Challenges of Semien Mountains National Park Extension: Life Experiences and Viewpoints of Relocated Communities from Arkwaziye Village, North Gondar, Ethiopia

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.