Environmental and Social Impact Assessment - Gibe III

Gibe III – Environmental and Social Impact Assessment 300 ENV R CS 002 C - A9003099
It is reported, however, that there has been substantial increase in the commercial fishing lately on the river
delta, at Omorate, and Lake Turkana, following the depletion of fish in some Rift Valley lakes and
subsequent shortage of supply in the main market. Fishermen and fish traders have migrated to this lower
part of the river to find better catch and income from the fishery.
5.2.5 Wildlife Resources
This section examines wildlife resources that occur in and around the future reservoir area including the
hillslopes and the area downstream of the Gibe III dam.
The Gibe III dam and reservoir is located in the upper middle section of the Omo-Gibe basin. During the
field investigation, distribution pattern of major wildlife resources and the major types of agro-ecological
zones, vegetation communities and habitats were identified. The ecological importance of these areas from
global and national context is described.
5.2.5.1 Wildlife Resources in and Around the Reservoir Area
To assess the wildlife resources, secondary data and information and other documents relevant to the study
have been reviewed. Detailed investigation about the wildlife resources was carried out at several
observation zones/ transects. The wildlife expert and his field team have observed animals and their signs
(calls, tracks, etc) along these transects.
Information is obtained through formal and informal discussions with the local communities living in the
project area. This consultation with the communities based on their daily experience and historic observation
had enabled us to know the animals that are occupying the area.
Based on the assessment, the number of wildlife species in the project area is low and does not rate well with
areas in downstream of Gibe III dam. The fact that we encountered no large mammal except a single
common Jacscal, seems that the area harbours only limited number of wildlife. However, the local residents
and professionals from the offices of Agriculture interviewed during the field studies reported the presence
of wildlife within the project area. The wildlife species that have been recorded for the area and birds
encountered along the observed transects are listed in Annex 2.
Findings of the investigation about the wildlife resources along the four observation zones/ transects are
discussed below:
The Main Bridge area on the Omo river: The site is located at 327067E and 763895N UTM. The area
topographically is characterized by a deep river gorge and steep slopes along both sides of the river. The
main wildlife species we are told represent the area are Black and white Colobus, Anubis baboon, Grevet
monkey, Leopard, Hare, Warthog, Common Bushbuck and Hyena.
Cherta: This is an area located at specifically a place called Lala Yalo at 316504E and 769407UTM is a
place where the Zao river joins Gojeb which later join Omo River. It is a wide un-inhabited area, on the
South West side of Omo River sides it is open and unsettled. The area is a very important habitat for
different kinds of antelopes, Bush buck, and Baboons. Birds encountered along the visited river sides are
listed in Annex 2.
GG-III Dam Site: Located at 313273N and 758597E this area is narrow towards southern end where the river
is constricted by two rocky hills raised up each on both sides of the river. The area further north after about
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