The History and Challenges of Simen Mountains National Park: the Case of Fauna and Flora (1969—1983)

Abstract

This paper explores the full history of the foundation of Simen Mountains National Park in the Simen part of Ethiopia following the discovery of Walia (Capra Walie). The study shows the struggle of the government and foreign agencies to protect walia ibe by also shedding light on the response of the local people towards the foundation of the national Park. The study critically examines the challenges and opportunities during the process in the foundation of the park. Even though Simen Mountains National Park is one of the known heritage sites in the world, what has been truly missing to date is the study of its amazing history. The existence of more than 30,000 people in the premise of the park is another core problem. The study draws on hitherto untapped files from the archives of North Gondar Zone Administration Office as well as on interviews with historical actors. In addition, attempts have been made to gather qualitative data that are both published and unpublished documents. In 1963 a UNESCO-funded mission discovered walia ibex as one of the endemic animals in Ethiopia. It provided the corner stone for the emergence of the Park. The Simen Mountain National Park was officially established in 1969 on the recommendation of a UNESCO mission in 1963 to save the endemic animals. In 1978 it was registered as a world heritage site. The main challenge remains to maintain and sustain the park as a great heritage site by assessing from the foundation of the first park by critically examining the peoples’ and government’s response to the park