Ethiopia has diverse and rich land throughout the country, however, humans are interfering with the environment’s natural course and the government is trying to take action. We see this happening in Goba, Ethiopia. UNESCO plans to relocate 20,000 people living in Bale Mountains National Park to promote environmental growth. Nevertheless, another moral dilemma arises about the displacement of people and villages. The village is known as Rita, a lush forest that has been used for farming for many decades. In various interviews of the residents, they mention how they are not refugees and have been legally recognized. Rita Village benefits the community economically and socially, including their culture. “’Our spirit is connected to nature; I can’t stay a day out of this place.’” Some individuals are being compensated for the relocation plan with money, but that doesn’t alleviate their minds about leaving their homes.
While the relocation causes stress and inconvenience for the villagers, the national park is critically important for many species that are currently endangered. Expansion and encroachment reduce natural resources and water, including an increase in invasive species. The balance between maintaining community and biodiversity is a challenge; it seems as if both outcomes result in a negative for either. The villagers of Rita believe that the environment provides for them and they provide for the environment, like any other symbiotic relationship. The relocation plan hasn’t started for the Rita villagers and park officials mention that resettlement will take a few years.