Background: Like much of Ethiopia, the remote Highland region between Mount Abuna Joseph and Aboy is characterised by its poverty, sparse subsistence farming and the friendliness and hospitality of its people. The area offers superb walking along the dramatic horseshoe ridge, together with opportunities to see indigenous species such as the Ethiopian Wolf, Gelada baboon and kiipspringer, as well as large raptors such as Marshals eagles and Lamagiers.

Problem: The outstanding environmental resources provide no economic contribution to local communities, and as population increases and poverty bites deeper this increases the dangers of permanent environmental degradation.

Project: To build three new tukul lodges, owned and managed by local communities, providing accommodation and hospitality - so attracting travellers to the area to walk the spectacular country and its panoramic ridge. ATG Oxford has been invited to also contribute its training and management experience.

Sustainability: These community-owned lodges will provide a direct income from tourism, and also create a market for local produce, as well as employment opportunities (guides etc.) and incentivise people to conserve their environmental and cultural resource.

Project in progress