Help Save Tree of Life Eco-Farm & Camp & Build EMAGINE HIKE AND CAMP

Fundraising Goal: US$7,000

Hello, my name is Abel Abebe, a tourism professional and guide with more than 20 years of experience in sustainable tourism, environmental education, and community development in Ethiopia. I am the founder of Tree of Life Eco-Farm & Camp in Shashemene and EMAGINE HIKE AND CAMP in Wondo Genet.

For more than ten years, I have dedicated my life to creating places where nature, culture, education, and responsible tourism come together. Through these community-based initiatives, we have welcomed visitors, students, volunteers, and researchers from Ethiopia and around the world to experience organic farming, biodiversity conservation, regenerative agriculture, Ethiopian hospitality, and cultural exchange.

Tree of Life Eco-Farm & Camp and EMAGINE HIKE AND CAMP also serve as community-based Tourist Information and Welcome Centres, helping visitors discover the unique attractions of Shashemene, Wondo Genet, Hawassa, and the Central Ethiopian Rift Valley. We connect travellers with local communities, guides, businesses, and authentic experiences while promoting sustainable tourism that benefits local people and protects nature.

Today, our work faces a critical challenge.

Over the past several years, we have been involved in an ongoing court case to protect our project and our rights. The legal process has been long, emotionally exhausting, and financially overwhelming. Lawyer's fees, court costs, legal documentation, transportation, and accumulated project expenses have placed a heavy burden on us, diverting resources away from conservation, tourism development, and community programmes.

Despite these challenges, we have never stopped planting trees, caring for the land, welcoming visitors, and serving our community.

At the same time, we have a rare opportunity to purchase a neighbouring 200-square-meter parcel of land, expanding EMAGINE HIKE AND CAMP from 800 m² to 1,000 m². This expansion will allow us to create a larger eco-camp, a dedicated Tourist Information and Welcome Centre, environmental education facilities, riverside recreation spaces, and venues for cultural and community activities. If we cannot secure this land now, the opportunity may be lost forever.

Why We Are Raising US$7,000

Your support will help us:

- Cover urgent lawyer's fees, court costs, legal documentation, and accumulated project expenses.

- Secure the adjoining land needed to expand EMAGINE HIKE AND CAMP.

- Strengthen both projects as community-based Tourist Information and Welcome Centres.

- Purchase an electric motorbike for project operations, eco-tourism activities, and sustainable transportation.

- Maintain and improve Tree of Life Eco-Farm & Camp.

- Expand tree planting, organic farming, vermicomposting, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education programmes.

- Purchase essential tools, fencing, and equipment to keep both projects operating.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will help protect two unique projects dedicated to environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, education, and local livelihoods. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your family, friends, and networks would mean the world to us.

As a heartfelt thank you, we would be honoured to welcome our supporters—and their families and friends—to Tree of Life Eco-Farm & Camp and EMAGINE HIKE AND CAMP whenever they visit Ethiopia. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy camping, hiking, organic farming experiences, Organic honey, local cuisine, and the rich natural and cultural heritage of Shashemene, Wondo Genet, Hawassa, and the Central Ethiopian Rift Valley.

Together, we can protect nature, strengthen communities, and create welcoming gateways where visitors can discover the beauty, culture, and biodiversity of Ethiopia.

Thank you for believing in our vision and for standing with us during this important chapter of our journey.

With sincere gratitude,

Abel Abebe

Tourism Professional, Sustainable Tourism Developer and Guide

Founder & Coordinator

Tree of Life Eco-Farm & Camp

EMAGINE HIKE AND CAMP

Shashemene & Wondo Genet, Ethiopia