Our Projects / Projects in Development / Chom'a MekelleEstablishing Chom'a Mekelle Natural Park
Creating a protected natural space where people can reconnect with nature while supporting biodiversity conservation in Northern Ethiopia.
QUICK FACTS
Location
MEKELLE, TIGRAY REGION, NORTHERN ETHIOPIAChom'a Mekelle Natural Park site
Restoration Activities
PROTECTED AREA DEVELOPMENTHabitat restoration and native vegetation recovery
Landscape Works
PARK ESTABLISHMENT AND SITE REGENERATIONApproximately 1.5 km² of protected landscape
Lead Partner
LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERMahber Chom'a Meskel Mekelle
Impact Focus
BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION AND COMMUNITY ACCESSConservation, environmental education and public wellbeing
Project Timeline
FUTURE PROJECT2027 onwards
Mekelle, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia
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PROJECT OVERVIEWThe Chom'a Mekelle Natural Park initiative aims to establish a protected natural landscape on the outskirts of Mekelle, creating a place where biodiversity conservation and community wellbeing can thrive together.
The project seeks to regenerate native habitats, encourage the return of wildlife, and provide opportunities for recreation, environmental learning, and public engagement.
By creating a permanent protected area, the initiative demonstrates how conservation can benefit both nature and local communities while preserving valuable ecological resources for future generations.
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Why this matters
Rapid urban growth and environmental pressures have reduced natural habitats around Mekelle, limiting opportunities for biodiversity to flourish and for communities to access natural green spaces.
Without protection, remaining natural landscapes face increasing risks from degradation, habitat loss, and unsustainable land use.
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Creating a protected Natural Park
The project will establish a dedicated conservation area covering approximately 1.5 square kilometres of land leased rent-free for 99 years.
Activities include:
habitat restoration
protection of native vegetation
biodiversity monitoring
development of visitor infrastructure that encourages responsible access to nature.
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Connecting people with nature
The park is designed as a place for learning, recreation, and environmental awareness.
Schools, universities, local organisations, and visitors will have opportunities to engage with conservation activities while experiencing the ecological value of the landscape firsthand.
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Long-term environmental benefits
The initiative will help safeguard biodiversity, improve ecosystem resilience, and create a lasting natural asset for the city of Mekelle.
By combining conservation, education, and public access, the project aims to inspire future generations to value and protect Ethiopia's natural heritage.
Mahber Chom'a Meskel Mekelle is a community-based organisation dedicated to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the Chom'a Mekelle landscape.
Working alongside local communities, government institutions and conservation partners, the organisation is leading the development of Chom'a Mekelle Natural Park, helping restore degraded habitats while creating opportunities for environmental education, sustainable tourism and long-term stewardship.
Its vision is to establish a protected landscape that safeguards biodiversity, celebrates the area's cultural significance and delivers lasting benefits for both people and nature.
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