Eco-Tourism Development in the North Central Highlands of Ethiopian Country – Special Reference to Guna Mountains, South Gondar Zone

Eco- tourism is an optional form of tourism and has become the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry, recently getting high attention by the world people. Regarding to these, Mountains are important assets for the eco tourism development, Thereby, encouraging community based eco tourism development in Mountainous area can bring numerous socioeconomic benefits to the North Central highlands of Ethiopia in general and Guna Mountain in particular. Considering such issues this study focused on the assessment of potentials, challenges and opportunity for eco-tourism development in Guna Mountain.. The study ensured that the Mountain has mammoth eco tourism potentials of broad altitudinal range, geological and topographic setup catered diverse biological resources, scenic features with unique endemic fauna and flora species. Besides, In addition the Mountain has a history of major battle field of the war between Durge and EPRDF. Furthermore, the study confirmed that local community has positive attitude towards the benefit of eco tourism development, Absence of Tourist facilities (hotels, camp sites lodges, in availability of electricity and absence of Shopping) also the other factor. the potential benefit of ecotourism, attention of higher educational institutions, government policy on the upgrading and development of new infrastructure throughout the country, an increasing of investment on Tourist facility in the nearby town, the country peace & security, hospitality of the local people.