Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa, stated that due to the government's special focus on the renovation and protection of heritage sites, forgotten artifacts have been restored and made accessible to the public.
Her remarks were made during the 2nd Heritage Research Conference, organized by the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, held under the theme "Research for Heritage Protection and Development."
Minister Selamawit Kassa noted that while Ethiopia is rich in historical, cultural, and natural resources, it has not fully utilized its assets. She added that the government's efforts over the past five years have led to the restoration of forgotten heritage sites, making them open to the public, and those currently undergoing renovation will also be made accessible in the future.
Assistant Professor Ababaw Ayalew, Director General of the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, highlighted that numerous heritage researches have been conducted in Ethiopia since the 1950s. He emphasized that the conference serves as a platform to facilitate heritage research's contribution to heritage protection and preservation. The Director General also stressed the importance of expanding research on various heritage sites to reinforce works that underscore Ethiopia's ancient origins.
Parallel to the conference, the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Lucy was also celebrated.