Tourism Minister meets with Prof. Donald Johansson, discoverer of Lucy

Addis Ababa, January 29, 2024 (FBC) – The Ministry of Tourism confirmed that the quinquagenary of the discovery of Lucy’s remains in Hadar, Afar region, will be commemorated with events aimed at showcasing Ethiopia as the ‘land of origins’ to the rest of the world.

This story was disclosed by the Ministry subsequent to the meeting between the Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Nasise Chali, and the paleoanthropologist credited with the discovery of Lucy’s remains, Prof. Donald Johansson.

During their discussion, both dignitaries pondered upon contents that should be included at the 50th-anniversary commemoration event of the discovery of Lucy, aiming to bolster Ethiopia’s portrayal as the cradle of origins on a global scale.

It is acknowledged that the United States space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), named one of its satellites Lucy Mission, in homage to Lucy.

Minister Nasise Chali thanked Prof. Donald Johansson for his contribution.

The Ministry of Tourism, via a post on its social media platform, today indicated that diverse initiatives have been devised and executed to augment archaeological tourism in Ethiopia.

Recall that Arizona State University Human Fossil Research Team led by Professor Donald Johanson traveled Semera, the regional capital of Ethiopia’s Afar region, last week.

Upon arrival at Semera Airport, Professor Johanson and his paleoanthropologists team was warmly welcomed by Afar region Tourism Bureau leadership, Semera University Tourism Department students, and the university’s cultural music band.

Professor Johanson is known for his discovery of “Lucy,” a complete 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis skeleton, in the Hadar area of the Afar region.

During the welcoming ceremony, Arizona State University Human Origins Institute Director Yohannes Haile-Selassie emphasized the significance of Ethiopia’s role in the study of human evolution.

The discovery of Lucy has solidified Ethiopia’s position as the cradle of humanity in the scientific field, he noted.

The team’s visit to Ethiopia coincides with the approaching 50th anniversary of Lucy’s discovery.

It also plans to hold consultations with Ethiopian scholars, continue the institute’s collaborative research endeavors with Semera University, and revisit the Hadar area where Lucy was unearthed.

Afar Tourism Bureau Head Ahmed Abdulkadir stated that Professor Johansson’s discovery of Lucy was an official declaration which revealed Ethiopia as the origin of humankind.

The research team’s visit to Afar has immense contribution toward promoting tourism and raising awareness of the rich cultural and historical heritage in the region and the country, he added.