08/07/2026
Experience-Sharing Workshop Opens in Arba Minch to Strengthen Wildlife Conservation
Arba Minch, Ethiopia | 8 July 2026 – (EWCA)
A two-day Experience-Sharing Workshop on Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation opened today at Haile Resort, Arba Minch, bringing together government institutions, development partners, conservation organizations, national park wardens, regional protected area managers, and other stakeholders to review achievements, share experiences, and discuss future priorities for biodiversity conservation in Ethiopia.
The workshop is jointly organized by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Priority Protected Areas Project, implemented with the financial and technical support of the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank.
The Workshop aims to strengthen collaboration among conservation partners by sharing lessons learned, best practices, and practical recommendations for improving protected area management and biodiversity conservation.
The experience sharing workshop focus on conservation challenges facing Ethiopia's protected areas, project responses to conservation threats, evolving best practices, experiences from international exposure visits, and approaches for integrating successful interventions into national conservation strategies.
Opening the workshop, State Minister of Tourism Mr. Sileshi Girma described biodiversity as one of Ethiopia's greatest national assets, emphasizing that protected areas not only conserve unique wildlife but also support sustainable tourism and improve the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
He reaffirmed the Government of Ethiopia's commitment to developing tourism destinations through strong collaboration with local communities, government institutions, and development partners, adding that the workshop provides an important opportunity to learn from both achievements and implementation challenges.
Speaking at the event, EWCA Director General Mr. Kumera Wakjira expressed his appreciation to the Government of Germany for its longstanding financial and technical support through KfW, highlighting its significant contribution to biodiversity conservation in Ethiopia.
He noted that Ethiopia's rich ecosystems and unique wildlife are of national, regional, and global importance and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening the country's protected area system and conserving its extraordinary biodiversity.
Representing KfW/GITEC, Mr. Peter Keil-Bruder presented the project's major achievements, implementation experiences, and challenges, underscoring the importance of continued partnership in enhancing conservation efforts.
The workshop will continue through 9 July 2026, with participants expected to develop practical recommendations that will further strengthen protected area management and biodiversity conservation across Ethiopia.