Introduction

Ethiopia, located in the horn of Africa, has long been recognized for its wealth of natural resources, endemic species, and high biodiversity (Table 1). While Ethiopians have recognized the commercial value of their natural assets for some time, these assets remained largely unprotected until the mid-1960s, when the government instituted a conservation- and protected-area program. The primary intention of this program was to establish bylaws and areas for the conservation and protection of a range of species and habitats. The promotion of tourism and income generation were secondary priorities (Turton, 1987; Abraha Misginna, 1991).

Despite getting a late start on conservation, Ethiopia has accomplished a considerable amount and should be commended for its efforts. Most important has been its attempt to conserve the largest area of afro-alpine habitat on the continent (Bale Mountains National Park) and ensure the survival of several endangered species and endemics. These include the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), Mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), Walia ibex (Capra walie), African elephant (Loxodonta africana), African wildass (Equus africanus), Soemmerring's gazelle (Gazella soemmerringii), Swayne's hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei), and the genetic material of many other species.

Other notable activities include the establishment of numerous protected areas and the conservation of diverse native species within these areas. These initiatives were undertaken for the sake of education, research, and recreation, and because these areas provide such essential items as fuel wood, building materials, forage, traditional medicines, and wild foods (Figure 1. Ethiopia's protected areas.)

Despite these achievements, there have been many setbacks. To date, it has lost the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), and several other species now face the threat of extinction (Hillman, 1993b; IUCN, 1996). Due to the lack of data, there also is cause for concern over how many other species may be at risk (Hillman, 1993a). Additionally, several of Ethiopia's protected areas exist on paper only, while others have declined in size or quality (Hurni, 1986; Hillman, 1992, 1993a; Jacobs and Schloeder, 1993). Some of these setbacks are the result of Ethiopia's earliest conflicts and the reasons for them, including the predilection to expand empires and wealth, to control trade throughout the Horn of Africa, and ethno-religious differences (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/ettoc.html 2000). The majority of conservation problems, however, can be attributed to Ethiopia's adoption and implementation of an exclusionary protected-area policy -- and to the causes and consequences of its prolonged engagement in two particular conflicts.

This chapter analyzes the issues that led to the Ethiopia-Eritrea civil war (1961-1991) and the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution. It also examines the impacts of these conflicts on the government's conservation- and protected-area program in the context of an exclusionary protected-area policy. Likewise, it provides a description of donor organizations working in Ethiopia during and after these conflicts, and their responses. While the discussion centers on the specific circumstances of Ethiopia, it should be applicable to other African countries that are experiencing similar conservation challenges caused by prolonged armed conflict.