The History and Challenges of Simen Mountains National Park: In the Case of Fauna and Flora (1969—1983)

Abstract

This original paper constructs the full history of the foundation of Simen Mountains National Park in the Simen part of Ethiopia following the discovery of Walia (Capra Walie). The study shows the struggle of the government and foreign agencies to protect walia ibex and it also sheds light on the response of the local people towards the foundation of the national Park. The study critically examines the challenges and opportunities of the foundation of the park. Even though, Simen Mountains National Park is the known heritage site in the world, but what has been truly missing is the study of its amazing history. The existence of more than 30,000 people in the premise of the park is another core problem. The study draws on hitherto untapped files from the archives of North Gondar Zone Administration Office as well as on interviews with historical actors. In addition, attempts have been made to gather qualitative data consulted published and unpublished documents. In the middle of twentieth century a UNESCO-funded mission discovered walia ibex as one of the endemic animals in Ethiopia in 1963 which was the corner stone for the emergence of the Park. The park came in to existence through great efforts of foreign Agencies and later Universities and the passive engagement of the former Imperial Government. Lastly, the Simen Mountains National Park founded in 1969 to save the endemic animals and in 1978 it registered as a world heritage site. Since 1984 the park has been left without control because of the civil war. Even today the park is found endangered given providing the resources for the survival of the local community.