
0 00 3
2400
1600
2200
160
2000
1800
2000
1800
00 14
160 0
160
1800
Circuit_2
3400
3200
360
0 320
3200
3000
2600 2800
1400
16 0 0
3000 2800
36 00
1600
3 40
240 0
2000
1600
1800
18 00
2000 1 800
24 00
3000
3000
00 30
00 30
00 32
00 34
3400
00 16
0 60 3
00 00 38 36
1460 000
00 30
300 0
Circuit_3
240 2 0 200 260 0
2600
00 34
3200
2800
3600
2800
00 28
?
2400
2 26 80 0 00
3400
32 00
280 0 2 220 40 30 2000 0 0 260 00 0
2600
1440 000
LEGEND
Circuit_1. Circuit_2. Circuit_3 River.

3600 00 3800 00
4000 00 4200 00
3200
3200
2200
3000
00 32
2800
2800
00 28
1800
00 20
2400
00 26
Scale 1:300000
4400 00
4600 00
45
3.2. Possible Revenue Generation Items of the SMNP

Fees for tourism services of parks in Ethiopia are low as compared to other African Countries. Similarly, infrastructure and facility provisions are inadequate and poorly supplied. It is therefore necessary to improve infrastructure and facilities of SMNP and, at the same time, increase fees for the services. There are a range of possibilities through which incomes can be collected by both the government and the local communities from ecotourism activities in the SMNP. These include the following. A. Entrance fee: This type of fee is to be collected by the government. Visitors of the park are expected to pay entrance fee as they come to visit the park. Even though many tourists consider Ethiopia to be among the expensive destinations of Africa, the existing entrance fee (Table 7 below) to the SMNP is very low compared to prices of other African countries. This type of fee is mandatory to all tourists and it will be used for protection and conservation of natural resources of the park. As the existing fee is quite low, it is now time to raise it by 100 per cent for each category of visitors. We have learnt from interviews that there is, however, complaint concerning the need for a discount for students and that the timing should be counted in a day or a single trip in a day (i.e. per day) and not in terms of hours as it is currently the case (i.e. 48 hours). As it is almost a universal practice to have discounted prices to students in tourist sites, it is proposed that the entrance fee for students to be only 50 per cent of that of each category of visitors. Table 7. The Entrance Fee for Visitors (in ETB) Visitors Existing (for 48 hrs) proposed (a day) Adult Child Adult Child Ethiopian resident 3 Ethiopian non-resident Foreign resident 30 Foreign nonresident 50 Note child indicates age class <18 years 2 10 25 6 50 60 100 4 15 20 50
remark
B. Selling of printed materials: At the present, the park office has only two printed materials, postcards and brochures, for sale), which were originally produced for promotional purpose. But there is a great potential to diversify this. Some of these include producing CD ROMs (documentary films), booklets, tourist maps, and high quality and variety of postcards. These items can be useful for promotional purposes as well as for generating income. C. Rental services: Eco-tourists may stay more than one day in the park by engaging in different activities and appreciating the natural environment. They will thus require tents, cooking materials, mules/horses, mattresses, sleeping bags and the like. Currently, the local people supply these materials for tourists. The existing renting price, however, is too low and requires revision. It is suggested that a rise of the existing prices (Table 8) by 100 per cent.
46
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Table 8. Rental Fees for Cooking Materials on Daily Basis Fees for the respective number of visitors (in ETB) Types of Visitors 1-2 persons 3-5 persons 6-10 persons > 10 persons Existing proposed Existing proposed Existing proposed Existing proposed Ethiopian 20 40 30 60 40 80 60 120 Ethiopian 45 65 85 125 nonresident Foreign 25 50 35 70 45 90 65 130 resident Foreign 30 60 40 80 50 100 70 140 nonresident Table 9. Renting Fee for Different Items on Daily Basis Fee(in ETB) Items Existing proposed Tent 25 50 Mattress 10 20 Sleeping bag 10 20 Mule/ horse 20 40 D. Permission fee: The Park Administration can collect income by providing permission for different activities such as research, filming, photographing, advertisement and the like. There is a good potential for such activities given the fact that the SMNP is characterized by an amazing landscape and mix of biodiversity. There should be an agreement between park administration and researchers to provide the research documents and maps both in soft and hard copies. During filming and research there is a need of one expert from Park Office to watch and follow the day to day activities and to support the film makers and researchers. The research fee will not be applicable to national researchers unless the research is jointly done with foreign institutions. Moreover in encouraging the long-term research activities in the park area, setting the upper limit for research duration may not be sound. Table 10 . Permission Fee
Title Residence Existing Filming for commercial purpose Foreign Ethiopian Research Photograph for commercial purpose Foreign Foreign $ 3000 for maximum of 21 days $ 500 Fee Proposed* $ 6000 10000 ETB $ 2000 $ 1000 >1 month** only for commercial use Remark
47
Title
Residence Existing Foreign -
Fee Proposed* $ 100
Remark
for small camera including mobile camera designed for filming
Ethiopian
1000 ETB
* The existing fees are fixed at national level and there is a possibility for the federal office to improve the tariff. ** If the research duration is less than a month it shouldn't be charged. E. Providing different services: The local people currently serve tourists as guides, Community scouts, cooks and muleteers. The charges for these services are rather low (Table x) and require revision. Hence, it is proposed that doubling of the existing charges, as shown in Table 11 below. Table 11. Service Fee for a Day in ETB Types of services Fee Existing proposed Guide 75 150 Community scout 30 60 Cooking 50 100 Muleteer 20 40 F. Camping site use and accommodation fee: Presently, the government collects camping site and accommodation fee. There is also a community lodge.. The fees for both types of services are quite low, and hence a 100 per cent increase is suggested (Table 12). Table 12. Camping Site Use and Accommodation Fee for a Day in ETB Types services Visitors Adult Child (<18 years) Existing proposed Existing 2 4 1 5 10 20 15 35 40 20 40 30 35 70 80 5 10 15 35 40 proposed 2 3 10 20 30 35 70 80
Camp site use
Lodge service (per bed )
Ethiopian Ethiopian non resident Foreign resident Foreign nonresident Ethiopian Ethiopian non resident Foreign resident Foreign nonresident
48
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Types services Visitors Adult Child (<18 years) proposed 30 35 70 80
Community lodge
Ethiopian Ethiopian non resident Foreign resident Foreign nonresident
Existing proposed Existing 30 40 35 70 80 -
G. Vehicle tariff: The existing practice is that tour operators provide transport service for tourists within the park area and they are the one charged for entrance fee (Table 7). It is obvious that using cars within the park disturbs the wildlife and can damage the natural environment. In addition to this, local community may lose the opportunity of renting mules/ horses and serving as muleteers. In order to minimize these apparently undesirable effects, the existing tariff for using cars within the park can be raised so that the high fee becomes a disincentive and encourages tourists to opt for other eco-friendly modes of transport (mules/horses). The suggestion is to raise the existing tariff by 150 percent (Table 13). Table 13. Vehicle Tariff for a Day Number of seats Fees (in ETB) Existing Less than 5 10 Between 6 and 12 15 Above 12 20 proposed 25 37.5 50
Remark
H. Parking fee:-There is no currently set parking fee. Therefore it is suggested that for vehicles having <12 seats and >12 seats 10 ETB and 15 ETB per day per vehicle respectively. I. Concession fee:-When private sectors are involved for providing tourist service such as accommodation (lodge, permanent camp site, and guest house), tour guide, souvenir shop, etc will have concession agreement with the government to pay some amount of fee. Concession system is a new experience for the SMNP and it would be necessary to suggest 5% of the service cost per tourist to be paid for the local community. J. Paragliding fee: - It is new tourist product for the SMNP. Table 14 Paragliding Service Fee per flight(in ETB) Visitors Fee remark Ethiopian resident 100 Ethiopian non-resident 150 Foreign resident 250 Foreign nonresident 400 NB: The equipment for paragliding will be made ready by the park administration Fees for each service are raised in recognition of
49
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN The current low level of total revenue from park resources which could be partly due to the current low level of fee. Low economic benefit to the local communities The need to motivate sense of ownership among the local communities in management of the park resources, Minimizing the adverse environmental impacts. Devaluated local currency. When all tariffs proposed by the document for SMNP are considered in comparison with African neighbor countries, they are totally lower prices. The comparison is given below in Table 15
50
Table 15. Comparison of the Existing Tariffs of SMNP with Kenyan and Tanzanian National Parks (Fees in US$) by Visitor Category Visitor Category Country Protected Areas Type of Fees Adult Child Student Kenya National parks Entrance Citizen 2.97 1.49 0 .74 14.88 7.44 1.49 Residence 40 20 10 Non-residence 1.21 0.40 Tanzania National parks(Serengeti) Entrance Tanzanian 50 10 Non-Tanzanian Ethiopian resident 0.33 0.22 Ethiopia Entrance SMNP Foreign resident 3.32 1.11 Foreign nonresident 5.53 2.77 Camping fee Kenya Citizen 2.23 0.74 0 .74 Residences 4.46 1.49 1.49 Non residences 10 5 5
Tanzania
Tanzanian Non-Tanzanian
Ethiopia
0.81 30
0.4 5
SMNP
Ethiopian Ethiopian non -resident Foreign resident Foreign nonresident
0.22 1.11 2.21 US$
0.11 0.55 1.11 (%) Adult

800 348 623
Difference in US$
1.27 6.33 17.23
Comparison Type of fees Kenyan National Parks-SMNP Entrance
(%) Child
577 570 622
Citizen Residence Non-residence
2.64 11.56 34.47
51
Tanzania(Serengeti) -SMNP)
Entrance
Kenyan National Parks-SMNP Camping fee
Tanzania(Serengeti) -SMNP)
Citizen Residence Non-residence Citizen Residence Non-residence Citizen Residence Non-residence
0.88 44.47
2.01 3.35 7.79
267 804
0.18 7.23
82 261
573 171 350 264 350
0.59 27.79
914 302 352 268 1257
0.63 0.94 3.89 268 1257
Kenya
Vehicle charges per day3 in protected areas Seats Less than 6 seats 6-12 seats 13-24 seats 25-44 seats 45 seats and above
4.46 11.9 23.32 44.64

74.4
Ethiopia
Vehicle Tariff per day
Difference in US$ % Kenya -Ethiopia 3.35 302 Less than 5 10.24 617 Between 6 and 12 For the sake of comparison all fees are converted into US$ .Comparisons are made in reference to SMNP
Comparison
Seats Less than 5 Between 6 and 12 Above 12 Seats
1.11 1.66 2.21
52
3.3. Revenue Collection from Tourism in the SMNP

Table 16 below shows details of incomes collected from tourism in the SMNP between 1992 and 1998 E.C. The highest sum of money was obtained in 1997 and the lowest was in 1992. The largest annual increase was observed between 1996 and 1997. The community revenue accounted for 50.1% of the total revenue on average; it ranged from accounting about 44 percent to about 56 percent of the total revenue over the period under consideration. Figure 3 shows trends of the revenue collected. As it is clearly observable, there has been a significant increase in the total revenue over the period 1992-1998 E.C. The share of the revenue by the local communities has also shown a considerable rise. However, a downward change was observed in 1998 compared to the 1997 level. Table 16. Revenue Collected from Tourism in the SMNP during 1992-1998 E.C. in ETB Years (E.C) Revenue generated Local community 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 196172 230000 241031 355997 517847 736567 745049 216303 209579 302614 357444 380001 616147 593678 412475 439579 543645 713441 964100 Government Total Annual changes in total revenue Community revenue in percent of total 0.00 + 27104 + 104066 + 169796 + 250659
47.6 52.3 44.3 49.9 53.7 54.5 55.6
Remarks
1352714 + 588614 1338727 - 213987
Table 17. Expenditure _Revenue Comparison Table Year(E.C) Revenue Expense(recurrent budget) 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 N.A 216303 209579 302614 357444 380001 616147 593678 828724 343900 353600 371400 511200 N.A N.A 566079 629115 684631 difference (Revenue-expense) -137297 -161821 -208586 50068 -35437 144095
53
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN The above table shows comparison between revenue and expense of the park office over the last 9 years. Except in year 1997 and 1999 through out the period under consideration the expense of the park office exceeds the revenue collected from tourism resources. This implies that park office requires some times to achieve the capacity of self financing. The support from non-government organizations like Austrian Government funded programs (IDP) should continue until the financial capacity of the park office is well established. The current low level of revenue can be directly attributed to low number of tourist visiting the park area and relatively high level of running cost required to manage the national park. So as to bring financial sustainability of the Park Office, rehabilitation of the park resources with corresponding increase in tourist number can have significant contribution. Moreover, fair tariff increment proposed for each type of fee will have its own contribution. In general proper protection of the nature area, development of tourist infrastructures and facilities both inside and outside the park area will have contribution for increased revenue and in turn ensure financial sustainability of the park office. Figure 3. Trends of Revenue Collected from Tourism in the SMNP
Trends of revenue from tourism
1800000 1600000 1400000 1200000 Birr 1000000 800000 600000 400000 200000 0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Year (E.C) Local communities Government Total income 1996 1997 1998 1999
3.4. Benefit Sharing of Local Communities from Ecotourism Activities

The SMNP-IDP program is well underway to improve the welfare of the communities and thereby establish the required partnership. The ongoing effort is quite encouraging, and it is a step in the right direction. In line with this, it is also recommended that a scheme of Benefit sharing has to be introduced to further strengthen or consolidate the partnership between the two parties. The area of each woreda contained within the park area and their population are the bases for putting modalities in benefit sharing of local community in SMNP. The human population of rural kebeles residing within and outside the park are who may be immediately affected by the decision on the use of resources in the park were taken into account. Thus simple
54
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN arithmetic method was employed in determining the share of revenue generated from park resources among the five woredas bordering the park area and religious institutions. In effecting the guiding principles of this tourism plan, the largest proportion of revenue generated from the park should be directed to the community. In this case 60% of the revenue is recommended. However government as a responsible body for over all management and development of infrastructures and facilities within and around the park should also take the second loin share from the revenue. Table 18. Benefit Sharing Modality for Woredas of SMNP Percentage of Areas within the park
Woreda Adi Arkay Debark Beyeda Janamora Tellemit Religious Institutions Government Total 17.8 26.47 22.66 29.51
Percentage of population within/ outside the park

11.48 36.34 16.27 20.76 15.15
Percentage of Income share

8.49 18.22 11.27 14.58 5.43
Remarks
3.56 -100
Estimated area
2.01 40.00 100
The Ethiopian government has carried out a national census. ANRS PaDPA is remapping the park boundary. When these two activities are completed and come up with latest data, the criteria used for benefit sharing may change. It is therefore necessary to update the benefit sharing proportion depending on latest information.
3.5. Tourism Investment Potentials of the SMNP

Ecotourism is at its early stage of development in the SMNP. Thus, there are wide opportunities for investment by the private sector. These include investment potentials in the areas of: Accommodation and catering services in the surrounding towns: There is a high demand for these services in Debark, Adi Arkay and Makane Birhan towns. Permanent tent camping sites and eco-lodge buildings Tour operators Guesthouse building Hotel and night clubs in the surrounding towns, e.g. at Debark. Banking service at Debark Recreational centers in the surrounding towns Air transportation
55
CHAPTER 4: ZONATION OF THE SMNP

The SMNP has unique resource-base upon which eco-tourism can be developed. Both the physical characteristics especially the landscape, afro-alpine vegetation and wildlife resources can significantly contribute to eco-tourism development of the area. However, converting these immense resource potentials into realistic economic gains without causing any detrimental effect on the environment and tourism resources require proper planning and management of the natural resources. Planning necessitates zonation of the resources into homogenous units. A systematic classification of the entire nature area into tourism affiliated zones is thus to underpin environmentally friendly tourism development and sustain the well being of the local communities. Zonation scheme primarily facilitates identification of major wildlife habitats, suitable tourist sites and management of land use conflicts and, ultimately it provides a frame-work in protecting the natural qualities of the park and regulating and promoting the use of resources. In order to meet the above objectives, tourism development zones have been proposed for the SMNP. The zonation defines the set of activities to be undertaken in each zone.
4.1. Zoning and the Basis for Zoning of the Park

The principal bases for zoning of the SMNP for tourism development are the type and distribution of the major wildlife species, the panoramic view of the various landscapes and the suitability of the area for development of tourist infrastructure, facilities and products. Taking these major criteria into account, four major tourism development zones are identified in the SMNP. These are strictly protected zone, eco-tourism zone, Zone of development and wildlife corridor zone. The tourism development zones have no basic difference from that of the management zones identified in the parks management plan except that they are defined in the context of tourism development. i) Strictly Protected Zone: This refers to the major wildlife habitat areas where tourist access is strictly prohibited. Severe restriction in this zone is mainly to avoid disturbance on wildlife and minimize adverse environmental effects on the fragile ecosystems of the core zone. The strictly protected zone is overwhelmingly dominated by mountain cliffs and escarpments with more than 55% slopes and Afro-alpine steppe vegetation species. It covers an area of 12,558.8 ha or 52.46% of the area of the park. Continued intense pressure on wild animals on plateau areas both from the local communities and predators has pushed away the major wild animals (like Walia ibex, Klipspringer and Gelada baboon) to the highly rugged part of the mountains, which is serving as a shield to the animals against attack. It is also the main calving ground for most species of wild animals. Thus, tourists can be allowed to enjoy the landscape and wildlife in the strictly protected zone only with the aid of binoculars or being in viewpoints exactly at the border of the strictly protected zone. Development of road infrastructure and tourist facilities like lodging, camping sites and trekking routes are also strictly forbidden. Investigation on productive and reproductive behavior of wildlife and the very nature of ecological relationships among the various species is an absolute necessity. Thus, such kind of research should be conducted in the strictly prohibited or core zone with permission of the park administration. Similarly, periodic assessment on the status of wildlife and patrolling are necessary activities to be carried out in the strictly protected zone in order to take the right measure against problems that may arise. The major activities to be carried out in the strictly protected zone are: Protection of the area for natural regeneration of the floral species;
56
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Research on productive and reproductive behavior of wildlife and ecological relationships among species; Regular assessment and patrolling for knowing the status of wildlife; Prohibit tourist access and development of tourist facilities; Control introduction of any plant and animal genetic material; Protect any human activity including grazing, mowing grasses and cutting trees for domestic use. However, in the first year of the master plan cut and carry system should be allowed in a regulated way; Photographing and bird watching using the remote sensing optical instruments; Development of traverse routes at selected sites; and; Strict control application of chemicals.; ii) Eco-tourism zone: The eco-tourism zone largely constitutes piedmont slopes and plateaus of the Gich and Ayena Meda and the montane forest of Limalimo reserve area. It covers an area of 11,361 ha i.e. 47.54% of the area of the park. The Gich and Ayena Meda plateaus were traditional habitat for Walia ibex, Ethiopian Wolf and Gelada baboon and constitute beautiful scenery for tourism development. The former species is no more in this region due to extensive human and livestock invasion into the area. It is also a centre of afro-alpine biodiversity attracting research attention. The eco-tourism zone identified between Chennek and Sebate Minch exactly follows the main road as the high altitude areas of Bwahit and its surrounding is the major habitat for Walia ibex and Gelda baboon. To some extent, the Ethiopian Wolf has been observed in the area. In this part of the park area tourists should observe the wildlife and the landscape just trekking along the main road without causing any disturbance to the wildlife. As a guiding principle, tourists in eco-tourism zone have direct access to enjoy both the landscape and wildlife following trekking routes. More than 90% of the trekking routes, camping sites, lodges and outposts and viewpoints are found within the eco-tourism zone. Besides the trekking routes, other tourist infrastructure and products like camping site, minilodges, outposts, museum, viewpoints, cultural centers, golf fields, recreational centers, horse riding grounds and paragliding facilities are the dominant features in the eco-tourism zone. Photographing and film productions and ecological research can be carried out with permission of the park administration. On the other hand, settlement development, cultivation and grazing use should be restricted. Thus the major activities in the eco-tourism zone include: Development of tourist infrastructure and products; Photographing and documentary film production; Research and regular assessment of wildlife; Control of both livestock and human activities; Paragliding and mountaineering in selected sites; Development of cultural and recreational centers; Patrolling of wildlife and human encroachment into the park area; and Better care of the environment e.g. control littering, control illegal dumping of garbage. The Eco-tourism zone can be considered as tourism product diversification area for improving livelihoods of the local communities. Thus, the local communities, by organizing themselves into various eco-tourism societies, can benefit from lodging services, sale of drinks, cultural shows and cultural product sales, film production activities, providing horse riding services and being employed in tour guide service provision, recreational centers and wildlife museums. iii) Zone of development: As defined in the management plan, it is the external buffer zone that covers the entire Kebele Administrations bordering the park area. It is also known as
57
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN major tourist facility zone. Virtually there is no wildlife species in the zone of development. It has been under cultivation since human settlement in the area. However, the communities, supported by IDP, are largely influencing conservation and sustainable development of tourism in the park as they are direct users of the rangeland, arable land and forest resources. Indeed, without active participation of those communities residing both inside and outside the park area efforts of conservation and tourism development are unlikely to be sustainable. Furthermore, the tourism master plan is basically envisaging community-based development of tourism in the SMNP. All proposed eco-tourism development activities are primarily mean to benefit the local communities. The tourism related development activities proposed in the zone of development are similarly aimed to benefit the local communities and need to be implemented through partnership among the government, private investors and the communities themselves. From tourism perspective, zone of development can be regarded as the tourist infrastructure development zone. Thus guest houses, visitor centers, lodges, hotels, cultural shows, and road infrastructure and communication facilities are expected to be developed in the zone of development. Public facilities and services like schools and clinics need to be constructed in this zone in collaboration with the government, the Austrian Government, international organizations (e.g. the UNESCO), private investors and voluntarily contributing tourists. The local communities can also benefit by horse/ mule renting, being employed in lodges and hotels, and presenting their cultural products for sale, selling of some local drinks and food, arranging entertainments and by providing lodging services, etc. In optimizing utilization of the tourism products in the SMNP the local communities need to: create the conditions for a greater sense of security; Avoid any harassment of visitors; and Improve the range and quality of attractions; iv) Wildlife Corridor: Wildlife corridors identified are those connecting the main park area from Chennek to Siliki through Arquazeye and the other one stretching between Mentaber and Tiguna connecting the northern and southern parts of the Ras Dejen wildlife reserve area. The wildlife corridors are encroached by settlements. For instance, the Arquazeye village emerged recently and is expanding in the middle of the Walia ibex route. This strongly restricts the free movement of the animals to the Ras Dejen reserve area and vise versa. The width of the wildlife corridor recommended in the management plan ranges between 2 km and 5 km. Except for research activities and aligning of traverse trekking routes, development of tourism products has to be highly restricted in the wildlife corridor zone. Similar to those in the main park area, the local communities around the wildlife corridor should have to be organized into eco-tourism societies so as to benefit more from mule/ horse renting, muleteer service, provision of lodge services, and sale of cultural products and entertainment shows. Communities residing in each adjacent kebele to wildlife corridor can be organized in their respective kebeles separately.
58
Map NO. 10
SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Tourism Development Zone

3 8000 0 4 0000 0 4 2000 0 4 4000 0 4 6000 0 1 5000 00
1 5000 00
0 20 2
24 0 0
2600
2000
00 26
2800
Adarkay e
3000
1600
180
28 00
0 220
2600
260 0
Mulit
20 00 16 00
2600
28 00
24 00
2400
Wemberge
22 0 0
Silk i
00 28
2400
2400
00 26
0
00 18
2000 2200
2200 2400
2200 2400
2800
2000 2400
00 20
20
3000
2000
140
1 4800 00
34 00
240 0 260 0
1600 1800
Zari ma
2400
0 360
Weldedur
28 00
3000
24 0 0
260
2600
Walk a
260
0 0 2000 22
00 00 22
3000
3400
Kebya
38 0 0
00 26
2400
2400
240
1 4800 00
00 26
1800
2000
2000
0 00 3
1800
00 22
30 00
Agidamiya
#
Degeriwa
14 00
3800
1400
00 28
Di r ni
1600
#
a 0Abek # 160 N ariya
4 000
3600
# #
Tiy a
2400
1600
0 160
14 00
160 0
Tiruw at a
Ami w al k a
L ori
D ih il
Berje
2400 2200
0 300
2000
1800
2000
Az amri
Tiguna
1800
3200
D ih wara
D ebiric hwa
1400
#
Mikana
3000
2600 2800
#
Angwa
Flasha
0 160
1800
# #
Amdi r 3400 #
Atg eba
16 0 0
D i b Ba hi r
#
Sera
Argin
3 60
340
00 32
Chiro Leba
# 3200 #
Mizr i na
Maje
3000 2800
Ras Dejen
1600
240
2000
1600
Zelange
36 00
1800
# #
Abergina Michibiny BuyitRas Mech eka
Ambaras
Zelwa Mender s elam
18 00
0 320
00 30
2000 800 1
00 30
Aytet er
Adisge
3 400
00 16
3000
3000
00 34
Meresha
#
1 4600 00
L i malim o Work Amba
Shanha
Islam Debir
24 # 00
Tik ur wuha
Tengelila
00 36
Seketate
matba
Feleg
L oba
00 00 38 36
1 4600 00
2600
Kosso Mender
Ambi r ko
Milli gebsa
Adisge
Shiwa Chir Debir
00 30
Kili l
34
Barna Barangeb
3200
Timi lk
Adibado
00
Abare
Kara
Debark
300 0
240 2 0 200 260 0
Fer es Seber
Sakba
Sawre
#
00 28
3600
2800
D i ldy
Kontel a
2 26 800 00
Felash a mender
D erena D enkolak o
3400
Beles
Amedge
32 00
D i l yebiz a
280 0 2 220 40 30 2000 0 0 260 00 0
26 00
3200
00 28
Weromado
D i ldiy
2800
Mewa
Ato re
2400
3200
2200
3000
00 32
2800
2800
1800
00 20
2400
1 4400 00
1 4400 00
LEGEND
Trekking_Routes Main Road
Meka ne Sel a m
4 0000 0
00 26
Scale
1:300000
3 8000 0
4 2000 0
4 4000 0
4 6000 0
59
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Table 19. Proposed Activities to be Undertaken in Each Zone of the SMNP Type of Use Research and Studies Conservation of biological diversity Settlement Camping site ** Permanent tent camping site Viewpoint Trekking route Mountaineering Photographing Filming Bird watching Fuel wood collection Grass mowing Grazing Cultivation Afforestation Gravel road construction Public service (clinic, school, water supply, market ) Eco-lodge Guesthouse Community Cultural center Community shopping center Public lodge Private lodge Recreational centre Strictly Protected Zone * X Ecotourism Zone x indigenous only water for visitors x * Only in Limalimo Afaf in areas with less wildlife population Wildlife Corridor x Zone of Development
Paragliding
Charcoal making Mountain biking Mountain climbing
60
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Type of Use Strictly Protected Zone Ecotourism Zone Wildlife Corridor Zone of Development
Bridge Climbing trails Signposts*** Resting areas First aid services Visitors centers**** Outposts Car parking Museums Permissible * Permissible under certain conditions Prohibited ** Camping facilities include shower, toilet, and seats *** Signpost **** Visitors centers include ticket office
61
4.2. Carrying Capacity of the SMNP

Carrying capacity is defined as the maximum load or amount that can be borne by something before it becomes unsustainable (Nicole & Srasdas, 2002). In tourism, carrying capacity is determined by how many people can visit the site before there is a problem that disturbs the tourists, local communities and the natural environment. For instance, if too many people are visiting the SMNP at a time, there will be too much waste material along the trials and wild animal's disturbance. The experience in SMNP indicates that there is no limit on the number of visitors. As the result, the environmental, social and economic damages may be serious within a few years. Therefore, it is advisable to determine the carrying capacity of the park by setting small number at the beginning and then raise it slowly without increasing environmental, social and economic damages on the sites. For natural site like SMNP, most scholars recommended the carrying capacity to be up to 15 visitors per day per hectare of land provided that the area has lower significance in environmental degradation. The Greece experience is 5 person/ha for agricultural areas and 3-10 person/ha for forested mountains. However, the experience of Greece and United States shows that area alone can not be used for determination of carrying capacity. Moreover, carrying capacity is not always a matter of determination, some times it is a decision. In SMNP the park has a total area of 23919.8 hectares. Nevertheless in reality it is highly influenced by rugged topographic feature and thus only limited part of the park will be used for ecotourism activities. As a result, the above park area cannot be used for computation of the carrying capacity. Tourist accessed areas of the park (11460.13Ha) identified as zone of Eco-tourism can be used for carrying capacity determination. Still from the above area of Eco-tourism zone, areas above 30% slope covering 4418.25ha should be excluded from carrying capacity computation as they are inaccessible to tourists and pack animals. Therefore the potential carrying capacity of SMNP on area basis alone taking 3 visitors/ha with out considering infrastructure exceeds more than 20,000 visitors per day. However it would be impossible for the existing infrastructures to support the above huge number of visitors. Thus the carrying capacity has to be adjusted to the tourist infrastructures to be developed and the trend of tourist arrivals in the SMNP. Hence it is a must to consider the following realities. In 2006, tourist arrivals of the park were around 6000. Up on implementing the master plan, the annual tourist arrivals after five years will be 30,000. On the other hand the total number of the existing and the proposed camping sites & lodges are 23 and 8 respectively. The existing experience that indicates, almost 50 percent of tourist arrivals in SMNP belongs to Gich, Sankaber and Chennek. The other fact is almost 80 percent of visitors are coming in peak seasons (seven months of the year). If we consider the above facts, The total number of tourist arrivals in peak season will be 24, 000 In each month, the total tourist arrivals will be 3430 In each day , the total arrivals will be 115 And the tourist arrivals in Gich, Sankaber and Chennek will be 58. On average, the tourist arrival in each camping site will be 19. Therefore, if the required facilities are fulfilled, the maximum carrying capacity of each camping site will be nearly 20 visitors. The carrying capacity of each site is worked out in detail. Please refer to the annexed tables 9-13. The carrying capacity computed for the master plan period on monthly basis considering the existing and proposed camping facility shows that over crowd of visitors will not be a problem during the master plan period. The number of tourists expected to visit the park area
62
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN in each month through out the master plan period are also less than the maximum supporting capacity of the park. Thus, negative impact on environment as a result of steady increase in tourist number cannot be a threat in the coming fiver years. However, further study has to be carried out to determine the carrying capacity of the park in relation to ecological, social or psychological or aesthetics, natural and economical perspectives. In the ecological perspective it is mainly expected to define the ability of natural resources and ecosystems to support tourism development. In the physic perspective, it is mainly to determine the ability of the relative or general infrastructures to support tourism development. In the social or psychological factor, to assess the visitors pleasure/enjoyment as a measure/limit for tourism development in the park, while in the economic perspective it is mainly to define the limit of equation of marginal cost with the marginal profit that results from the tourism development for the area. Further study should come up with the critical factors to determine the carrying capacity of the nature area, optimum requirement of facilities per person, suitable area in each camping site, carrying capacity of the trekking routes and turn over rate etc. In the planning of tourism growth of an area, the carrying capacity determination based on detail assessment in each site could be vital to planning of new use site (camping, gust house ecologes etc,), renovation of older developed sites and continuous management of all areas of the park, to prevent overcrowding and resource deterioration. Table 20. Carrying Capacity of SMNP per Camping Facility (person/camp site/month) Month July August September October November December January February March April May June
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 After 5 year
19 22 22 56 38 48 52 40 32 32 14 13
23 27 28 70 48 60 65 50 40 40 17 16
29 34 35 88 60 75 82 63 50 51 21 20
36 43 43 110 75 93 102 78 63 63 26 25
45 54 54 137 93 117 127 98 78 79 33 31
62 74 75 189 129 161 175 135 108 109 45 43
63
CHAPTER FIVE: MASTER PLAN STRATEGY AND THREE YEARS OPRETIONAL PLAN
5.1. Master Plan Strategy
5.1.1 Strategic Assumptions As stated in the previous section, the SMNP is endowed with natural resources for ecotourism development. The success of tourism is, however, dependent not only on the presence of natural resources but also on several external and internal factors. This master plan has thus considered the following strategic assumptions: A. To achieve the objectives of the master plan, there is a need for empowering and building of capacity of the Park Office and Culture and Tourism Office in terms of finance as well as skilled manpower. B. When ecotourism related activities are implemented in the SMNP, there is a need for considering principles of ecotourism i.e benefiting local communities, protecting and preserving natural and cultural environments and increasing level of satisfaction of tourists. C. The tourist arrivals of the SMNP will continue with the same increasing rate as it is recorded within the last six years. D. Peace and security prevail in the country as conflicts and acts of terrorism have been known to cause serious reduction in tourist arrivals. E. Relevant training will be given to members of local communities and for those who are involving in the tourism industry so as to facilitate ecotourism development in the SMNP. 5.1.2 Strategy Components SMNP is an issue of national and international interests and, therefore, strategies followed for its development need to lead to the fulfillment of these interests. For these purposes, different level objectives are put in an objective tree format (Fig 4, below) and the corresponding Log Frame (Fig 6, below ) are presented to show the interlinkages of these objectives and to guide the implementation of the Master Plan. Staring from the lower level objectives, the main strategic components are the following. For the SMNP to be one of the major natural tourist destinations in Ethiopia, the following strategy components must be put in place: O.1.11.Establish Community-Based Ecotourism Associations - The purpose of establishing such associations is to provide different tourist services and agricultural products to the tourism industry and, at the same time, to bring about genuine community participation. O.1.2. Raise community awareness for the sustainable development of ecotourism in the SMNP, genuine community participation is a critical issue. Community participation can easily be reached if continuous awareness raising efforts are launched. O.2.1. Have genuine community participation the realization of the above two lower level objectives enable to have genuine community participation, which later contributes to other higher level objectives. O.2.2. Build the Capacity of Park Office the Office has a decisive organizational importance. All the time, its capacity should remain the focus of the Master Plan. Human resources development is basic for the public sector. Ecotourism development and park management by their nature require human resources of
1
One of the lowest level objectives
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN multidisciplinary backgrounds. Hence, providing short-term training as well as formal training and maintaining the required number of staff is necessary O.2.3. Strengthen Woreda Coordinating Committee this committee can play a pivotal role if properly used. Without strengthening it, integration of all stakeholders will be too difficult. O.2.4. Encourage the involvement of private investors - At present, there is a need for diversified and qualified services for tourists within and around the park i.e. at Debark, Adarkay and Mekane Birhan. O.3. Creating strong coordination and integration among stakeholders when the above mentioned low level four objectives are in place, there will be a fertile ground for the realization of integration of stakeholders. The integration modality should also establish a link with key stakeholders like Ethiopian Airlines, catering and accommodation service providers, tour operators, bank and telecommunication services. Creating network with other tourist destination areas (Bahir Dar, Gonder, Lalibelia and Axum) through wide area network system would facilitate information exchange related to accommodation, weather conditions, attraction resources and other tourist related information. O.4. Diversify income sources the best strategy to avoid community encroachment into the park is to improve household incomes that come both from tourism and other sectors like agriculture and off-farm activities. At this junction, introducing benefit sharing mechanisms will result in positive effects with multiplying and spill over effects. O.5.1. Increase benefits for local communities when income sources are diversified, including the community benefit sharing, benefits of local communities will be improved, which can serve as a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the park and tourism. O.5.2. Improve infrastructure Natural attractions without the required infrastructure worth little from the point of view of tourism development. So, to exploit the existing resources of the SMNP, there is a need for development of infrastructure, services and facilities to the tourists and local community. The middle level objectives (integration of stakeholders, diversification of income sources, etc.) contribute towards infrastructure development, which, in turn, easily facilitate tourists access to information, tourism products and tourist sites. O.6.1. Upgrade information access to tourists the information given at one point in time has an impact on the number of tourist coming later. Well organized information should be made available to tourists. The SMNP is rich in its resources but the number of visitors is not commensurate with its potential. A contributory factor for this problem is the presence of inadequate promotion. Promoting the existing resources and services of the park by identifying the right target tourists and using the right promotional mechanisms will increase tourist arrivals of the SMNP. The most available appropriate promotional methods are leaflets, brochures, postcards, documentary films, websites and International Medias. O.6.2. Diversify tourism products these have significant meanings to tourists. Existing products need to be maintained and improved and new ones be developed. This is one of the factors that attract tourists. Ultimately, it contributes to increased income of the community. O.6.3. Improve accessibility of tourist sites Tourist products and sites should be accessible to tourists, which has to be well managed. O.6.4 Improve resource management the improvement of the resource management practice within and outside the park is one of the factors that determine the sustainable development of the park. In this regard, special attention should be given to practices related to indigenous and local plant species.
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN O.7.1 Conserve and protect natural resource SMNP can maintain its World Heritage Status and center of attraction if and only it is conserved and protected. If this objective is not realized, sustainable tourism development will be a problem. O.7.2 Increase number of tourists all nationalities of the world have legitimate right to visit and enjoy the park. When tourist inflow increases, the tourism revenue from the SMNP will do so. This enables the park to react to many of its problems and ensures its sustainability. O.8 Develop ecotourism at a sustainable manner all objectives mentioned above are lower level objectives and are contributory to the achievement of sustainable tourism development. When tourist number increases, continuous flow of income is certain. But if nature is not conserved, the tourist flow and the consequent income can be interrupted.
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Sustainable Tourism Developed
No of Tourists Increased
Natural Resources Conserved and Protected
Information Access to Tourists Upgraded
Tourism Products Diversified
Accessibility of Tourist Sites Improved
Resource Management Practice Improved
Infrastructure Improved
Benefits for Local Communities Increased
Income Sources Diversified
Integration of Stakeholders Improved
Park Office Capacitated
Woreda Coordinating Committee Strengthened
Genuine Community Participation Improved
Private Sector Encouraged
Community-Based Ecotourism Associations Established
Community Awareness Raised
Figure 4. Development Strategy for Simien Mountains National Park Three Years Operational Plan Objective Tree
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5.2. Three Years Operational Plan

5.2.1. Introduction This operational plan is designed to guide the implementation of the tourism mater plan of the SMNP. It helps for establishing sustainable tourism development throughout the SMNP by outlining modalities and principles of ecotourism. This action plan is a direct reflection of the short-term and long term objectives of the tourism mater plan and includes the suggestions of various stakeholders, experts and concerned bodies. To give this tourism master plan life, the goodwill and cooperation of all stakeholders will be a mandatory element. The vision can be realized over time, but this can only happen with steady application of this operational plan and firm commitment of different stakeholders. In formulating this operational plan, it is imagined that there may be human resource constraints in the field of ecotourism for implementation of the suggested activities in accordance with the suggested timing and organizational responsibility. For a given short period of time to come, however, this problem may be solved by using related professionals. Even though it is not a formal structure, due attention should be given to IDP and its structure in order to fill the man power gap the Park Office has at Debark. 5.2.2 Organizational Management and Structure 5.2.2.1 Organization The park office is responsible for the direct management and administration of the wildlife and other natural resources within the park area. The organizational structure of the park office is shown in Figure 5. The park warden is accountable to the PaDPA of the ANRS, which in turn operates under the Board (the management board), which coordinates and steers the duties of the Authority. Further, at Woreda level, the duties of the park office is also coordinated by the Woreda Steering Committee, which consists of the administrators of the five woredas (Debark, Adi Arkay, Beyeda, Tellemet and Janamora), the heads of the three Woredas agricultural office, the park warden (who serves as a secretary of the committee) and the manager of the SMNP-IDP. The Woreda steering committee is functionally linked to PaDPA and the park office by the doted line in the Figure. In general, the organizational arrangement is quite proper to facilitate the linkage and coordination of the park activities with other development sectors around the park area. The park office has an Administration and Finance Service, which deals with mainly the administration, financial and logistic matters. There are also an auditor, planning and programming service, legal service and a number of technical experts working under the direct supervision of the park warden. The structure is similar to the old structure which was formulated by the former EWCO and approved by the federal government in 1995 except with addition of planning and programming and legal services.
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BoCT
The Board
PaDPA
Wereda Steering Committee
Park Office
Legal service
Admit. & Finance Service
Auditor
Planning & programming service
Experts Scouts
Figure 5: Organizational Structure
5.2.2.1.1 Staff The park office has a total of 58 staff, out of which four are professionals (first degree holders), five middle level technical staff (diploma holders or equivalent), three lower level technicians and 34 scouts serving at the field level. The others are drivers, office guards and cleaners. In general, the existing staff number and technical composition is not sufficient enough to carry out the enormous task of the park office. The staff members are also less qualified in managing the complex situation in the park area. In particular, in view of the extended size of the park area, the park administration has to recruit additional 23 scouts to cover or properly patrol the entire areas of the park. The park also lacks professionals especially in the field of wildlife management, park administration and ecotourism development and, therefore, three additional professionals are to be added. Totally 26 additional staffs should be recruited. 5.2.3. Super Goal of the three Years Operational Plan The super goal that receives contribution for its realization from the operation of the three years operational plan is Sustainable eco-tourism developed in SMNP. The implementation of the three years operational plan contributes to enhancing sustainable eco-tourism development, and conservation of environmental and biodiversity resources in the SMNP, and improve the livelihood of the local communities through partnership among the government, the private sector and the local communities.
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5.2.4. Goal
The goal of the three years operational plan that receives contribution from the realization of purposes is:- Natural resources in and around the SMNP conserved and protected with an increasing number of tourists.
5.2.5. Purposes of the Operational Plan

The purposes of the three years operational plan that contributes to the realization of the above goal are:1. Resource management practices within and around the SMNP improved; 2. Visitors information center upgraded; 3. Accessibility of tourist sites of the SMNP improved; and, 4. Tourist products within and around the SMNP diversified. 5.2.6. Outputs of the Operational Plan After implementing this operational plan, the expected outputs that lead to the achievement of purposes of the operational plan are: 1. Integration of stakeholders improved; 2. Income sources diversified and infrastructure improved; and, 3. Benefits for local communities increased. 5.2.7. Stakeholders Analysis No. Stakeholders Expectation of Expectation of office stakeholders from from stakeholders park office Technical support Provision of quality services for tourists and protect the environments To come up with Technical support technical gaps To come up with Policy support policy gaps Technical and financial Provision of quality support support and protect the environments Creating conducive Responsibility for environment during protecting the natural visiting environments Increasing their benefit in tourism sector through involving different activities Identify investment opportunity Identify intervention areas Support parks involvement in protecting the natural environment of the park Active participation in the investments Support the developmental programs technically and financially Consequences if expectation is not fulfilled Tourist may be dissatisfied and will not come again Impeded performance of office Impeded performance of office Tourist may be dissatisfied and will not come again The natural environment will degrade and the amount of tourist arrivals will decrease Poor coordination between the office and local community and local community will not be benefited from the park. Tourists will not get enough services The developmental program will not be effective.
Tourism industry ANRS PaDPA ANRS BoCT Ecotourism associations Tourists
2 3 4
Local community
7 8
Investors NGO
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN No. Stakeholders Expectation of stakeholders from park office Higher Identify the institutions intervention areas/research topics Woreda Identify the required administration supports Culture and Managing tourism Tourism resources and Offices & developing tourism BoCT facilities Agricultural Organize local and Rural community to produce Development agricultural products Office Environmental Considering the rule Protection, and regulation of Land environmental Administration protection in any and Use developmental Authority activities Education Empowerment of the Bureau community in management of natural attractions Expectation of office Consequences if from stakeholders expectation is not fulfilled Participating in problem oriented(solving ) research Coordinate different stakeholders Promotion of resources, provide technical and policy supports Problems will not solve systematically and lack of integrated development Loose coordination among stakeholders The tourist arrivals will not increase and they will not be satisfied Local community will not benefiting by providing agricultural products Loss of wildlife habitat and other scenic resources
10 11
12
13
14
15
Health Bureau
16
Religious Institutions
17
ANRS Investment Agency
Technical support for local community who produce agricultural products Environmental impact assessment for developmental activities, implementation of rational land use plan in the zone of development Establishment of schools & include nature based tourism development education in the lower level education curriculum Effecting regulations Formulating regulations that ensure clean and related to sanitation healthy tourist destination nature area Teach the community to Benefit sharing and protect and manage the promotion of their nature area; develop bycultural resources laws to take care of heritages. Conducive working Promotion of investment environment for opportunities and investors. devising incentive mechanisms to attract investors.
unwise use of natural attractions leading to loss of nature areas
Unclean nature area causing dissatisfaction to tourists Loss of wilderness and reduced revenue from tourism resources and less community participation. Investors may not invest in and around the SMNP; Tourists visiting the SMNP may decrease in number.
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN 5.2.7. Implementation Strategies of the Operational Plan Integration among stakeholders and encouragement to the private sector: - for ease implementation of the operational plan, the capacity of the Management Board, the Park Office, Woreda Steering Committee, Communities and the private sector should be built. Awareness raising and developing and polishing working systems, developing guidelines, etc. are some of the important factors contributing towards capacity building and better integration. Areas where private sector can invest have to be investigated and information given to investors. Increasing the benefit of local community: - diversifying the products and satisfying the tourists interests, which consequently increase the duration of tourists stay, will ultimately increase the amount of income to be gained from tourism sector. Since communities are the most important stakeholders, it is necessary to develop confidence that they are going to be benefited from sustainable tourism development. Increasing community participation in developmental activities of the park: local communities play decisive role for sustainable development of the park. Therefore to exploit the local community effectively and efficiently, organizing the local community in ecotourism associations or in any form of local community organizations is advisable. Provide quality services provision of quality service may help in increasing the number of tourists up to the acceptable amount, to increase the satisfaction level of tourists and to increase the duration of stay of tourists. One of the major strategies to increase the quality of services provided within and around the park is providing trainings for those who provide various services and also continuous follow up concerning the services that they are provided. Some times certifying those who provide better services may encourage in improving the quality of services provided. For this purpose, standards can be set. Applying and respecting set standards for service provision depends on competition within the private sector with the assumed intention of attracting large number of tourists. Conserve & protect the natural resources of the park- visitors, local community and the industry are among the major stakeholders that are responsible either to damage or to preserve the natural resources of the park. Preserving the natural resources may be effective through awareness of these stakeholders about the advantage of park protection, through applying proper benefit sharing mechanism and some rules and regulation that are applicable for each stakeholder. When the implementation of operational plans is underway, gender consideration has to be given due emphasis. In every attempt, women should be given special emphasis and treatment. When appropriate, similar preferential treatment is important for the youth. Implement the master plan in accordance with the priorities sited below: - This priority setup shows only the emphasized trend of implementing the operational plan. Otherwise, many activities have to be implemented to achieve objectives of the operational plan. 1st priorities are: Raising community awareness at required level; Establishing community based associations; 2nd priorities are: Capacitating Park Office, and strengthening Woreda Coordinating Committee; Ensuring genuine community participation; Encouraging the participation of the private sector in tourism; 3rd priorities are: Creating strong coordination among stakeholders in order to: diversify income sources; increase benefits for local communities; improve infrastructure; diversify tourism products; and,
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN To upgrade tourist information center and improve accessibility of tourist sites. 5. 2.8. Detail Action Plan for the Next Three Years
Objective Level - in Decreasing Order
Activities to be Amou performed to achieve nt (No) the different level Objectives
Implementation Year
Financial
Requirement
Responsibility
Remark
1st
2nd
3rd
1 2.1 3.1. Brochure
Sustainable Tourism Developed Number of Tourists Increased Information Access to Tourists Upgraded 5000 X X X 50000
Leaflets Postcards Postcards ( big size with frame) Booklets Develop its own logo that can be used on promotional materials Develop tourist maps at different scales Produce documentary films Produce gift products (printed cap, badge, fobs, t-shirt) Develop Website Broadcast using National & international media (television , radio, magazine etc) Provide certificate for those who are visiting SMNP Establish sign posts for an indication of direction, resources, rules and regulation
5000 5000 200 4000
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
25000 15000 20000 50000 5000
CoBT and its subordinate organs BoCT and its subordinate organs BoCT and its subordinate organs BoCT and its subordinate organs BoCT and its subordinate organs BoCT and its subordinate organs BoCT and its subordinate organs Private Sector
Copies
Dissemina tion by Ethiopian Airlines
3000
X X
300000 250000
5000
100000
BoCT and its subordinate organs BoCT, .MoCT, UNSECO .MoCT, UNSECO
X X X
100000 500000
20000
30000
Park Office
PaDPA
50000
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Implementation Year
Financial
Requirement
Responsibility
Remark
1st
2nd
3rd
of the park Establish bench mark at Ras Dejen (height mountain peak of Ethiopia) Organize and develop database system Creating network with other tourist destination areas (Bahir Dar, Gonder, Lalibelia and Axum)
3000
PaDPA, UNSECO PaDPA
100,000
100000
BoCT
4 areas
Total Tourism Products Diversified Develop mountain 3 climbing trails Develop horse riding 2 fields Establish visitor 1 centre Develop paragliding 5 facilities Built community 2 cultural centre Organize cultural 2 dance group
1,698,000 X X X X X X X X X X X 60000 60000 500000 500000 600000 100000

PaDPA PaDPA PaDPA PaDPA PaDPA
Maintenance
Tourism& Culture Offices
3.3. 4.1 Trekking route Bridge Outposts Camping sites Car parking Picnic sites/seats Construction of houses for muleteers & mules Establish radio communication & wireless telephone Strengthen ticket office at the entrance of the park
Total 1820000 Accessibility of Tourist Sites Improved Infrastructure Improved 9 X X X 200000 2 X X 150000 6 X X X 1200000 10 X X X 1000000 2 X 100000 50 X X X 5000 10 X X X 150000
PaDPA PaDPA PaDPA PaDPA PaDPA PaDPA PaDPA
Woody
14
350000
PaDPA
100000
PaDPA
Entrance gate
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Implementation Year
Financial
Requirement
Responsibility
Remark
1st X
2nd X
3rd X 300000 PaDPA
Organize community shopping centers 2.2 3.4
Plantation of indigenous trees Implement dry waste management schemes Arrange waste bins at appropriate sites Further study on carrying capacity determination 4.2. 5
Total 3555000 Natural Resources Conserved and Protected Natural Resource Management Practice Improved X X X 100000 BoARD
PaDPA EPLAUA
X 100 X
X X
X X
100000 5000
PaDPA
150,000
PaDPA
6
7.17 .3
Total 205000 Benefits for Local Communities Increased Income Sources Diversified (Contributes also to Infrastructure Improved, 4.1) Promote PaDPA photography, filming X X X 100000 and research works PaDPA Introduce concession X X 100000 fee Support the local BoARD community to X X X 200000 produce agricultural products. Promote new tourist BoCT and its products X X X 300000 subordinate (paragliding, horse organs riding, rock climbing, Golf, etc) Total 700000 Integration of Stakeholders Improved (Capacity Developed) Park Office Capacitated, Woreda Coordinating Committee Strengthened, Genuine Community Participation Improved, Conduct regular workshop with major stakeholders Develop monitoring and evaluation system for the master plan implementation Experience sharing (with in the country) 6 X X X 300000
PaDPA
3 X X X 150000
PaDPA
150000
PaDPA
Tour groups 75

Implementation Year
Financial
Requirement
Responsibility
Remark
1st
2nd
3rd
2 Countries
7.4
PaDPA Experiences sharing 2 X X 400000 (abroad) PaDPA Provide short-term 5 X X X 100000 training on data organization and management Upgrade staff members to Diploma, Degree and 0 MSc levels PaDPA 15 X 7.1 X 300000 certificate to diploma PaDPA 10 X 7.1 X 400000 Diploma to first degree PaDPA 6 X 7.1 X 600000 First degree to MSc. PaDPA/ BoCT Develop eco-tourism 1 X X X 100000 working manual Award individuals who have higher performance in 30 X X X 150000 PaDPA protecting and preventing the park environment Equip office with X X X 1500000 PaDPA different materials Total 4150000 Private Sector Participation Encouraged PaDPA/ Develop incentive Investment mechanism to attract X 10000 Agency private investments PaDPA/ Identify and promote X X X 20000 Investment investment potentials
Training on handcraft production Training local guides about techniques of guiding & first aid services Training scouts and local communities Training cookers Training reception workers Training waiters 8.1
60 30
X X
X X
X X
150000 15000
Agency PaDPA
PaDPA Tourism & Culture Offices Park Office BoCT BoCT
60 50 30
X X X
X X X
X X X
12000 150000 15000
BoCT 30 X X X 15000 Total 387000 Community-Based Eco-tourism Associations Established
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Implementation Year
Financial
Requirement
Responsibility
Remark
1st X
2nd X
3rd X 150000
Tourism & Culture Offices Tourism & Culture Offices BoCT
Organize and support ecotourism associations Organize ecotourism associations also in park extension areas Training Hotel Managers 8.2 Organize series of awareness raising Programs to the community
100000
10 Total
15000
265000 Community Awareness Raised X X X 180000

Park Office
Total Grand Total
180000 13,110,000
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CHAPTER 6: PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUTURE INTERVENTION

The implementation of the Tourism Master Plan is anticipated to bring about positive changes that will be appreciated by all stakeholders including international communities and organizations. Even up to now, IDP, Park Office and other public institutions have tried to change the image of the park by the promising results recorded. Keeping up already recorded results and implementing the Master Plan, the following intervention areas should be given due attention as specific priority areas by the different stakeholders and should be implemented in juxtaposition with the Master Plan. 1. Taking the name of the park out of the Endangered List The four bench marks set by World Heritage Committee of UNESCO to bring out the name of the park from World Heritage Endangered List should be given attention and, as soon as possible, fulfilled. It is also important to reinforce those measures taken to fulfill some of the benchmarks. 2. Agricultural development and other income generating schemes to gradually pull population out of and around the park 3. One of the bench marks set by the World Heritage Committee for a removal of the SMNP from World Heritage Endangered List is significant and sustainable reduction in the human population density within the park. It is also clear that the population pressure around the park has an effect on the population density within the park. To ensure sustainable reduction of population both within in and outside the park, health and family planning, education and employments from the non-agricultural sectors should be sought for side by side with the implementation of the Tourism Master Plan. 4. Researches A large number of studies have been conducted in the SMNP emphasizing more on the natural resource. Still studying the following areas will have positive impacts on the park. The profile of tourists it helps to design appropriate promotional methods, to identify appropriate facilities and the like; Identification of bringing additional wildlife that suit to the environment and the existing wildlife. For this purpose the food chains and the food web need to be thoroughly studied; In-depth study on the behaviors of wildlife of SMNP; Possibilities for park expansion. Impact of benefit sharing scheme on population pressure within and around the park it is certain that increasing benefits shared by the community will improve community participation. The prediction of the exact long term cumulative effect of benefit sharing on the sustainable development of the park may not be possible. Continuous studies are necessary to take appropriate measures on time. Development of modalities for benefit sharing local communities the consequences of the 60% Vs 40% share on the communities attitude towards the park and its sustainability has to be examined and reformulated accordingly; 5. Organize local community to produce agricultural products for tourist supply satisfying the needs of the tourists, it will also increase the benefit of local community. Communities have to be organized and be assisted by providing revolving fund and credit from donor/ saving agencies.
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN 6. Information exchange among major destination around SMNP- information exchange among tourist destination areas like Gondar, Bahir Dar, Lalibela and Axum increase the satisfaction level of tourists and the duration of their stay. To this effect, information provision about all tourist destinations at each of the above place is an important task. 7. Opening liaisons / booking office in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar and Gonder - this may help for booking and updating information to tourists and the main Park Office in Debark. 8. Improving the salary of the scout and restricting the activity of the scout on the patrolling/ inspecting the park. Scouts are involved in patrolling the park and follow and take care of tourists. These two responsibilities are burden for scouts and may affect the protection of the park. Therefore through providing short training on how to use gun and behave guests, the activity of taking care of tourists may be left to the local communities. This responsibility shifting may also help to benefit the local communities. 9. Develop ecotourism guiding manual for training the local community this manual helps the local community to create awareness on ecotourism development in SMNP, in protecting and preserving the park 10. Develop minimum standards for each of the services provided in the park. 11. Develop strategies of awareness-raising and work in line with reducing sense of dependency of communities, especially rural ones, on external support. This can be successful if churches and monasteries/nunneries used as strategies to teach rural households. 12. The road from Debark to Janamora and Beyeda may have unexpected negative impact on the eco-tourism activities of the park. It is therefore necessary to monitor and evaluate the effects and impacts of the road so that appropriate corrective measures can be taken timely.
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CHAPTER 7: MONITORING & EVALUATION

Monitoring and evaluation is an important part of any plan and helps to facilitate and sustain the achievements and to measure the success of the plan. Monitoring is more common during implementation or planning period while evaluation is more common at end of certain program or after planning periods, may be monthly, quarterly or annually. Monitoring and evaluation will be effective using performance indicators of plans and means of verification. To simplify monitoring and evaluation in tracking actual progress against planned activities, appropriate verifiable indicators and their means of verification should be set with their planned activities. As a framework to serve for monitoring and evaluation the log frame in Fig 6 below can be used. When annual plans are formulated, specific verifiable indicators and means of verification have to be worked out for each planned activity
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Intervention Logic Super Goal: Contribution to National Tourism Revenue increased and SMNP remained at World Heritage Status Goal: Sustainable tourism developed Purposes: 1. 2. No of Tourists Increased
1. 2.
Objectively Verifiable Indicators % of Park Contribution to National Tourism Revenue Being World Heritage Status Park
1. 2.
Means of Verification Annual reports of Ministry of Culture and Tourism UNESCO Reports
Important Assumptions
Appreciation by UNESCO and other International Organizations 1. 2. Percentage of annual arrival of tourists increase a) % of annual increase of Walia ibex b) % of annual increase of Ethiopian wolf c) Annual expansion in the ecological coverage of the three endemic plant species of the Park
Natural Resources Conserved and Protected
1. UNESCO Reports 2. Local Environmental Body reports 1. Park Office annual reports 2.a) Park Office annual count reports b) Park Office annual count reports c) Sample taken by annual survey
Practical Support from international organizations is realized 1. a) Tourists Ethics are respected b) Tourists are willing to pay 2. b) Park is excluded from Endangered List c) Parks World Heritage Status is well recognized by all stakeholders d) present peace and security continues 1.1. Tourists give reliable feedback 1.2. Products have no any negative effect on the environment 1.3. Infrastructures have no any negative effect on the environment 2. a) Community concern for the park grows b) Survival rate of plants is acceptable
Outputs: Visitors information service upgraded Tourism products diversified Tourism sites accessibility improved 2. Resource management practices improved Activities:1. 2. To improve infrastructure To increase benefits for local communities
1.1. % of tourists annually satisfied with the information provision 1.2. % of new products annually made available 1.3. a) Increase of annually accessed areas b) % of tourists annually satisfied with the infrastructure and service 2. No of indigenous plant species planted
1.1. Questionnaire filled by sampled tourists 1.2. Park Office annual reports 1.3. Park Office annual reports 2. Park Office annual reports
Inputs and Resources: Budget as indicated in the plan Communities Park Office Woreda Coordinating Committee Private Sector Regional, National and International Organizations
1. 2.
Annual implementation reports Household survey
a) Infrastructure standard maintained b) Lower level objectives are archived 2. a) Encroachment into the Park gradually declines b) income sources diversified c) Integration of stakeholders improved d) Lower level objectives are achieved Preconditions: Master Plan Approved Austrian Government continues supporting the park International stakeholders are willing to extend financial support
1.
Figure 6 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development Tourism Master Plan General Strategy/Mother Log Frame
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Development activities going on an area like the SMNP require being cautious towards monitoring of environmental aspects. During plan implementation, monitoring from EIA point of view has to be done periodically and regularly. Monitoring is necessary to check that mitigating measures are implemented in accordance with the EIA report and to provide early warning of environmental damage so that remedial measures can be activated to prevent or reduce deterioration of the environment. Baseline monitoring and impact monitoring are the two most important aspects of environmental monitoring. Baseline Monitoring involves the measurements of environmental variables during a representative pre-project period to determine the nature and range of natural variation, and where appropriate, to establish the nature of change where as impact monitoring involves the measurement of environmental variables during project implementation to determine changes which can be attributed to activities or the project. The Environmental Impact Assessment Guideline of the Amhara Region puts examples of checklists of possible environmental impacts and their probable mitigation measures that every development project should follow. To ensure the sustainability of development in the park and to comply with compliance monitoring, therefore, the following procedure has to be maintained for every project and activity within and around the park. 1. Soil Resources Some of the possible impacts could be: o Soil erosion o Contamination of soil etc. 2. Water resources Some of the possible impacts could be: o Flooding o Fall of ground water table o Pollution of surface and ground water o Increment of turbidity 3. Air quality Some of the possible impacts could be: o Contribution to depletion of ozone layer and climate change due to emission of some gases o Affected human health due to emission of gases o Reduction of air quality, which may endanger life of flora and fauna. 4. Flora, Fauna and Ecosystem These are the most important assets of the park that environmental impact assessment should give due consideration. Some of the possible impacts could be: o Loss of fauna and flora o Disturbance of an ecosystem o Exploitation of natural resources o Wildlife affected by polluted water and encroachment. 5. Socioeconomic o Conflict between upstream and down stream o Gradual loss of social identity o Population pressure due to the upcoming operational benefit-sharing scheme o Encroachment into the park as a result of population pressure 6. Natural and cultural heritages o Landscapes may become unpleasant e.g. due to deforestation o Traditional house construction may rapidly disappear 7. Noise
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN o Unusual noise may disturb animals To establish a well organized evaluation and monitoring system for activities going on in the park, it is advisable to develop a GIS-assisted spatial database. At detail scale level data base will enable to have reliable benchmark database. Plant and animal species mixes can be inventoried and categorized under defined land units, which can be used for baseline monitoring.
83
Glossary
Carrying capacity: Refers to the maximum load or amount that can be borne by something before it becomes unsustainable (Nicole & Srasdas, 2002).
Code of Ethics:
is a set of standards, rules, guidelines, and values that govern and guide ethical business behavior in a company, profession, or organization of its employees, interactions among the employees, and interaction between the employees and the general public. Ecotourism: Socially and environmentally responsible travel to natural area that promotes
conservation and the benefit of local community. It is perceived to be sub components of sustainable tourism. Local community: That body of people who come together around a common objective or common purpose. National Park: A
national park is a natural area designated to protect the ecological integrity of
one or more ecosystems for present and future generations (World Conservation Union).
Paragliding: A recreational activity or sport in which somebody jumps from a high place wearing a rectangular parachute that allows control of direction in descent to the ground. Protected area: Area dedicated primarily to the protection and enjoyment of nature or cultural heritage, to the maintenance of biodiversity, and/ or to maintenance of ecological life support services (IUCN, 1996). Sustainable tourism development: Tourism development, management and any other tourism activity which optimizes the economic and other societal benefits available in the present without affecting the potential for similar benefit for the future. Tourism master plan: The document that describes an overall tourism developmental direction for a given destination. Tourists: a person who travels away from home, staying away for at least one night. Wildlife: J.C Hilllman(1993) defines as small and large animals-mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, wild plants and the habitat that are necessary for their selfsustained existence. .
84
References
1. 2. Andrew Holden (2003). Environment and tourism, Routledge, London UK Hrni, H. & Ludi, E. (2000). Reconciling Conservation and Sustainable Development. A Participatory Study Inside and Around the Simien Mountain National Park, Ethiopia. University of Berne, Switzerland. 3. IUCN (1996). Tourism, ecotourism and protected oves, SADAG, Bellegared - Sur Valserine, France 4. Martin Mow forth and Ian Munt (2003). Tourism and Sustainability, Development and new truism in the third world, Zwel , Routledge New York 5. Nicole hausler and Wolfgang Strasdas (2002). training manual for community based tourism, Zsch. Gemin 6. 7. 8. Nivergelt, B., Good, T. and Guttinger, R. (1998). A Survey on the flora and fauna of the SMNP, Ethiopia. Potjana svansri (2003). Community Based Tourism Manual hand Book, Thailand Amhara National Regional State (2001). Simien Mountains National Park Management Plan 9. Simien Mountains National Park Office and Nature Oriented Tourism Project (1999) and revised by SMNP-IDP (2003) : Guides training Manual of Simien Mountain National Park, Debark ( Unpublished) 10. Tanzania National park (2001). Udzungwa mountains national parks, general management plan, Tanzania. 11. Wolf Gang strasdas (200). The Ecotourism Training manual for protected area managers, Zschortav.
85
ANNEXS
1. Code of ethics for tourism industry A. Commit to excellence in quality of tourism services B. Encourage an appreciation of and respect for cultural and natural resources of local community C. Respect the value of local community D. Achieve tourism development through maximizing tourism development and minimizing the negative impacts of tourism E. Efficiently use of our natural resources and manage efficiently the waste F. Collaborate with other stakeholders for sustainable tourism development. 2. Code of ethics for tourists Environmental conservation Help to prevent littering and pack trash out of natural area Do not collect plants and animals or disturb them in their natural habitat Respect for local culture and customs Obtain permission before taking picture of video Do not wear culturally inappropriate clothing such as tank tops or shorts Respect the community rules and regulations Try to behave as the villagers do Support the local economy A. Buy local community B. Accept the standard of services that the community able to provide C. Do not give money or items to children freely because it will habituate them to ask for things from tourists 3. Rule and regulation of the park A. Prohibited activities Removing any genetic materials Disturbance wildlife ( feeding, chase , etc) Entering with domestic dog and motor bike Picnic out of the allowed trekking routes Camping, feeding or taking rest in most frequent wildlife habitat Collecting natural vegetation for any use Paragliding or rock climbing out of the allowed site Leaving or throwing rubbish every where in the park. Firing a gun or any other weapon Transplanting exotics Extension program inside the park Hunting wildlife and fishing Camping outside designated camping sites Entering the national park without payment and permit Collecting firewood within the park Driving vehicles with a speed of greater than 30 km/hour Driving from 6:00 P.M to 6:00 A.M
86
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN B. Obligatory Joining community scout while you are in the park Paying all fees in ticket office Respect peoples, culture and religion since they are the primary assets of the park C. Required permit Taking film or photos for commercial use Entering with heavy track for tourism beyond the entrance
87
88
89
Fig 1. Tourist Arrival in Master plan period

25000
20000
15000 arrivals
Tourist arrivals
10000
5000
0 2000 2001 2002 Year(E.C) 2003 2004
Table 1. Projected Tourist Growth Year Tourist arrivals

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 1182 1289 1825 2652 3489 3969 5074 6019 6991 8923 11153 13941 17426 21756
Annual growth rate (%)

9.05 41.58 45.31 31.56 13.76 27.84 18.6 16.14 25 25 25 25 25
Remark
actual actual actual actual actual actual actual actual
Projected(based on the average of the last 9 years
projected projected projected projected
90
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Table2 Location of View Points
No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 X 412163 412459 412589 412745 408771 399097 407492 404943 400093 415279 397003 396091 396388 394940 392509 389469 379854 377480 426225 432034 407246 403017 392416 399747 Y 1465926 1466504 1466363 1466404 1466195 1463555 1468997 1468736 1463444 1465602 1463648 1463401 1463432 14662919 1461346 1460868 1459204 1458326 1454055 1463419 1468133 1467974 1461141 1465657 Altitude 3571 3630 3637 3629 4079 3139 3936 3789 3316 4106 3307 3278 3277 3178 3197 3280 2859 2927 3856 4560 3660 Location korbte metaya Chenneke1 Chenneke2 Chennek 3 Inatye Jinbara waterfall Imet gogo Saha Gich megentaya Bwahit Niguse ayesmu Chinquanit Ayemtrie Kuchila metaya Mechebegne Tirfe Limalimo Zinjero amaga Temdesh Ras Dejen mefelkiawe Kedadit Tiya ras Gider gote
Table3 Location of Campsites

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 X 412705 404570 403394 397907 408187 391812 413352 396087 430309 394254 405670 426995 385768 392762 402741 404497 399792 415301 424348 430342 394460 409105 Y 1466119 1464116 1467024 1468007 1471587 1462567 1456728 1462859 1457147 1452398 1455825 1467616 1464138 1466761 1483836 1472727 1470856 1473567 1464710 1468604 1449913 1474556 Altitude 3627 3662 3618 2437 20801 20340 3988 3253 3939 Location chenneke Ayena meda Gich Muchila Dirini Adarmaze sbate meneche sankaber Adi_ lemelem Adebabay Barna Mentaber Kernejan China Mulit Antola Aykotiba sona Ambiko Metelale Beles Lamu Sugsug Remark existing proposed existing existing existing existing proposed existing proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed
91
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Table 4 Location of Lodges
No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 X 412596 403215 395815 389746 389175 413300 431419 42339 424348 Y 1466244 1466833 1462975 1459711 1460572 1456493 1469459 1474954 1464710 Altitude 3624 3599 3237 3162 3281 4000 Location Chennek Gich Sankaber Miligebesa Buyteras Sebate minch Sabra Adirkambo/Adilemlem Ambiko Remark Community Community Government Community Private Community Community Community proposed
Table 5 Location of Outpost Site

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 X 412519 404656 403572 397907 408187 391365 413300 379837 426225 428029 433987 435532 437582 442571 436284 432802 428711 Y 1466310 1464188 1466727 1468007 1471587 1462566 1456493 1458650 1454055 1453513 1460582 1462041 1463511 1465272 1469471 1467806 1472870 Altitude 3636 3662 3598 2437 2801 2294 4000 2882 3856 4005 4185 4116 3836 3908 3704 3734 3450 Location chennke Ayena meda Gich muchila Dirini Adarmaze Sbate meneche limalimo Temdesh Debedeb Gobatit Tekera washa Wochenaw ketna Tende wachie Mosbite Islamoch washa wakelo wenze ras sugsuge
Table 6 Location of Paragliding Sites

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 X 379459 377480 432034 443916 442738 429043 431446 432000 Y 1463178 1458326 1463419 1466951 1467125 1470497 1469428 1475158 Altitude 2116 2927 Location Deb Bahir Zinjero maga Ras Dejen Sebe yebalw Above Nich Gedele Kidus yared sabra Gilbena
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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Table 7 Location of Shopping Center
No 1 2 3 4 5 6 X 412705 403394 402741 389746 404570 389175 Y 1466119 1467024 1483836 1459711 1464116 1460572 altitude 3627 3618 3162 3662 3281 location Chenneke Gich Mulit Miligebesa Ayena meda Simien lodge
Table 8. The Experiences of Tariffs of Tourist services in Kenya (since the 1st of July 2006) and Tanzania (since the 30th June 2006) Country Entrance fee for protected areas Protected areas Types of Adult Child Student fee National parks2 Entrance Citizen Ksh2001 Ksh100 Ksh 50 Residen Ksh1000 Ksh500 Ksh 100 ces Non US$40 US$20 US$10 residenc es Mountaineeri Mt. Kenya Citizen Ksh1000 Ksh400 Ksh 400 ng to climb Residen Ksh2000 Ksh1200 Ksh 600 (fixed rate ces first 3 days minimum) Non US$70 US$50 US$40 Kenya residenc es 3 Vehicle charges per day in protected areas Fees in Ksh Seats Less than 6 seats 300 800 6-12 seats 1500 13-24 seats 3000 25-44 seats 5000 45 seats and above Trucks charges per day Fees in Ksh Capacity 500 1-3 tonnes 2000 4-7 tonnes 3000 7 tonnes and above Services and special Activity4 Fees in Ksh Types 75 Security service per section of ten persons per day 75 Public site reservation in national parks per day
93
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Guided tours per 1500 guide per 4 hours Guided tours per 2500 guide over 4 hours Guided foot or horse safaris
Fees in Ksh
Per Full Day Per 'half' day (4 hours)
1,000 500
Camping fee in national parks per night Adult Child Citizen Ksh 150 Ksh 50 Residences Ksh 300 Ksh 100 Non US$10 US$ 5 residences Entrance fee for National Parks
National Parks Serengeti Types of fee Enterance Tanzanian NonTanzanian Tanzanian NonTanzanian Tanzanian NonTanzanian
Student Ksh 50 Ksh 100 US$ 5

Adult 5 1,500 Tshs 50 US$ 1,500 Tshs 60 US$ Children 6 500 Tshs7 10 US$ 500 Tshs 10 US$
Kilimanjaro
Enterance
Tanzania
Arusha, Enterance 1,500 Tshs 500 Tshs Tarangire and 35 US$ 10 US$ Lake Manyara Permit for each Motor vehicle Vehicle Tanzanian Non weight (Tare) Registered Tanzanian registered Up to 2000 kg 10,000 Tshs 40 US$ 2000-3000 kg 25,000 Tshs 150 US$ 3001-7000 kg 50000 Tshs 200 US$ 7001-10000 100000 Tshs 300 US$ kg Permit for camping in public camping sites in any one period of 24 hours Types of fee Adult Children Permit Tanzanian 1,000 Tshs 500 Tshs Non30 US$ 5 US$ Tanzanian
Guiding fees
Types of guide Official guide within normal working hours An official Tanzanian NonTanzanian Tanzanian Fees 500 Tshs 10 US$ 1000 Tshs
94

guide who accompanies the tourist outside normal working hours Walking Safaris guides NonTanzanian 15 US$
Tanzanian NonTanzanian
5000 Tshs 20 US$
Filming Fees
Filming fees are applicable to each person per day and covers entrance, camping and filming fees and are not categorised into Tanzanians and Non Tanzanians and all pay 100 US$ in most national Parks Hotel concession Fees Fees of 10% per person on half board (bed, breakfast and meal) shall be payable by the owner or proprietor of a hotel or lodge in respect of each who lodges or stays in such a hotel or lodge
Note 1. 1 US Dollar is 67.20 Kenyan Shilling (26 September 07) 2. Aberdare, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Meru and Nairobi National Parks 3. Per daily fee refers to one day (24 hours) 4. Half day fees are not applicable 5. Adults are classified from ages 17 and above 6. Children are classified between the ages of 5 to 16. 7. 1 US Dollar is 1235.5 Tanzanian Shilling (26 September 07)
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Table 9. Carrying Capacity of SMNP in 2000

Season Chennek per day 7 2 per month 170 60 Gich per day 6 2 Camping site Sankaber per month 170 59 per day 6 2 per month 170 59 Others(20) per day 24 6 per month 714 178 Buyteras per day 16 2 per month 240 30 Lodge Others(7) per per day month 0 0 7 105 Gust house per day 6 2 per month 105 30
Peak season Slacken season

Season Chennek per day 7 3 per month 213 75 Gich per day 7 2 Camping site Sankaber per month 212 74 per day 7 2 per month 212 74 Others(20) per day 21 7 per month 637 223 Buyteras per day 16 3 per month 240 45 Lodge Others(7) per day 0 7 per month 0 105 Gust house per day 7 2 per month 105 30

96
Table 12 Carrying Capacity of SMNP in 2003

Table 13 Carrying Capacity of SMNP in 2004

97
Table 14 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development Tourism Master Plan General Strategy/Mother Log Frame Intervention Logic Objectively Verifiable Indicators Means of Verification Important Assumptions Super Goal: 1. Annual reports of Contribution to National 1. % of Park Contribution to National Tourism Ministry of Culture and Tourism Revenue increased and Revenue Tourism SMNP remained at World 2. Being World Heritage Status Park 2. UNESCO Reports Heritage Status Appreciation by UNESCO and other International 3. UNESCO Reports Practical Support from international organizations is realized Goal: Sustainable tourism developed Organizations 4. Local Environmental Body reports Purposes: 1. Park Office annual reports 1. a) Tourists Ethics are respected 1. No of Tourists Increased 1. Percentage of annual arrival of tourists increase 2 a) Park Office annual b) Tourists are willing to pay count reports 2 a) Park is excluded from Endangered List 2. Natural Resources 2. a) % of annual increase of Walia ibex b) Park Office annual b) Parks World Heritage Status is well recognized by all stakeholders Conserved and Protected b) % of annual increase of Ethiopian wolf count reports c) Present peace and security continues c) Annual expansion in the ecological coverage of the c) Sample taken by three endemic plant species of the Park annual survey Outputs: % of tourists annually satisfied with the 1.1. Questionnaire filled 1.1. Tourists give reliable feedback Visitors information information provision service upgraded by sampled tourists 1.2. Products have no any negative Tourism products % of new products annually made available 1.2. Park Office annual effect on the environment diversified a) Increase of annually accessed areas reports 1.4. Infrastructures have no any negative effect on the environment Tourism sites accessibility b) % of tourists annually satisfied with 2.3. Park Office annual 3. a) Community concern for the park improved the infrastructure reports grows 3. Park Office annual b) Survival rate of plants is acceptable 2. Resource management 2. No of indigenous plant species planted practices improved reports Activities:1. 2. To improve infrastructure To increase benefits for local communities Inputs and Resources: Budget as indicated in the plan Communities Park Office Woreda Coordinating Committee Private Sector Regional, National and International organizations a) Infrastructure standard maintained b) Lower level objectives are archived 2. a) Encroachment into the Park gradually declines b) income sources diversified c) Integration of stakeholders improved d) Lower level objectives are achieved Preconditions: Master Plan Approved Austrian Government continues supporting the park International stakeholders are willing to extend financial support 1.
1.
Annual implementation reports Household survey
2.
98
Table 15 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development Three Years Operational Plan (Tourism Master Plan Kid Strategy/Kid Log Frame) Intervention Logic Objectively Verifiable Indicators Means of Verification Super Goal: Sustainable eco-tourism developed in Appreciation by UNESCO and other International 1. UNESCO Reports SMNP Organizations 2. Local Environmental Body reports Goal: Natural resources in and around the 1. a) % of annual increase of Walia ibex 1. a) Park Office annual Count reports SMNP conserved and protected with an b) % of annual increase of Ethiopian wolf b) Park Office annual count reports increasing number of tourists c) Annual expansion in the ecological coverage of c) Sample taken by annual survey the three endemic plant species of the Park 2. Park Office annual reports 2. Percentage of annual arrival of tourists increase Purposes: 1. Resource management practices within and around the SMNP improved 2. Visitors information center upgraded 3. Accessibility of tourist sites of the SMNP improved 4. Tourist products within and around the SMNP diversified. Outputs: 1. 4. Integration of stakeholders improved 5. Income sources diversified and infrastructure improved 6. Benefits for local communities increased Activities 1. To build capacity of Park Office 2. To strengthen Woreda Coordinating Committee 3. To put genuine community participation in place 4. To encourage the private sector a) Decreasing number of complaints due to exclusion from participation b)Number of measures taken on strategic issues 2. a) Additional number of income sources b) % of households involved in additional 1, 2, 3, etc. income sources 3. The level of improvement of community participation 1. Minutes of the Committee
Important Assumptions Practical Support from international organizations is realized 1.b) Park is excluded from Endangered List c) Parks World Heritage Status is well recognized by all stakeholders d) present peace and security continues 2.a) Tourists Ethics are respected b) Tourists are willing to pay 1. a) Community concern for the park grows b) Survival rate of plants is acceptable 2. Tourists give reliable feedback 3. a) Infrastructures have no any negative effect on the environment b) Tourists give reliable feedback 4. Products have no any negative effect on the environment 1. Integration is sustainable 2. Income improvement has no negative impact on NRM and heritages 3. a) Participation is genuine and there is no imposition b) Community is well aware of international community interests
1. 2. 3. 4.
No of indigenous plant species planted % of tourists annually satisfied with the information provision a) Increase of annually accessed areas b) % of tourists annually satisfied with the infrastructure % of new products annually made available
1. Park Office annual reports 2.Questionnaire filled by sampled tourists 3 a)Park Office annual reports b)Questionnaire filled by sampled tourists 4. Park Office annual reports
2. Household survey 3. Household survey
Inputs and Resources: 1. Budget as indicated in the plan 2. Communities 3. Park Office 4. Woreda Coordinating Committee 5. Private Sector
1. 2.
Annual Park Office Reports Annual Park Office Reports
Man power turnover is insignificant within short intervals
Preconditions: Master Plan Approved IDP continues operational
99
Table 16 Log Frame for Simien Mountains National Park Development for very Short Time Span within the Three Years Operational Plan (Operational Plan Kid Strategy/Kid Log Frame Intervention Logic Goal: Income Sources Diversified Objectively Verifiable Indicators 1. 2. Additional number of income sources % of households involved in additional 1, 2, 3, etc. income sources Means of Verification 1. Household survey 2. Household survey Important Assumptions 1. Additional income sources yielded significant income 2. Real PCI of involved households increased Community interests receive due attention
Purposes:Integration of Stakeholders Improved Outputs: 1. Park Office Capacitated
1. 2.
Decreasing number of complaints due to exclusion from participation Number of measures taken on strategic issues
1. Complaints observed 2. Woreda Coordinating Committee minutes 1. Park Office Quarterly Reports 2. Minutes of the Committee 3. Park Office and Committee reports 4. Sector Offices Reports
2. Woreda Coordinating Committee Strengthened 3. Community Participation Improved 4. Private Sector Encouraged Activities 1. To establish community-based ecotourism associations 2. To raise community awareness
1. a) No of professionals increased as planned b) Minimized man power turnover compared to previous years c) The level of measure of performance indicators put in the three years operational plan 2. Number of effected regular meetings 3. Number of measures taken in line with the interest of communities 4. a) Amount of capital invested in and around the park b) Type and no of new investments Inputs and Resources: 1. Budget as indicated in the plan 2. Communities 3. Park Office 4. Woreda Coordinating Committee 5. Private Sector
1. Staff professionally motivated 2. Committee members are responsible and aware of international conventions 3. a) Participation is genuine and there is no imposition b) Community is well aware of international community interests 4. Projects/activities pass through strict EIA
1. 2.
Annual Park Office Reports Annual Park Office Reports
1.
2.
a) Associations have clear and feasible objectives b) Associations receive steady technical support Benefit sharing scheme realized
Preconditions: Master Plan Approved IDP continues operational
100
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN Questionnaire 1. What makes SMNP special tourist destination with compared to other tourist attraction sites of Ethiopia? 2. What are the major tourist interests in SMNP? 3. What are major potentials sites for tourism developments in SMNP? 4. What are the core and other problems that are affecting sustainable tourism development in SMNP? 5. Suggest possible solution to the major problems that is/are mentioned? 6. In your opinion, what are the major activities that will be done for the next five years to improve tourism development in the park? 7. In your opinion what promotion methods do you think effective for SMNP? 8. In your opinion, what are the major services that will be provided for tourists in developing ecotourism in SMNP? 9. In your opinion, what are the major tourist activities that suites for tourists in SMNP? 10. Benefiting the local community is among the major principles of sustainable tourism development, would you explain how the local community can be befitted from ecotourism activities of SMNP? 11. Is there any possibility of developing tourist circuit using existing and newly developing trekking routes? List possible tourist circuit? 12. What are the major handcrafts/ souvenirs produced by the local community? 13. Is there any written signage/ boards that indicate code of tourists, local guides, tour operator and local community in/around SMNP? Recommendation The Amhara Region has immense resources of natural and cultural heritages. The absence of a clear Regional Tourism Policy can be a great impeding factor for a sustainable tourism development to exploit the potential the Region has. It is therefore recommended that the Amhara Region develop a Regional Tourism Development Policy.
101

FINALtourism Strategy For SMNP

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TOURISM MASTER PLAN FOR THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (SMNP)

Simien Mountains National Park- Integrated Development project (SMNP-IDP)

MULTI-SECTORAL CONSULTANTS PRIVATED LIMITED COMPANY (MSC)

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MULTI-SECTORAL CONSULTANTS PRIVATED LIMITED COMPANY (MSC)

MULTI-SECTORAL CONSULTANTS PRIVATED LIMITED COMPANY (MSC)

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

PaDPA PASDEP SMNP SMNP_IDP UNESCO

MULTI-SECTORAL CONSULTANTS PRIVATED LIMITED COMPANY (MSC)

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

1.1.The Simien Mountains National Park

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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Woreda Administration

Towns 370000 River.shp Gravel_road.shp

Woreda Addi Arkay Beyeda 390000 Debark Janamora Telllemet

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1.1.3. Development Initiatives

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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

1.2 Vision, Goal and Objectives

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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

1.4. Policy Analysis

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1.5 Methodology of the Study

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1.6. Guiding Principles for Ecotourism

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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 2: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE SMNP

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2.2. An Overview of Ecotourism Development in the SMNP

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projected projected projected projected

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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Figure 1: Trends of Tourist Arrivals in SMNP

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Tourist arrivals in 1998_99

Tourist Arrivals in 1998-99

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Impacts Description of the Impact

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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Impacts Description of the Impact

Positive Economic environment

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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TOURISM MASTER PLAN

2.3. Land Use in the SMNP

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Percent of total area (%)

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SIMEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK(SMNP): Land Use and Land Cover

Road River W alia Fox Babun Klipspringer

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