Ethiopian Government partners with African Parks to manage Gambella National Park
African Parks has entered into a significant long-term management agreement with Ethiopia's Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and the Gambella Regional State to oversee the country's largest protected area, Gambella National Park. The partnership, which begins with a 12-month transition period, aims to develop comprehensive conservation strategies while promoting sustainable resource management and creating economic opportunities for local communities. This agreement adds Gambella National Park to African Parks' extensive network, which now manages 23 protected areas across 13 African countries.
The 4,575-square-kilometer Gambella National Park, established in 1973, plays a crucial role in one of Earth's largest land mammal migrations, with approximately six million antelope traversing the broader landscape that includes South Sudan's Boma-Badingilo national parks. The park, bordered by the Baro and Akobo river systems, hosts Ethiopia's largest elephant population, endangered Nubian giraffes, and diverse wildlife including over 230 bird species and 113 fish species. This new management agreement represents a collaborative effort to protect this vital ecosystem while ensuring sustainable development for the region's communities.
Source: Ethiopian Monitor