Abstract:
The establishment of parks with exclusive approach, which excludes people who live within the
park, as a green development strategy is practiced across the world. Similarly, Ethiopia is working
much in a similar fashion. This research dealt with the life experiences and viewpoints of relocated
communities from Arkwaziye village that lived so far in and around Semien Mountains National Park
as a major objective. The study employed qualitative research method with a cross sectional design.
To do so in depth interview, observation, key informant interview and different document review were
held. The dislocation of people living in and around the Semien Mountains National park since its
establishment attributed to the endangerment of endemic species according to the government is a
common phenomenon. However, the relocated communities of Arkwaziye who dismantled from their
native area due to the extension of the Semien Mountains National Park territory angrily responded
against this measure. They believed that the government blindly decided to purge them was done
without their consent and consideration of their future life. Accordingly, these people believed that the
government measure of expanding the Semen Mountains National Park was not attributed to rational
development plan as advocated. That is why dislocated communities faced with social disruption,
isolation, landlessness, homelessness and economic crisis. Thus, the government should oversee the
relocation program conducted so far and rethink of the plan going to be conducted in the future.
