Aim and Scope of Makira Journal of Natural Resource Management and Conservation
Makira Journal is a specialized academic journal that focuses on research, practices, and policies related to Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Conservation within Ethiopia and the broader East African region. The journal aims to foster the sustainable use, conservation, and management of natural resources in the context of Ethiopia's unique ecological, social, and economic landscape.
It serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research that bridges the gap between local knowledge, scientific advancements, and policy action for the effective management of natural resources, with particular attention to the challenges and opportunities present in the SW Ethiopian region and the surrounding areas.
Aims
- Promote Sustainable Resource Use:
The journal advances sustainable management of land, water, forests, and biodiversity in Ethiopia’s ecosystems, contributing to knowledge on resource use in the Horn of Africa.
- Conserve Biodiversity and Ecosystems:
The journal supports efforts to protect critical habitats, endemic species, and ecosystems, focusing on conservation in SW Ethiopia’s forests and highlands.
- Integrate Local and Scientific Knowledge:
By combining traditional resource management practices with modern science, the journal aims to develop culturally relevant, sustainable approaches to conservation.
- Address Climate Change:
The journal highlights research on climate change impacts and adaptive strategies to mitigate risks such as drought, flooding, and altered rainfall patterns in Ethiopia.
- Support Policy and Governance:
The journal promotes research to inform policy and strengthen governance for sustainable resource management, empowering local communities in decision-making.
Scope
- Forest and Land Management:
Focus on sustainable forestry, agroforestry, forest restoration, and carbon sequestration in SW Ethiopia's tropical rainforests.
- Water Resource Management:
Research on sustainable water management, irrigation, and strategies to address water scarcity and quality.
- Biodiversity Conservation:
Strategies to protect endangered species, restore habitats, and conserve ecosystem services.
- Community-Based Resource Management:
Highlighting successful models of participatory forest management, sustainable grazing, and indigenous farming.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security:
Studies on agroecology, soil conservation, and integrating agriculture with biodiversity conservation.
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation:
Research on climate adaptation strategies like drought-resistant farming and reforestation efforts.
- Environmental Policy and Governance:
Examining governance, policy effectiveness, land tenure, and conservation law enforcement.
- Ecotourism and Sustainable Development:
Exploring ecotourism, wildlife tourism, and community-based tourism for conservation and local development.
- Sociocultural Dimensions:
Addressing gender, resource depletion impacts, and the role of traditional knowledge in resource management.
- Innovative Research Methods:
Promoting participatory research, GIS, remote sensing, and the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific methods.