Design and preparation of a programme document “Protection of the Simien Mountains National Park and development of the park and surrounding areas”

Services provided by Skat: analyse lessons learned and evaluation results of relevant projects; do a stakeholder analysis (Park administration, ministries and administration, tourism organisations, etc.), conduct focus group discussions with women, youth and other groups in villages (inclusive market system analysis); develop participatory program concept in close cooperation with beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Objective: The programme document to be elaborated (logframe, budget, etc.) has 4 main targets

1. Modern and effective park management including community engagement and participation
2. Sustainable & inclusive economic development through sustainable land management, alternative livelihood opportunities, value chain development and integrated regional development
3. Sustainable eco-tourism benefitting local communities, region and SMNP
4. Strengthen institutional planning, implementation and technical capacities of Ethiopian Wildlife & Conservation Authority EWCA and involved regional and local authorities

Activities: Review of available documents (sector & regional development strategies/policies, etc.); focus group discussions in 6 villages; stakeholder interviews e.g. with associations (of guides, cooks, villages etc.), ministries, donor agencies, tour operators, lodges; two stakeholder workshops; elaboration of an “options paper” and the final programme document including logframe, detailed budget etc..

Results: comprehensive programme document as basis for the implementation of a 3 years programme: activities, outputs, outcomes, indicators and objectives (result framework), risk assessment and detailed project budget, time schedule, implementation modalities, steering structure, M&E plan, exit strategy.