Environmental and Social Impact Assessment - Gibe III

Gibe III – Environmental and Social Impact Assessment 300 ENV R CS 002 C - A9003099
2.2.5 Wildlife Policy
The wildlife policy covers a wide range of policies and strategies relating, amongst others, to wildlife
conservation and protected areas. It is developed by the forms Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development whose prime objective is the preservation, development and sustainable utilization of
Ethiopia’s wildlife resources for social and economic development and for the integrity of the biosphere.
The newly approved Ethiopian Wildlife Policy and Strategy article 1 sub article 1.1 requires the need to
manage, properly administer wildlife and habitat even out side protected area (FDRE, 2006). In Art. 1 sub
article 1.3 the policy also suggest wildlife resource must be taken in to consideration when changing their
habitat as a result of their activity.
Based on international criteria, the protected areas of Ethiopia have been divided into four categories, each
having its own laws and regulations. The policy document presents the different Categories of Conservation
Managements. The highest ranked are the National Parks, where strict legislation is applicable. These are
followed by Game Reserves, Sanctuaries and finally, Controlled Hunting Areas.
The National Biodiversity Conservation and Research Policy approved in April, 1998 has put as an objective
among others, to ensure that the genetic resources and essential ecosystems of the country are conserved,
developed and sustainable used.
2.2.6 Forest Policy and Strategy
There is no forest policy statement in place at the federal level. However, draft forest development and
conservation policy is currently under discussion in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and
also at regional levels. They are expected to express the determination and commitment of the government to
conserve and develop and rehabilitate the forest resources of the country and region.
The most recent legislation is the Proclamation on Conservation, Development and Utilization of Forests and
it was issued in 1994 (Proclamation No. 94/1994) to provide for the Conservation, Development and
Utilization of Forests. The objective of this Proclamation is to provide the basis for sustainable utilization of
the country’s forest resources. The Proclamation categorizes types of forest ownership (State, Regional and
Private Forests). And then goes on to give some specific direction for the utilization of State and Regional
Forests, and lists prohibited activities within protected forests.
2.2.7 The National Policy on Women
This Policy was issued in March 1993 and stresses that all economic and social programs and activities
should ensure equal access of men and women to the country’s resources and in the decision making process
so that they can benefit equally from all activities carried out by the central and regional institutions.
2.2.8 Research and conservation of Ethiopian cultural heritage
Article 51/3 of the constitution of the FDRE declares the Federal government 'shall establish and implement
national standards and basic policy criteria for public health, education, science, and technology as well as
for the protection and preservation of cultural and historical heritage'.
Based on this, the Council of Ministers of FDRE endorsed the cultural policy of Ethiopia in October 1997
and issued the Research and Conservation of cultural Heritage proclamation NO.209/2000.
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