The issues of conservation and development, cultural norms and the enhancement of natural resources are linked and cannot be understood in isolation. In the current context of Lungwe Lake, understanding such relationships necessarily requires a better understanding of the different natural resource management systems in place. In this context, better understanding and preserving the ecosystem services and socio-cultural values of Lake Lungwe in the Itombwe Nature Reserve (RNI) is a necessity for its development. This is the objective of this study on the beliefs of local communities regarding the management of Lungwe Lake. The importance and contribution of local beliefs and traditions of indigenous peoples is no longer demonstrated in the management of a protected area and the enhancement of ecosystem services. Lungwe Lake is a concrete example. Indeed, at the end of the surveys carried out in the villages surrounding Lungwe Lake in the chiefdom of Lwindi, the results showed that several myths were once attributed to Lungwe Lake by ancestors. These practices continue to be passed down from generation to generation. However, cultural practices relating to biodiversity conservation represent a value that has been overlooked or considered less unimportant by policy makers or some scientific circles, simply because they are linked to superstition. different interpretations and or negligence on the part of certain people. These surveys revealed to us the current awakening of consciousness of local communities wishing to enhance the value of Lungwe Lake through tourism activities. Also, the rehabilitation of such practices would be part of the national strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and the equitable sharing of the benefits of the exploitation of natural resources. This strategy is based, among other things, on taking into account traditional methods of cultural practices and biodiversity conservation within the RNI and relating to the management of natural resources. This turns out to be not only a possible solution for the opening up and development of entities around the lake, but also, a realistic avenue with regard to the challenge of the current mode of management of the Itombwe Natural Reserve which encompasses them.
Wildlife and Ecotourism Contributions for Sustainable Natural Resource Management In and Around Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia
