The year 2023, which is left with less than 24 hours to out, was a time that Ethiopia experienced notable successes in the tourism sector. 2023 was a year that the country can expand and increase the number of its tourist destinations and enlisted its tangible and intangible heritages on the list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO.)
The country, under the projects dubbed as Dine for Sheger, Dine for Ethiopia and Dine for Generation that have been initiated by the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, can successfully increase and expand the number of its tourist destinations across the country. For instance, the renovated sites such as the Unity, Sheger, Entoto and Friendship parks, as well as the newly established high-tech Science Museum and the Abrehot Grand Library in Addis Ababa, and the projects under-construction such as the Wenchi Lake and the newly inaugurated ones including the Halala Kella Resort, and the Elephant Paw Lodge in the Dawuro Zone of South West Ethiopia, are some of the accomplishments which further enriching the country’s tourist attractions.
Not only that during the year to be concluded, Ethiopia has also achieved remarkable successes in the tourism sector. It was able to get its tangible and intangible heritages. UNESCO recognized two of Ethiopia’s tourist destinations: the Gedeo Cultural Landscape and Bale Mountains National Park.
The registration of the two sites was announced at the 45th Conference of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
According to documents, situated along the eastern edge of the Main Ethiopian Rift, on the steep slopes of the Ethiopian highlands, the Gedeo Cultural Landscape is one of Ethiopia’s attractions known for its stunning landscape, well preserved forest resources and traditional agroforestry practices of the indigenous Gedeo community.
The Gedeo people, who heavily populate the region, rely on their traditional knowledge to sustainably manage the local forests. Within these cultivated mountain slopes, sacred forests are preserved and utilized by the community for religious rituals associated with the Gedeo religion. Along the mountain ridges, clusters of ancient megalithic monuments stand, revered by the Gedeo people and carefully tended to by their elders.
Bale Mountains National Park, located in the Oromia State, is also another blessing that captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes. The park, established in 1970, covers a sizable area of approximately 2,150 square kilometers and lies about 400 kilometers southeast of Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa.
This National Park provides a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife species, including the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf, which finds its habitat within the park’s renowned Sanetti Plateau. Other captivating inhabitants of the park include the Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, warthogs, and a vibrant array of bird species.
In addition to its natural wonders, the park holds significant cultural heritage. It is inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, including the Oromo people, who possess a distinct cultural identity and practice rich traditional customs.
Bale Mountains National Park stands as a valuable treasure of natural beauty and cultural significance in Ethiopia, attracting visitors’ worldwide seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, and a deeper understanding of the country’s natural history.
In addition to this success, another noteworthy recognition came in 2023 as UNESCO inscribed the annual three-day festival of called Shuwal Eid, celebrated by the Harari people on the 8th day of Shuwal month that comes after Ramadan people, to the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
Shuwal Eid is a festival that promotes cultural exchange and provides support for the local community and artisans. It is also a time for indulging in festive feasts and savoring special meals. Traditional Harari dishes, such as injera (a flatbread), doro wat (a spicy chicken stew), and bula (a sweet rice dish), are lovingly prepared and shared among families. These meals represent an integral part of the celebration.
The year 2023 was also the best year for the Ethiopian tourism sector for it is a year Choke Mountains Eco village was honored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the Best Tourism Villages (WTV).
Situated on the third highest mountain in Ethiopia, Choke Mountain, the village can be found approximately 300km northwest of Addis Ababa in the West Gojam Zone at Degadamot Woreda.
At the heart of the Choke Mountains Ecovillage is organic farming, a practice deeply ingrained in the community. The village relies on sustainable agricultural techniques that prioritize the health of the soil, biodiversity, and the use of natural fertilizers. Methods such as agroforestry, crop rotation, and companion planting are employed to enhance productivity while minimizing the reliance on chemical inputs.
Renewable energy sources, specifically solar power and hydroelectricity, play a significant role in fulfilling the energy needs of the ecovillage. The integration of these technologies reduces dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions.
Water conservation is another critical focus of the Choke Mountains Ecovillage. The community implements various techniques, including rainwater harvesting, water-efficient irrigation systems, and water recycling, to ensure responsible water management, particularly in areas affected by water scarcity.
Prioritizing waste management, the ecovillage emphasizes recycling, composting, and waste reduction practices. Systems are in place to encourage residents to separate different types of waste and adopt habits that minimize waste generation.
Choke Mountains Ecovillage’s recognition as one of the Best Tourism Villages highlights its commitment to sustainable practices in agriculture, energy, water conservation, and waste management. This award not only promotes the ecovillage as a model for responsible tourism but also serves as an inspiration for other communities worldwide.
Furthermore, in 2023, Lephis Village in Ethiopia was recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This prestigious accolade is awarded annually to rural destinations that excel in nurturing rural areas, preserving landscapes, and upholding local values and culinary traditions. This year, Lephis Village stood out among 54 ecotourism villages selected by the UNWTO.
Situated in the Gambo Forest Zone in Arsi Negele, Oromia State, Lephis Village takes its name from the stunning Lephis Waterfall and is home to various endemic bird and wildlife species. It has become a noteworthy community tourism initiative with the support of the Ethiopian Sustainable Tourism Alliance (ESTA).
Thanks to this initiative, the villagers have been able to generate income through various means, such as producing and selling handicrafts, primarily managed by women, and offering horse riding services. The recognition by the UNWTO not only highlights the village’s remarkable achievements but also elevates its status at the national level.
As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed once stated in relation to the nation’s untapped natural, cultural, religious and rich historic heritages, Ethiopia is a destination with rich variety of attractions, aside from its warm and welcoming people.
The Premier said that Ethiopia is a country endowed with magnificent bio-diversities that have potential tourism attractions and are located in the highest mountains and lowlands with conducive weather. These endowments are the foundation for the development of tourism.
In this regard, the country has a lot to offer to the world. And aside from the already registered tangible and intangible heritages, it will work more to develop its blessings and to get registered them on the list of UNESCO.
BY LEUSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 31 DECEMBER 2023
