Ethiopia Has Huge Potential for Developing Geoparks, Geotourism: Foreign Visitors

Addis Ababa, May 16, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia is endowed with significant natural resources and potential for developing geo-parks and geo-tourism, foreign visitors said.

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), organized a training program this week for international experts under the theme "The Role of UNESCO Global Geoparks and Geotourism for Sustainable Development."

Following the training, heads of federal institutions, regional and city administrations culture and tourism bureaus, Ethiopian professionals in the sector, and UNESCO experts from various countries visited selected tourist destinations.

Among the sites visited were the Tiya stelae and the Melka Kunture Balchit archaeological and paleontological sites, along with nearby geological heritage sites, as well as geological locations in the Central Ethiopia region.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Natural Sciences Program Specialist, Ozlem Adiyaman Lopez, said she has witnessed astonishing sites during her visit.

 

She remarked that the stones observed were amazing and spoke of history, adding that the local community is actively protecting the stones.

She explained her presence in Ethiopia was to introduce the new UNESCO concept of Geoparks, noting that it's a way to showcase how these stones were formed, where they came from, and how the site is connected to the community.

Bakari Manaya from Tanzania said the areas he visited are very important for educational purposes and understanding human origins.

He also praised the commendable work done by the Ethiopian government and people to preserve the sites.

 

UNESCO Natural Science Expert, Sophie Justice, highlighted that geoparks and geotourism are crucial for sustainable development.

She explained that geological heritage has global significance, and these unique sites are found in only one or two special locations around the world.

According to her, the efforts being made to develop geoparks in the amazing sites in Ethiopia are encouraging.

 

"I encourage the efforts being made for visitors and for the future to protect our environment and community."

Craig Makunzim from Rwanda noted that Ethiopia's geo-heritage conservation and the local community's awareness of the sites are impressive.

He emphasized that this is very important for both the community and tourists, suggesting the need for additional research.

 

Ethiopia possesses numerous geotourism sites, including Sof-Omar Cave, Geralta, Konso, Afar, Bale Mountains, and Semien Mountains National Parks, among others.

The Ministry of Tourism is exerting efforts to get sites showcasing geological formations registered by UNESCO as geoparks.