ATTITUDE AND CONSERVATION PRACTICES OF LOCAL COMMUNITY TOWARDS ALITASH NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

The study was aimed to assess the attitude and conservation practices of local community towards Alitash National Park using cross-sectional survey. Data were generated using different techniques including household survey, focus group discussions, interview and observation. The results of the study revealed that Alitash area was traditionally conserved and there was a need from local community that the government should take conservation measure. Attitude of farming community dwelling around the park has in generally positive towards conservation of Alitash National Park and they have participated in different conservation activities. However, Due to the mismatch between what has been anticipated by the local community form the park and reality, tension between conservation activists and local people along with existence of external bodies such as Feleat, Mesalit and Rutana communities, who are privileged to use resources inside the parks, the attitude and conservation practices of the local community are decreasing from time to time resulting in negative reactions. It is recommended that to maintain sustainability in conserving the park, the local people should be empowered and fully participated by having access to alternative livelihood options