The Role of Ecolodges in Community Development and Environmental Conservation: Case of Bishangari
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Date
2011-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Ecolodge development is expanding with the glorification 0/ ecotourism all over the world
(Honey, 1999). Likely, it has come true in Ethiopia by the opening 0/ the Bishangari ecolodge in
2001. The ecolodge is found in the rich biodiversity area 0/ KNR (Bishangari) on the eastern
shore 0/ the Langano Lake, central Ethiopian Rift valley, Oromia region. In spite 0/ its
expansion, the significance 0/ ecolodges is not as such systematically studied in particular
Ethiopia. Thus, being part 0/ college 0/ development studies it is conducted with the purpose 0/
exploring the role 0/ ecolodges in community development and environmental conservation with
particular reference to the Bishangari. In this respect, the study uses both quantitative and
qualitative approaches. For the quantitative, 108 household heads were taken as a sample from
the benefited kebeles; Dawe, Sembero-Rrogicha, Keraru and Boku-walda through cluster,
pwposive and proportionate random sampling procedure. Interviews and observations were
used/or the qualitative approach. Interview was conducted/or the purposefully selectedfive key
informants from the nearby local communities, two woreda tourism and environment experts and
the ecolodge manager. Checklists, note-takings and photographs were accompanied while and
afier observation. Descriptive statistical methods including percentages, frequencies, mean,
graphs, and tabulalion as well as coding have been used as a means lor analyzing the data. The
study il1dicated that Bishangari ecolodge is playing a great role /01' the better life 0/ the
inaccessible local communities. They generate income by selling agricultural, souvenir, and
other products to the ecolodge and the tourists. Social services are also expanded through the
provisions 0/ clean water, school/acilities, transportations and communications by the ecolodge.
Concurrently, 49 local community members are permanent employees 0/ the ecolodge. Beside
with employment opportunity, the participation o/the local communities in the operations o/the
ecolodge is found significant /01' their empowerment. Besides, it conserves environment and
biodiversity through zoning schemes, propel' waste management, solar energy utility,
environmental education, limited canying capacity and alternative measures against poaching
and destruction. However, the results are also reckoning to have concerns 0/ stakeholders like
government recognition on the role 0/ ecolodges and active participation o/local communities in
decision-making. There/ore, ecolodge operation strategies, community participation platforms
and synergy among stakeholders shall be devised. Moreover, the local communities ought to
utilize the cllitural productsjilrther and generate money from the coming ecotourists.
Description
Keywords
Community Development, and Environmental Conservation