THREATS AND ECOTOURISM POTENTIALS OF AREKIT LAKE IN GUMMER WOREDA, GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The Study Was conducted to examine or identify Threats and Ecotourism Potentials of Arekit Lake in Gummer Woreda, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. Lake is a body of water surrounded on all side by land and Lake Water is standing, meaning, it does not flow. Lakes are among the most fragile environments due to anthropogenic effects alongside natural phenomena that can trigger rapid environmental changes to their ecosystems. The main Objective of the Study Was to Identify: the Ecotourism potentials, to examine major threats, and to identify the constraints of ecotourism development practices in Lake Arekit. The Data were collected by means of both primary and secondary data used questionnaire, interview, and direct field observation. The secondary source of data was used, written and unwritten materials, internet sources, newspaper, and research.The major threats in the study area, Agricultural expansion, Pollution, Irrigation, Dropping of plastics, Invasive plant species like eucalyptus tree and Car washing. Major constraints of ecotourism development practices in the study areas: lack of promotion, lack of infrastructure, low level of community awareness, lack of effective implementation of policy and shortage of budget. The mitigation methods of the problems Creating awareness and giving proper training to all stockholders, to stop car washing, to reduce or minimize agricultural practice and irrigation, to cutting down invasive plant species near the lakes, to formulate rules and regulation, to recognize, promote and conservation practice develop, to increase and facilitate work of ecotourism development activity and also Creates qualified person and management strategy.