Rescue Abijata Shalla Lakes National Park!

Retreating Shoreline at Abijata

Abijata Shalla Lakes National Park, approximately 887 km2, once famous for its aquatic bird diversity, its two alkaline lakes, hot springs, plentiful fish stocks in both lakes, is degrading dramatically. The water level has declined due to various factors mainly the soda ash factory and increased irrigation upstream. The rivers Bulbula, Gogessa and Hora Kelo end in Lake Abijata. However, the heavy use of water upstream along Bulbula and Hora Kelo results in a low supply of fresh water from outside the park. The shores of Abijata are retreating, leaving stripped plains of sand behind. Other challenges that Abijata Shalla is facing, are overgrazing and deforestation. Almost 30,000 people are living in this National Park and they all depend on its wood resources for fuel wood and charcoal production, livestock rearing and subsistence agriculture. But the grass is gone and the soil is exhausted. The communities have no other source of income. And that’s not all, every day 80 tracks of sand were - until recently - being transported from the park to surrounding cities for construction. This left many acacia trees unintentionally uprooted and fallen.  

Studying the mapNot a bright story about a National Park... A team of HoA-REC staff, Ato Dekebo Dale from ANCEDA  (Arsi-Negele Nature Conservation and Environmental Development Association based in Arsi Negele, close to the park ), and Ato Adem Mohammed, the park warden of EWCA (Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, responsible for the management of national parks), visit  the area on Thursday, November 24th. They are sharing their concerns, but by talking about it, they also get inspired to fight this sadning development. “These people need to learn how to adapt to climate change. If they can diversify their livelihood, besides agriculture and livestock, that would spread their chances,” says Ato Dekebo. 

Environmental expert Debberah ten Velthuis from the Netherlands, currently working for HoA-REC, is teaming up with Dr. Almaz from HoA-REC and Ato Dekebo to study the feasibility of agro-forestry and tree plantations right outside the park. It could be nursed by the communities. The fruit can provide extra income and ingredients could be sold for cosmetic purposes. And besides, Abijata Shalla has great potential for Eco-tourism, adds Ato Adem, whose eyes are starting to sparkle: “Some early investors in tourism, who have fled the area, are actually showing their willingness to come back and re-invest when the park is rehabilitated.”

Ato Dekebo and Ato Adem shake hands: “ANCEDA will support future developments as much as possible,” promises Ato Dekebo. “With the support and knowledge of HoA-REC we’ll do our utmost to turn things around.” This story might not end as sad as it started…! Everyone who is interested to rescue Abijata Shalla Lakes National Park is welcome to hop on board! 

An uprooted tree

More information

ANCEDA: Mr. Dekebo Dale, Director, (+251)(0)46 11 62 397 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.