UNESCO, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Tourism, organized a high-level international workshop from 12–13 May 2025 in Addis Ababa to promote the development of UNESCO Global Geoparks and geotourism in Eastern Africa. The event gathered over 100 participants from Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, and marked another milestone in UNESCO’s ongoing support to African countries under the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP).
The workshop was officially opened by H.E. Selamawit Kassa, Minister of Tourism of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, who emphasized Ethiopia's rich geoheritage as a pillar for sustainable development and community empowerment. Dr Rita Bissoonauth, Director UNESCO Liaison Office to Ethiopia, AU and ECA underlined that Global Geoparks are far more than protected areas—they are living laboratories and innovation hubs where nature and culture, science and communities intersect in powerful synergy.
Themed “Promoting UNESCO Global Geoparks and Geotourism as Drivers of Sustainable Development in Eastern Africa,” the workshop aimed to enhance regional understanding of geopark concepts, encourage sustainable tourism, and explore opportunities for transnational cooperation on geoheritage protection.
Key presentations highlighted global and regional experiences in geopark development. Dr. Özlem Adiyaman Lopes from UNESCO introduced the concept and process of establishing UNESCO Global Geoparks. Dr. Sophie Justice shared lessons on governance and resilience from the European Geoparks Network. Insights from Tanzania’s Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark and Saudi Arabia’s recent nominations showcased practical approaches. Prof. Asfawossen Asrat emphasized Eastern Africa’s rich, yet underutilized geoheritage and outlined promising sites in Ethiopia and beyond.
A two-day field visit followed the workshop, taking participants to the proposed Siltie-Butajira Volcano-Tectonic Zone Geopark. They explored its unique blend of geological, archaeological, and cultural heritage, including visits to the Tiya and Melka Kunture World Heritage Sites and other tectonic features of regional significance. The visit also highlighted strong community engagement, as participants were welcomed by local leaders from Butajira and Silte who shared traditional songs, foods, and crafts—demonstrating the deep connections between natural and cultural heritage in the area.
Ethiopia’s State Minister for Tourism, Mr. Sileshi Girma, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the initiative:
“Geopark development is still new in Ethiopia, but we see its potential to unlock opportunities in lesser-known areas and uplift local communities through geotourism.”
As momentum grows, the Eastern Africa region stands poised to become a trailblazer in integrating geoheritage, geotourism, and sustainable development under the UNESCO Global Geopark model.
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UNESCO Global Geoparks
Programme and Field document:
