Way forward for the Sustainable Development of Protected Areas: Integrated Strategic Development Approaches

Abstract

The general aim of this book is to explore the knowledge gap on the impact of human activity on the natural capitals of protected areas and devise strategic approaches through the formulation of a conceptual framework which will help to enhance the management and governance of protected areas (by taking the case of Nech Sar National Park). This chapter, hence, is designed to summarize the current state of the park’s biodiversity and ecosystem services. It will also pinpoint the major human induced factors that aggravate the degradation of the protected area. In reversing this damage, the chapter also offers strategic directions which will help to enhance the sustainable development of Ethiopia’s protected areas. This encompasses a range of strategic activities such as ecotourism, modernizing the agricultural sector and medicinal plants utilization. The recommendations are also believed to help the sustainable development of protected areas found in other developing countries. The chapter also provides the concluding remarks of the research by describing the contributions of the study to the body of knowledge, policy level implications, the integrated development strategic approach, and others. Further research recommendations which are believed to contribute for the sustainable development of protected areas are provided in the chapter.