In a landmark initiative aimed at redefining tourism in Eastern Africa, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism and UNESCO co-hosted a high-level workshop in Addis Ababa to promote geotourism as a strategic path for sustainable development.
The event, titled “The Role of UNESCO Global Geoparks and Geotourism for Sustainable Development,” brought together ministers, heritage experts, and regional leaders to highlight the region’s untapped geological potential.
Ethiopia, often celebrated as the “Cradle of Humankind,” boasts 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and five biosphere reserves. Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa opened the forum by underscoring the nation’s unmatched geodiversity—from the towering Simien Mountains to the alien-like Dallol Depression—as a critical asset for future tourism and education.
“These breathtaking landscapes and spectacular geographic features satisfy a hunger for aesthetic beauty, scientific curiosity, and off-the-beaten-path experiences,” said Selamawit, reaffirming her government’s commitment to heritage-based economic growth.
A central theme of the workshop was the promotion of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Despite Africa’s vast geological treasures, only two such parks exist on the continent—one in Morocco and one in Tanzania. UNESCO’s Rita Bissonnette emphasized the transformative power of these designations:
“UNESCO Global Geoparks are much more than nature reserves. They are living laboratories and innovation hubs where nature, culture, science, and community intersect.”
The forum concluded with a unified call to action. Delegates urged greater regional cooperation to identify new geopark candidates, integrate geotourism into national development policies, and ensure local communities benefit from tourism-driven opportunities.
UNESCO also highlighted its successful geopark initiatives in other parts of the Global South, such as Indonesia, reinforcing the model’s applicability to Africa’s diverse landscapes.
By aligning heritage preservation with economic inclusion and environmental stewardship, Ethiopia and UNESCO are charting a bold course for regional transformation—one where ancient rocks and stories fuel modern prosperity.
