Addis Ababa, March 12, 2026 (FMC) — The Ministry of Tourism says ongoing wildlife and natural resource conservation initiatives are significantly strengthening Ethiopia’s standing as a competitive eco-tourism destination.
Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA). He highlighted the authority’s long-standing contribution to safeguarding wildlife, natural resources, and ecosystems across the country.
According to the state minister, EWCA and professionals in the sector have carried out extensive work over the past decades to protect Ethiopia’s rich biodiversity.
These sustained efforts, he noted, have helped position Ethiopia among Africa’s leading countries in terms of natural resource diversity.
Ethiopia is home to distinctive endemic wildlife species such as the Ethiopian wolf, Walia ibex, and Gelada, which attract international visitors with a keen interest in nature-based and wildlife tourism.
Measures aimed at protecting wildlife habitats through national parks and conservation programs are helping preserve these species and their ecosystems while simultaneously creating strong attractions for eco-tourism.
The government is also working in collaboration with partners to strengthen conservation and tourism development in several protected areas, including Omo National Park, Mago National Park, Chebera Churchura National Park, Nechisar National Park, Borena National Park, and Gambella National Park.
Sileshi noted that Ethiopia’s diverse tourism resources, coupled with strengthened conservation initiatives, are opening new opportunities for the expansion of eco-tourism.
Environmental initiatives such as the Green Legacy Initiative are also playing a crucial role in restoring ecosystems, expanding forest coverage, and enhancing biodiversity.
These environmental improvements are supporting eco-tourism activities including wildlife viewing, trekking, and bird-watching.
He added that conservation efforts are contributing to increased tourist arrivals, higher foreign currency earnings, and expanded employment opportunities for citizens.
However, the state minister pointed out that the sector continues to face challenges, including illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking, and climate change, which require coordinated responses from all stakeholders.
Sileshi therefore called on communities, international partners, and actors in the sector to strengthen their commitment to sustaining Ethiopia’s wildlife conservation achievements.
Director-General of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, Kumera Wakjira, said the authority has achieved significant progress over the past six decades through the establishment of national parks, the protection of natural resources, and intensified efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.
According to him, 87 conservation areas have so far been identified across Ethiopia based on scientific studies.