African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is a leading international conservation organization dedicated to protecting Africa’s wildlife and wildlands. AWF works closely with governments, local communities, and conservation groups to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. In Ethiopia, AWF has supported wildlife conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat restoration. Their initiatives in Simien Mountains National Park focus on wildlife protection, eco-friendly tourism, and community engagement. By empowering local communities and ensuring the coexistence of people and nature, AWF plays a vital role in safeguarding Ethiopia’s rich natural heritage.
The Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC)
The Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) has been one of the main supporters of Simien Mountains National Park since 1998. Their work focuses on improving park infrastructure and promoting community-based tourism. ADC also helps local communities reduce their dependence on natural resources by supporting alternative livelihoods, land rights, watershed management, and improved livestock farming. A new phase of their project, which started in 2013, also includes support for other areas in North Gondar Zone and Alatish National Park.
The Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP)
The Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP) is a wildlife conservation initiative led by the University of Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU). Established in 1995, the program focuses on protecting the endangered Ethiopian wolves, which are found only in Ethiopia’s Afroalpine highlands. EWCP works with local communities and government authorities to address the major threats facing these rare animals, including habitat loss and disease. The program also raises awareness about the importance of Ethiopian wolves as a flagship species for protecting the entire Afroalpine ecosystem, which is home to many unique plants and animals.
These organizations play a crucial role in protecting the biodiversity of Simien Mountains National Park and ensuring a sustainable future for wildlife and local communities.