OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN BORENA-SAYINT NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the challenges and opportunities for developing ecotourism in the BSNP. To this end the research has attempted to integrate both qualitative and quantitative approaches and descriptive method was employed. The participant of this study was member of local community, park of icials, government of icials and lodge owners. Interview, focused group discussion and observation were used as instruments of data collection. The finding was showed that BSNP and the surrounding community have an excellent opportunity develop as an ecotourism destination. The opportunities includes like scenery, Flora, fauna. Cultural ecotourism resources and the challenges to develop ecotourism are absence of buf er zone(45%), lack of infrastructure (70%), lack of trained man power(60%), park community relationship(50%), Lack of stakeholders’ Cooperation and Integration(75%), Shape of the Park(30%), and Inadequate Financial Allocation(85%). Finally, the researcher strongly recommends all the concerned bodies to focus on the significance.