Ethiopia and France announce new sustainable heritage project

Addis Ababa; November 30, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia and France unveiled a new sustainable heritage development project in Lalibela, Tenben, and Addis Ababa, with support from the French government. The project aims at preserving and promoting Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.

This was revealed after a meeting between Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism Ms. Selamat Kassa and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot. The French FM also visited the National Museum and Gebre-Mariam French-Ethiopian High School, alias known as Lycée Gebrue Mariam School in Ethiopia.

During the visit, the French foreign minister was joined by Ms. Selamat Kassa and other senior government officials.

On the occasion, a project, titled “Sustainable Heritage in Ethiopia,” was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the two ministers.

In her speech at the unveiling event, Selamawit highlighted Ethiopia’s immense historical and cultural wealth, boasting of 17 UNESCO-inscribed sites, a testament to its status as a leading heritage nation in Africa.

Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to leveraging the tourism sector for economic growth, driven by initiatives such as “Dine for Sheger” and “Dine for Ethiopia,” through which world-class tourist infrastructure destinations have been developed throughout the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

“Our heritage defines us,” said the minister. “Through partnerships like this, we aim to preserve our past while building a prosperous future for Ethiopia.”

She also recognized the importance of international cooperation, recalling the 2018 agreement between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and French President Emmanuel Macron to restore the historic Lalibela churches.

Minister Barrot expressed France’s deep respect for Ethiopia’s heritage, citing a reference to the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Lucy, one of the world’s most famous fossils.

“Our shared history in archaeology and paleontology has enriched both our nations,” he remarked.

He returned two bifaces and a stone chopper from the Melka Kunture site, which had been in France for study, symbolizing the continued collaboration between Ethiopian and French scientists.

The ceremony underscored the ongoing joint efforts to renovate key heritage sites, including the National Museum, Lalibela churches, and the National Palace, all supported by French institutions like AFD and Expertise France, according to ENA.

“This project reaffirms our commitment to preserving Ethiopia’s heritage and demonstrates the strength of our 127-year-long bilateral relationship,” Barrot added.

The launch of the “Sustainable Heritage in Ethiopia” project signifies a new chapter in Ethio-French relations, with both nations dedicated to preserving Ethiopia’s rich cultural legacy for future generations.