ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND RELATED POLICY MEASURES ON PROTECTED AREAS AND THE ECOTOURISM SECTOR IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the ecotourism sector in Ethiopia, including its protected areas. The present study assessed the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and related policy measures on protected areas and ecotourism sector in Ethiopia. The study systematically examined the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic on protected areas (PAs). By synthesizing data from focus group discussions (FGD) and secondary sources, we have presented a comprehensive analysis on the consequences for protected areas and the Ecotourism sector in general. The effects identified were divided into seven categories. The impacts were decline in number of incoming tourists, Revenue and Job losses, economic impact, Conservation challenges Shift in priorities, Opportunities for reflection and planning as well as positive and negative environmental effects. Generally, the results provided valuable insights for policy makers, conservation practitioners, and stakeholders working towards the sustainable management of PAs. In addition, the identified effects provide basis for further research on the method to reducing the negative effects.