The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and the President of the Gambella Peoples' National Regional State (the Gambella State) signed a long-term management partnership with African Parks to manage Gambella National Park – the largest national park in Ethiopia.

Gambella National Park has vital social and ecological value. It forms part of an important ecosystem within the Gambella State, on which local communities and wildlife populations rely for survival. The region is inhabited by various pastoral and agricultural Nilotic communities, including the Nuer, Anuak and Majang, as well as Omotic peoples – comprising a local population estimated to be approximately 400,000. It supports important wildlife and extensive wetlands that provide critical habitat for Nile lechwe, buffalo and migratory birds.

In addition, Gambella forms a key part of a much larger natural system that stretches across southern Ethiopia and South Sudan, which is home to the largest land mammal migration on Earth. As announced earlier this year, approximately six million antelope annually move across the broader landscape which incorporates Gambella and South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo national parks.

The agreement will allow a collaborative partnership between African Parks, EWCA, the Gambella State, and local communities to channel significant new investment into the region and to develop a comprehensive strategy for conserving the park’s biodiversity. This will enable the region to develop resilience to climate change while promoting the sustainable use of resources for the benefit of the people who depend on them for their livelihoods.

To achieve long-term success and sustainable conservation efforts, the partnership will start with a 12-month transition period, enabling African Parks to better understand the needs of the communities living around the park and to co-create a management plan with input from local stakeholders. This important initiative is made possible by the European Union, the Hempel Foundation, the Wyss Foundation and the generous support of various philanthropic funders.

The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority has the responsibility to ensure Ethiopia's wildlife resources conservation through the active participation of the community and other stakeholders, by enforcing national and international laws and conventions, implementing scientific conservation, to provide sustainable ecological, economic, and social benefits for Ethiopians as well as the global community, to pass on to the next generation as a heritage.

"This partnership is more than just a contractual agreement; it is a testament to the power of collaboration. We look forward to working with both the Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State and African Parks, to unlock the full potential of Gambella - not only for Gambella as a region, but for Ethiopia as a whole." Kumara Wakjira – Director General EWCA

“Gambella National Park is at the heart of our Region, and this partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in Gambella’s story. By working together with African Parks and EWCA, we'll not only conserve our wilderness but also create economic opportunities for local communities. This is a significant step towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for our region." H.E. Ms Alemitu Umod – President, Gambella Peoples' National Regional State.

Gambella National Park, situated in the south-western part of Ethiopia, covers approximately 4,575km2. Established as a national park in 1973 to preserve its exceptional biodiversity and important wetland habitats, Gambella forms part of a much larger contiguous system of protected areas covering southern Ethiopia and neighbouring South Sudan. Located between two major river systems, the Baro River in the north and Akobo River in the south, Gambella is rich in its species variety, including the country’s largest remaining population of elephant and one of the most endangered giraffe populations in the world – the Nubian giraffe. It also hosts large populations of white-eared kob, Nile lechwe, over 230 bird species and 113 fish species.

“This is an important step in the long-term protection of these vital ecosystems and will help secure lasting benefits for the people and wildlife of Ethiopia. African Parks is a recognised partner in protected area management across Africa, and I am confident that this will be a productive and successful partnership, which will see significant benefits for the Region and the country.” Hailemariam Dessalegn – former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Board Member of the African Parks Network.

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on responsibility for the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages 23 protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“We are honoured to be working with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority and with the government and local communities in the Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State. This agreement is a testament to their commitment to safeguard the future of Gambella and its vitally important biodiversity, for the benefit of all who rely on it.” Peter Fearnhead – CEO of African Parks.

Source: African Parks

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Ethiopian Government and African Parks Forge Landmark Partnership to Manage the Nation's largest National Park