Ecolodge development is expanding with the glorification 0/ ecotourism all over the worldrn(Honey, 1999). Likely, it has come true in Ethiopia by the opening 0/ the Bishangari ecolodge inrn2001. The ecolodge is found in the rich biodiversity area 0/ KNR (Bishangari) on the easternrnshore 0/ the Langano Lake, central Ethiopian Rift valley, Oromia region. In spite 0/ itsrnexpansion, the significance 0/ ecolodges is not as such systematically studied in particularrnEthiopia. Thus, being part 0/ college 0/ development studies it is conducted with the purpose 0/rnexploring the role 0/ ecolodges in community development and environmental conservation withrnparticular reference to the Bishangari. In this respect, the study uses both quantitative andrnqualitative approaches. For the quantitative, 108 household heads were taken as a sample fromrnthe benefited kebeles; Dawe, Sembero-Rrogicha, Keraru and Boku-walda through cluster,rnpwposive and proportionate random sampling procedure. Interviews and observations werernused/or the qualitative approach. Interview was conducted/or the purposefully selectedfive keyrninformants from the nearby local communities, two woreda tourism and environment experts andrnthe ecolodge manager. Checklists, note-takings and photographs were accompanied while andrnafier observation. Descriptive statistical methods including percentages, frequencies, mean,rngraphs, and tabulalion as well as coding have been used as a means lor analyzing the data. Thernstudy il1dicated that Bishangari ecolodge is playing a great role /01' the better life 0/ therninaccessible local communities. They generate income by selling agricultural, souvenir, andrnother products to the ecolodge and the tourists. Social services are also expanded through thernprovisions 0/ clean water, school/acilities, transportations and communications by the ecolodge.rnConcurrently, 49 local community members are permanent employees 0/ the ecolodge. Besidernwith employment opportunity, the participation o/the local communities in the operations o/thernecolodge is found significant /01' their empowerment. Besides, it conserves environment andrnbiodiversity through zoning schemes, propel' waste management, solar energy utility,rnenvironmental education, limited canying capacity and alternative measures against poachingrnand destruction. However, the results are also reckoning to have concerns 0/ stakeholders likerngovernment recognition on the role 0/ ecolodges and active participation o/local communities inrndecision-making. There/ore, ecolodge operation strategies, community participation platformsrnand synergy among stakeholders shall be devised. Moreover, the local communities ought tornutilize the cllitural productsjilrther and generate money from the coming ecotourists.