In recent years, beyond developing tourism infrastructure, focus has been given to heritage sites, with around 30 national heritage sites renovated and made operational.
Ethiopia is home to 18 heritage sites registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), stated Elias Shikur, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, during his appearance on EBC's 'Addis Ken'.
Of these, 12 are tangible and 6 are intangible heritage sites.
Beyond preserving and caring for heritage sites for future generations, Ethiopia is working in a way that will enable them to bring about meaningful change in the country's economy and foster regional cooperation.
In recent years, due to the focus given to the sector, beyond developing tourism infrastructure, emphasis has been placed on heritage sites, with around 30 national heritage sites renovated and put into operation.
While the maintenance, protection, and care of heritage sites continue, it is said that the community must fulfill its responsibility in strengthening peace in each locality so that the sites can provide economic benefits.
Elias Shikur also stated that studies are being conducted on traditional musical instruments and justice systems that connect with neighboring countries, and nationally on enset, coffee, and traditional weaving (shema).
Tadesse Girma, an architectural heritage study consultant, mentioned that the Department of Heritage Studies and Conservation has been established at Addis Ababa University and is graduating Master's degree students annually to contribute the necessary expertise to the sector, adding that he is working closely with the Authority.
Assistant Professor Abebaw Ayalew, Director General of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, revealed during his appearance on EBC's Addis Ken that software is being developed to digitize Ethiopia's internationally UNESCO-registered heritage sites.
Although Ethiopia, being the origin of early humankind, is the owner of a vast history, numerous languages and cultures, and both man-made and natural heritage sites, it is said that there is still much to be done in terms of developing and utilizing the sector.