The relocation of the village of Arkwasiye in the Simien Mountain National Park in Ethiopia: an intervention towards sustainable development?

Relocation of the village Arkwasiye to Kayit in Ethiopia's Simien Mountains National Park, intended as part of conservation efforts by UNESCO, led to mixed outcomes. While villagers reported satisfaction with new infrastructures and services, the move resulted in significant economic drawbacks, including loss of earning opportunities and increased grazing pressures—contradicting the intervention's goals. The study highlights that relocation for conservation must be closely monitored and accompanied by tailored strategies to ensure sustainable development. It offers five recommendations based on these findings.

Tessema, T. B., Jungmeier, M., & Huber, M. (2012). The relocation of the village of Arkwasiye in the Simien Mountain National Park in Ethiopia: an intervention towards sustainable development? Eco.Mont (Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research), 4(2), 13–20. https://doi.org/10.1553/eco.mont-4-2s13