Projects

Short Description:

Overall goal

Improvement of the livelihoods and resilience of the communities in and around the Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP). This shall be accomplished through 1) restauration, rehabilitation and conservation of natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem services through local communities, 2) diversified and improved livelihood options for women, youth and vulnerable groups, together with enhanced gender equality, climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management, 3) improved capacity of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and SMNP administration in inclusive participatory approaches and coordination mechanism at regional, zonal, woreda and kebele level.

Expected results

• Increased engagement and involvement of communities and local government in the restoration, rehabilitation and conservation of natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystems.

• Increased income generating activity opportunities, knowledge and skills for women, youth and vulnerable persons

• Enhanced capacities of communities, local government, and stakeholders in the sustainable management of climate-resilience and natural resources

• Enhanced capacities of EWCA/SMNP administration in utilizing inclusive participatory approaches

• Strengthened EWCA/SMNP coordination mechanisms at regional, zonal, woreda and kebele level.

Target group / Beneficiaries

The project will focus on reaching a total of 150.700 direct beneficiaries, with a particular emphasis on women, youth and vulnerable persons (70%) in up to 15 kebeles. In addition, approximately 50.000 indirect beneficiaries shall be reached. The project will start the implementation in a total of 9 kebeles, in Debark, Janamora and Beyeda woredas. Depending on the improvement of the security situation and accessibility an expansion of the project is foreseen to cover 6 additional kebeles in Adarkay and Tselemit woredas. If the conflict situation in the border areas with Tigray does not improve additional kebeles in Debark, Janamora and Beyeda woredas will be selected or interventions in existing kebeles intensified.

Activities

Support local communities and government to identify, establish and manage watersheds, including the development of a watershed development plan; implementing sustainable land management interventions including climate-adaptation practices; sustainable livestock production and productivity. Increase the capacity of women, youth and vulnerable persons in income generating activities, while supporting communities in changing social norms that are hindering gender-equitable practices. Strengthen capacities of local communities and government to address impacts of climate change and sustainable management of natural resources. Training and mentoring EWCA/SMNP staff in utilizing inclusive participatory approaches. Support and strengthen the coordination of EWCA/SMNP and relevant government entities activities at regional, zone, woreda and kebeles levels.

Context

Ethiopia is a country that experiences effects of climate change shocks, including recurring droughts and flooding, with huge effects on farming and livestock activities. The local communities living adjacent to the SMNP rely on the park’s natural resources and agriculture for sustaining their livelihoods. Areas of the park has been annexed for farming, with an estimated 436 households currently living within the park. Local communities face a multitude of challenges, including low agriculture and livestock productivity resulting from land degradation, droughts, unsustainable farming practices, overgrazing and deforestation. Gender inequality is a persisting issue in Ethiopia, depriving women of their rights and opportunities as well as hampering their participation in development endeavours. Vulnerable persons, including those with disabilities, female heads of households, the landless, and the elderly, are among the most marginalized in Ethiopia, thus affecting earning opportunities and prospects of improving their livelihoods. Elderly people and other vulnerable groups are disproportionally affected by all calamities facing their communities. Climate change has increased unpredictable rains, disrupting vulnerable people’s livelihoods.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had dire effects on Ethiopians' health and well-being. The pandemic amplified socio-economic vulnerabilities in the country and deteriorated the food security of the target communities with tremendous effects on their livelihoods. Additionally, the effects of the conflict between the government of Ethiopia and the Tigray Defence Force since November 2020, affected the bordering regions – including the Amhara region. This conflict has caused displacement, destruction of infrastructure and institutions, disruption of seasonal agricultural production and hampered the development efforts in the border areas.