The objective of this study was to assess existing participation of Ameya Woreda community in forest resource conservation (2013). Opinion survey, semi-structured interview, personal observation, and focus group discussion were employed to obtain primary and secondary data. 184 samples respondents were contacted in the case obtaining primary data. The data collected from primary sources were analyzed using descriptive statistics including some quantitative analysis: frequency, percentage and charts. The result revealed that even when different strategies were employed in conservation of forest resource, there were many problems that affected its effectiveness such as agricultural land expansion (77%), weak enforcement of forest resources laws (65%), increased demand for fuel wood from open access forests (81%) and low coverage of improved firewood stove (30%). However, open access forests were identified with low community participation. Therefore, in order to save the environment and depleted forest resource there is a need to decrease usage of forests, develop the sense of ownership as well as empowering the communities.

Keywords: forest resource conservation, community participation, empowering community