On January 24, 2025, high-level delegates from the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF) conducted a courtesy visit to the Maze National Park project sites and surrounding beneficiary communities. The delegation included H.E. Roman Tesfaye, former First Lady of Ethiopia and CEO of the HRF; Dr. Sosina Hailemariam, Deputy CEO and head of Programs; Dr. Alemayehu Assefa, Chief of Program for Climate Smart Conservation and eco-tourism; and other program members.
The visit was part of the ongoing project, “Preservation of Maze National Park & Its Watersheds,” which is a five-year project being implemented by HRF in partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and runs from August 2023 to August 2028.
During a six-month project performance and the next two-quarters plan of action review session at the Maze Park site, the team highlighted several key achievements. Notably, community-based firefighting brigades across 17 park Kebeles and inclusive taskforces have been established, consisting of 14 community members from diverse backgrounds. The project has prioritized six sustainable livelihood options, forming 34 livelihood groups across six Kebeles for 2024. These groups include 50% women, 30% youth, and 20% vulnerable individuals.
Furthermore, the initiative established five multi-purpose cooperatives alongside community governance structures for resource and fire management for 2024. Strengthening school environmental clubs is also underway in four primary and 1 secondary schools, with infrastructure bidding documents being developed in accordance with Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) guidelines to ensure environmental protection and community engagement.
The high-level delegates concluded their visit by consulting with the park’s surrounding beneficiary communities. Local representatives shared updates on their collaborative efforts with the HRF and expressing their commitment to the project, which aims to enhance community benefits and sustainable development in the region.