Bale Mountains National Park - Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt

Information for planning
Resource Information
Information used in planning for this GMP came from a wide variety of sources, as listed in the
bibliography (Appendix 7). In particular, the GMP builds on previously summarised background
information (CSMPP, 2005), and a problems and issues analysis conducted by park staff and a
stakeholder workshop. A conceptual model of this analysis is depicted in Figure A3 and linked to
the interventions outlined in the management programmes. In addition, new collations of fauna and
flora inventories have been drawn up, available GIS data has been collated, themed maps
produced, and further published research collated for inclusion in this GMP.
National Policies and Legislation
A range of policy and legislation at international, federal and regional levels are relevant to the
management of BMNP as laid out in this GMP. These are outlined in detail in Appendix 3.
Internationally, Ethiopia is a signatory to a number of articles and conventions such as the Convention
on Biological Diversity, CITES, the Convention on Migratory Species and Ramsar which commits
Ethiopia to put in place comprehensive and integrated guidelines for the selection, establishment and
management of protected areas. As a country rich in natural resources, but poor in financial
resources, considerable support is required for Ethiopia to fulfil these obligations.
Nationally, wildlife-related legislation dates from the 1901 Game Act but, despite the recent growth in
policy and legislation to deal with the problem of environmental degradation, Ethiopia does not have a
comprehensive and up-to-date legal framework for the conservation and development of wildlife
resources. The wildlife laws currently in force were enacted many years ago when the country was
a unitary state and, currently, the mandates and responsibilities of the federal and regional
institutions (including the internal division of powers among the different levels of hierarchy in each
institution) that relate to wildlife protected areas are not clearly defined.
Key points of policy and legislation that need to be addressed are:
o Harmonise legislation, including regulations, to be in line with policy, particularly of wildlife law
o Harmonise regional and federal law and clarify linkages and relationships between federal and
regional institutions
o Define and regulate selection, ranking, establishment and administration of wildlife
conservation areas
o Clarify process for boundary definition and gazettement
o Clarify process for joint natural resource management in protected areas
Most of these issues need to be addressed at a central rather than park level. A forthcoming
Protected Area Systems Project (PASP), funded by GEF/UNDP will encourage a review of the
relevant legislation and policy and devise strategies to overcome the existing challenges. BMNP
management should ensure that lessons learnt and relevant issues contribute to the forthcoming
project and other legislative developments in Ethiopia
Section A – Plan Introduction 10