“Speleotourism and cave mining can be a driving-force of the economy if more Speleologists are trained”
BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
Nasir Ahmed, Ethiopia’s first Speleologist doesn’t hail from a place full of resources or a family that knows about this field of study. He was born in Harar specifically Kombolcha where knowledge or materials regarding Speleology are rare or non existant. Like many Ethiopian parents his parents wished their son to be a physician. They had high hopes that Nasir would take up his father’s profession. So, it became a complete surprise when he went on to become Ethiopia’s very first and only Speleologist. In fact, he had earned diploma in clinical nursing but Speleology was on his mind and heart.
Nasir talked to The Ethiopian Herald how he as child got attracted by Speleology.“ Since my childhood I have a bent of watching National geography. When I was a sixth grader, we went on a school visit to a nearby cave. When other students got scared, I was bold enough to go inside and to see some light at the otherside of the tunnel. After the visit, I continued to watch National Geography and read everything related to geography. I came up with the word Speleology which was even hard for me to pronounce.”
Nasir knew exactly what he wanted to be, and he dedicated himself to pursuing the education he required to make his dream come true. But his journey of becoming who he is now wasn’t easy since none of the universities in Ethiopia have Speleology department. He had to study abroad. To do that his mother and he had to offer their house as collateral to get bank loan and attend a three years online learning. He graduated with a diploma from the Institute Alpino Italiano and has been working closely with the Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau since 2005. A diploma, however, was not enough for Nasir; he desired to expand the frontier of his knowledge his education and knowledge further.
He studied for two years at the International Speleological Society Union and the France Speleological Society and then spent an additional year in Germany studying at the World Speleological Society, after which he was awarded a prize of 36,000 euros. Between the years of 2003 and 2015, Nasir studied 321 of Oromia’s natural caves and created 200 maps and plans that he has put on Google Maps. His amazing work had been published by the Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau as a 346-page book titled “Caves in Oromia.”
Nasi’ol cave, the most beautiful and the largest cave system, is named after him. The word is coined from his name and suffix word from Oromo language “ol” together gave meaning: Nasir the great. The Nasiol cave is found in East Hararge zone, Melka Belo Woreda, Jaja Town. It has a total of 59 entrances from small to large.
According to the study, the interior of the Nasi’ol Cave is 500 meters long. It is unique and attractive tourist destinations cave with a height that ranges from 30 cm to 20meters wide (above) the ground. Another thing that makes Nasi’ol Cave different from other caves is that the inside of the cave has an agreeable climate, and its oxygen content is 19.6 percent, so that visitors of any age can have enough oxygen to visit the cave safely. According to local and foreign cave explorers, if the cave is complete with roads, water, electricity, tourist accommodation and hospitality facilities, foreign and local tourists who come to visit the cave can easily find various natural caves, forests and wild animals such as Dekula and Mount Nyala. It has a unique opportunity to visit wildlife and bird species, making it a unique tourist destination.
Nasir says Speleological studies can support Ethiopia’s growth both to identify treasure hidden inside caves, and of course caves becoming tourist destinations. He says there is lack of knowledge on the benefits and kinds of caves. As to him, manmade caves that exist inside churches get relative attention for religious and other reasons. Where as natural caves with tourism potential are forgotten.
“There is no adequate awareness on the value of caves here in Ethiopia. In Italy for instance, millions of dollars are being collected by showing caves to tourists. But here even though we have great potential to speleotourism, our attitude towards caves is negative. We tend to relate it to superstition. Except for Sof Omar Cave, many of our natural caves aren’t being studied or generating income. But it has the potential to impact our economy if we accord it attention and harness it for it.”
Nasir says Ethiopia possesses caves that could be used for various purposes. Alongside their beauty which attracts tourists, the caves also contained minerals that could be used for various purposes. “ There are caves for tourism, caves for economy, caves for physiotheraphy, caves for medicine and caves for mining. Caves in different parts of the country have concealed various kinds of minerals. For instance, the eastern part of Ethiopia Ogaden and Harar to Bale has abundant limestone. There is also Antolo limestone in Tigray region. Basalt is found in Amhara region. There are other minerals in Southern state. So, government can lift the country to prosperity tapping this resource.”
His book “ Caves in Oromia” has complied many things that is usually overlooked here in Ethiopia. The book is among first compliation of studies and facts of Ethiopia’s caves. Nasir is confident that “Caves in Oromia” would be a foundation to promote nation’s asset and upcoming studies.
“The book contains many things about Speleology and Ethiopia’s caves. It could be used as a guide book for tourists, researchers and anyone who has interest in the field. The precautions and other things like clothing, torches, food and other relevant things required during speleological study or cave visits have been provided in the book. Facts about different caves of Ethiopia are available in this book.”
Though his book and study are currently focused on caves in Oromia region, Nasir attempted to have good grasp of knowledge about Ethiopian caves in general. He has made connection with relevant stakeholders and discussed ways that could make speleology thrive in the country. He disclosed that there is inclination from Debre Tabor University to open Speleology department. “What I want to see in the future is Ethiopia getting many speleologists as me. It is foreigners that usually study our caves. If we have our own professionals we can benefit a great deal for many reasons. I can contribute share for this field of study thrive in the country by teaching and offering resources. At least we must have thousand Speleologists.”
Nasir suggests government to develop caves with tourist potential by building and providing basic facilities such as roads, electricity and water. He emphasized works on safety and management of sites are also essential to sustain caves for long.
Nasir’s success in Speleology and his return to his country for a give back is an example for his and coming generation. As Ethiopia needs to work hard to acheive its ambition, it has to do it smartly and scientifically. Therefore, promoting science and appreciating its scientists is vitally important
The Ethiopian Herald November 30/2022
