Choke Mountain Village Transforms Tourism with a Sustainability Blueprint

Jul 8 , 2023
By Asrat Begashaw

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An eco-revolution is happening in the heart of Ethiopia, where the humble village of Choke Mountains is rewriting the rules of the tourism playbook. Home to the Mulu Eco Lodge, it has just been crowned the Best Tourism Village by the UN World Tourism Organisation, a well-deserved recognition for this champion of sustainable tourism.

The lush terrains, rich historical legacy, and unique wildlife of Ethiopia offer an intriguing lens through which to examine sustainable tourism, a concept rapidly gaining currency in today's global travel industry. At the epicentre of this discussion, nestled amidst the spectacular mountains in the Amhara Regional State, is a paragon of sustainable tourism, uniting the trifecta of environmental stewardship, socio-economic growth, and community empowerment.

Mulu Eco Lodge, held to the microscope of strict evaluative criteria, exhibited exemplary dedication to sustainable practices in numerous spheres.

Ethiopia's vista of sustainable tourism paints a vivid portrait of ecological responsibility. An abundant plethora of natural resources, including the awe-inspiring Choke Mountain and the serene Kajam River, beckon travellers from all corners of the globe. Yet, the Mulu Eco Lodge understands that it is entrusted with a mission of showcasing these wonders and safeguarding them through meticulous waste management, biodiversity protection, and energy conservation.

This harmonious symphony of human habitation and nature preservation is echoed in the lodge's approach to conservation. A staunch commitment to protecting the area's lush rainforests and diverse wildlife species finds the eco-lodge playing an active role in numerous local conservation efforts.

The lodge's operational ethos embraces environmentally sound practices, from utilising renewable energy sources and waste reduction strategies to implementing sustainable farming techniques.

Accommodation options at the lodge are a testament to its devotion to environmental sustainability. Rustic rooms constructed from eco-friendly materials offer guests a comfortable stay that, rather than imposing on the natural surroundings, assimilates seamlessly into them.

A peek into the lodge's itinerary of eco-tours and guided activities offers a tantalising taste of immersive, conscientious travel. Guests are invited to lose themselves in nature's marvels, from thrilling canopy walks to intriguing cave explorations, all while gaining valuable insights into the importance of ecosystem conservation.

A stay at the lodge is not simply a vacation—it is an investment in the local community's sustainability and development. It is a moving testament to the positive impacts that responsible tourism can engender for the environment and the communities that call it home.

Yet, the blueprint of sustainable tourism in Ethiopia goes beyond the protection of its natural assets. It involves the painstaking preservation of the country's innumerable cultural treasures, such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the iconic obelisks of Axum, and the majestic castles of Gondar.

Sustainable tourism initiatives are centred on fostering cultural awareness, promoting traditional crafts, and engendering respectful tourist behaviour.

At the core of Ethiopia's sustainable tourism vision is empowering its communities. As custodians of the country's vast natural and cultural wealth, local communities have a crucial role in tourism. By engaging them in decision-making and ensuring they partake in the benefits of tourism, sustainable livelihoods can be fostered, and poverty can be reduced.

Education forms a central pillar of sustainable tourism. Awareness programs informing visitors about their host country's customs, traditions, and etiquette are crucial for fostering cultural exchange and promoting responsible behaviour. By cultivating an understanding and respect for local cultures and supporting local economies, sustainable tourism sets the stage for mutually beneficial interactions between visitors and communities.

In essence, the ethos of sustainable tourism forms a cornerstone of Ethiopia's tourism strategy.

By weaving together environmental, socio-economic, and cultural considerations, Ethiopia can cultivate a thriving tourism industry that does not detract from but rather enriches its remarkable natural and cultural heritage. Through the judicious stewardship of resources, the empowerment of communities, and the education of visitors, Ethiopia is paving the way for a tourism model that benefits current and future generations.

It is a beacon illuminating the path towards a future where travel no longer needs to be at odds with sustainability.

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PUBLISHED ON Jul 08,2023 [ VOL 24 , NO 1210]

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