Simien Mountains Nat’l Park Introduces GPS Tracking System to Protect Endemic Red FoxSigowet Youth Get Tips On Finance And Business Formalization

Simien Mountains National Park announced that it has introduced GPS tracking system to monitor and safeguard the endemic Red Fox population in the park.The Red Fox Conservation Program Coordinator at the Park, Getachew Assefa told ENA that this tracker has been deployed in collaboration with the Ethiopian Wildlife Protection Authority and international partner organizations.The system introduced is the Collar GPS tracker wherein GPS-enabled collars are attached to the necks of 8 red foxes with forty family members.The tracker enables to trace movements of the foxes as they search for food and navigate through potential threats, he said.By utilizing the system, we can track the distances covered by the foxes each day in their pursuit of sustenance as well as the dangers they encounter along the way, Getachew elaborated.As a pilot project last year, GPS trackers were employed on two red foxes, leading to the acquisition of crucial information when these animals faced life-threatening situations, incl uding death and severe injuries.The Collar GPS tracker also facilitates the tracking and controlling of illegal poaching activities.According to the program coordinator, the red foxes primarily inhabit mountainous regions above an elevation of three thousand meters.Covering an expansive area of four hundred twelve square kilometers, Simien Mountains National Park is not only the largest national park in Ethiopia but also a UNESCO designated international heritage site.It encompasses the highest portions of the Simien Mountains, including Ras Dashan, the highest peak in Ethiopia.The park serves as a sanctuary for numerous endangered species, including the Ethiopian Wolf and the Walia Ibex, a unique wild goat found nowhere else in the world.Additionally, the Simien Mountains park is home to the Gelada Baboon and the caracal, a remarkable feline species. Over 50 bird species, including the bearded vulture with its impressive 3-meter wingspan, inhabit the park.Source: Ethiopian News AgencyA day-long sensitization forum was held for over 140 youth from Soin Sigowet Sub-County in Kericho County, focusing on financial literacy, access to financial products, and business formalization.During the forum that was conducted courtesy of the Youth Enterprise and Development Fund in partnership with Equity Bank, the youth were encouraged to form business groups and get registered to access the financial products that would enable them to start profitable businesses.The Youth Enterprise Development Manager Morris Ondiek who was present said, that for the youth to access funds for business, they need to belong to registered groups and have an active bank account adding that the membership of the group should be at least five with 70 percent of the members comprising of youth aged between 18-35.Mr. Ondiek informed youth about the Youth Enterprise Development Fund's mandate, which offers loans, market support, linkages, trading facilities, and job opportunities for youth-owned enterprises.'We are en couraging the youth to actively apply for Youth Enterprise Development fund which offers youth Group loans and individuals, companies, and partnership loans as its products.' Said Mr. OndiekThe Youth Enterprise Development Manager encourages youth to identify income-generating projects like agriculture, livestock rearing, fish farming, and poultry to ensure well-invested funding with a 5% interest rate.Mr. Ondiek highlighted the affordability and convenience of a Ksh.100, 000 loan for youth groups, offering repayment options within 12 months at a 5% interest rate. Speaking to KNA, the Kericho County Credit Officer Mr. Victor Langat revealed that so far this year more than 20 youth groups engaging in agribusiness had benefitted from the funds calling on more youth groups to apply for the loans.Mr. Langat attributed an improvement in loan repayment in the County to frequent sensitization forums that have increased awareness of financial literacy among the youth. 'Youth groups now understand debt, credit s core, record-keeping, savings, and investments through forums, monthly training, and awareness of good debt and credit score.' Added Mr. LangatYouth Enterprise Development Fund is one of Vision 2030's flagship projects under the social pillar, established mainly to address challenges faced by youth unemployment with its main aim of turning youth into job creators.Source: Kenya News Agency