The Hailemariam and Roman Foundation (HRF), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) hosted a conference today at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Addis Ababa themed Protecting National Parks for Development and Prosperity. The whole program was supported by GIZ-BFP. The forum was attended by high-ranking public officials, ambassadors, NGOs, public figures and head of cooperation agencies.
Research papers and videos demonstrating the existing situation of the national parks and biodiversity utilization were presented at the forum.
During the event, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Chair of the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation, and Chair of AGRA, remarked, “Ecosystems are fragile and conserving and managing them has financial costs that governments rarely recognize.” He further added, “Any conservation effort that does not involve the community is worthless and partners should pursue conservation goals that address both partner communities’ environmental and socioeconomic concerns.”
The conference drew high-level attention to Ethiopian national parks, raising awareness of the challenges they face as well as the immense economic value of their natural resources and their significance to Ethiopians’ well-being.
Hailemariam & Roman Foundation
May 2022, Addis Ababa