The Quest for Conservation In The Midst of Deforestation, Resource Degradation and Unsustainable Livelihood Practices in and Around Mt. Zeqwala
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Date
2007-06
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Addis Abeba university
Abstract
This thesis has attempted to examine the various factors causing deforestation in and
around Mt. Zeqwala. It further ,tries to identify the change that occurred in the diminishing area
of the forest used to cover and the associated biodiversity loss. The study was conducted in east
Showa Liben Chukala Woreda in particular on mount Zeqwala. Three Kebeles were selected
purposively. In the course of the study, methodological pluralism was pursued to make a
reasonable research. Hence, combinations of surveys, qualitative and quantitative data
collection methods were employed.
There has been deforestation at mount Zeqwala for the last three decades. The mountain
being one of the few cultural, historical and biodiversity centers and the tragic destruction
occurring there has attracted national attention. Thus, the unique plant and animal life,
historical ruins and cultural sites found on there calls for conservation from all concerned
bodies.
The study showed that· there were a number of factors that have aggravated the
deforestation on the mountain. These are like charcoal making, clearings for farm land, fuel
wood exploitation, plank making and animal grazing. Conflicts arose as the people living in
and around the mountain engaged in blind exploitation of the forest, water and land resources
with Abo Monastery. The result was a total collapse of reason and order as all people involved
in the resource extraction went for satisfying their selfish interest. Environmental problems
occurred immediately after the deforestation like drought, drying of springs, flooding, Gullies
and land degradation. The socio- economic and local development backwardness of the
Woreda has further contributed to the deforestation OCCUlTing on the mountain. Investment on
rural development and establishing an organized sustainable benefit sharing mechanism is very
important to reverse the existing problem.
Despite the existing problems there are some measures taken to improve the
situation on the ground. These include area closure, patrolling and penalties. However,
involving the surrounding community over resource conservation and use has been found to be
of a paramount importance to reach at a successful end
Key words: Zeqwala's natural forest, Conservation, Deforestation, Biodiversity
loss, Landuse, development and environment
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Keywords
Zeqwala's Natural Forest;, Conservation;, Deforestation;, Biodiversity Loss;, Landuse;, Development and Environment