Safeguarding of Ethiopia Endemic Walia Ibex

Dear Donors and Supporters, This report provides an update on the progress made toward the protection of the Endemic Walia Ibex species in Ethiopia. We are deeply grateful for the continued support from GlobalGiving, which has allowed us to sustain momentum and advance our mission to protect this unique species endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands. Despite raising only $50 in this reporting period, these funds have played a crucial role in initiating key activities that will contribute to the long-term conservation of the Endemic Walia Ibex species. Through these donations, we have made significant strides in community engagement and awareness, which are critical for the future of the Endemic Walia Ibex. Key Accomplishments 1. Community Engagement and Awareness Campaigns: With the funds raised, we have successfully initiated local community engagement activities, which are pivotal to the success of the Endemic Walia Ibex species protection efforts. Our primary focus has been on raising awareness about the importance of conserving the Endemic Walia Ibex, particularly in areas surrounding the Endemic Walia Ibex’s natural habitats. o Training for Local Communities: We have commenced training sessions aimed at educating local communities about the ecological significance of the Endemic Walia Ibexand the role they can play in its conservation. These sessions emphasize sustainable practices, ecological balance, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the preservation of the species. o Awareness Campaigns: In addition to training, we have launched an awareness campaign that targets both local residents and visitors to the region. The campaign includes workshops, printed materials, and social media outreach, all of which collectively aim to inform people about Endemic Walia Ibex role in the ecosystem and the urgent need for conservation efforts. This has helped increase local involvement and heightened awareness of the importance of protecting the species. 2. Strengthening Local Partnerships: Through the support of the funds raised, we have established strong connections with local stakeholders, including community leaders, park rangers, and environmental groups. These partnerships will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability of conservation efforts for the Endemic Walia Ibexin the future. Collaborative work with local stakeholders has helped to integrate conservation efforts into the fabric of local communities and ensures long-term engagement. We are grateful for the continued support of GlobalGiving, which has allowed us to make meaningful progress toward the protection of the Endemic Walia Ibex. While funding remains a challenge, the work done so far—especially in terms of community engagement and strengthening local partnerships—lays a strong foundation for the future. With your continued support, we are confident that we can overcome these challenges and achieve long-term success in protecting the Endemic Walia Ibex species in Ethiopia. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to this important cause. Challenges and Future Directions Despite these accomplishments, we are mindful of several challenges: • Funding Shortages: The limited funds raised in this period ($50) are insufficient to scale up our initiatives. As a result, we need to focus on expanding our fundraising efforts to continue the work in a meaningful way. • Ongoing Advocacy: We are also facing challenges related to continued advocacy for conservation and environmental protection policies, especially in light of the recent freeze on U.S. foreign aid. The uncertainty created by this freeze poses significant challenges to long-term planning and the implementation of our conservation strategies. Looking forward, we will seek to: 1. Increase Fundraising Efforts: Pursue additional sources of funding to sustain the momentum and expand our initiatives. 2. Strengthen Partnerships: Continue to build and foster partnerships with key local stakeholders to enhance the reach and impact of our community engagement and conservation activities. Please note that all the photos included in this report feature MHO's primary beneficiaries.