Journal of Geography  & Natural Disasters
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The contribution of GUDO forest conservation culture is key to biodiversity conservation

Getaneh Haile Shoddo

Background: The Sheka people have long been sustainably managing and conserving the Sheka forest by utilizing
different procedures. Shockingly, these indigenous methods for natural resource management are ordinarily absent
from scientific forest management and not archived. This paper aims to document “the GUDO culture” and
demonstrate how the Sheka people through their indigenous culture can provide valuable, appropriate, and effective
forest conservation strategies. Thus, every culture has a system of beliefs that guides their interactions with nature.
One of the traditional forest management practice commonly found in Sheka zone is the GUDO.
Results: The GUDO is a designated forest area mostly found in the mountainous and the rocky area of the Sheka
zone. It is found mostly in rocky and mountainous parts of the Sheka zone. They are cultural symbols related to
indigenous beliefs and signify spiritual connections to the forestland.
Conclusions: This paper concludes that the GUDO forest conservation culture is illustrated in the Sheka people
forest utilization, protection, and management. Therefore, the GUDO forest conservation culture provides important
insights into the protection of various forest types and tree species, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.