Ethiopia is set to host a regional workshop on “Promoting UNESCO Global Geoparks and Geotourism for Sustainable Development in Eastern Africa” from May 12–15, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) announced. Organized in collaboration with UNESCO, the event will take place in Addis Ababa and bring together participants from 10 countries.Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa highlighted that although UNESCO introduced global geoparks in 2001, Africa remains underrepresented despite its rich geological heritage. She emphasized that Ethiopia, with its diverse and dramatic landscapes, has significant untapped potential for geopark designation.The workshop will focus on raising awareness, building stakeholder capacity, and initiating geopark projects in Ethiopia and across Eastern Africa. Over 100 representatives from the AU, EU, federal and regional governments, academia, NGOs, and international bodies will participate. A high-level forum and field visits to key geosites such as Tiya, Melka Kunture, and the Balchit Archaeological Site are also planned.UNESCO’s Ethiopia Representative, Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, stressed that geoparks promote sustainable development through conservation, education, and local community engagement. She noted that geotourism initiatives can generate income and raise environmental awareness, making geoparks a tool for both heritage protection and economic growth. (ICE ADDIS ABEBA)

Fonte notizia: The Ethiopian Herald & 2Merkato.com