In a bold move to enhance tourism and sustainable development, the Ministry of Tourism of Ethiopia has teamed up with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to harness the potential of geotourism in Eastern Africa. On May 12, 2025, the two organizations co-hosted a landmark workshop in Addis Ababa, focusing on the role of UNESCO Global Geoparks and geotourism in fostering sustainable growth across the region.

The workshop, aptly titled "The Role of UNESCO Global Geoparks and Geotourism for Sustainable Development," brought together key players in the tourism, cultural, and administrative sectors, including senior officials from UNESCO, regional representatives, and prominent experts from Eastern Africa. Notable figures such as Ethiopia's Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa, and Rita Bissonnette, Head of the UNESCO Liaison Office to the African Union, were present to discuss strategies for developing geotourism across Eastern Africa, a region rich in geological and cultural diversity.

Minister Selamawit Kassa highlighted Ethiopia's profound importance to both cultural and natural heritage, drawing attention to its unique geological formations, ancient history, and cultural vibrancy. The country is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, six entries on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and five biosphere reserves—testament to its unparalleled heritage and environmental wealth.

"Ethiopia is not just a patchwork of cultures; it is a geodiversity paradise," said Minister Kassa, underscoring the nation's extraordinary landscapes, from the stunning Simien Mountains National Park to the awe-inspiring Dallol Depression. She emphasized that these geographical features cater to a wide range of interests—from tourists seeking aesthetic beauty to scientists drawn to the country’s remarkable fossil discoveries, such as those from the famous paleoanthropological site of Hadar.

Ethiopia’s rich geological history, including the Great Rift Valley and its ancient fossil sites, places it at the forefront of the geotourism movement. According to Minister Kassa, several sites in the country have the potential to be designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks—an initiative that would greatly boost tourism, create employment opportunities, and energize local economies.

The partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and UNESCO also emphasizes the establishment of UNESCO Global Geoparks, which are more than just nature reserves. These parks are seen as living laboratories where nature, culture, and science intersect to promote sustainable development.

Rita Bissonnette, Head of the UNESCO Liaison Office, pointed out that UNESCO Global Geoparks are not only designed to conserve geological heritage but also to provide communities with the tools to build robust, inclusive economies based on heritage, education, and sustainability. She further emphasized the importance of integrating local communities in the geopark initiative, noting that "through the geology's eyes, they tell the story of our world."

Currently, there are 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks spread across 50 countries. However, in Africa, there are only two—M'Goun in Morocco and Ngorongoro-Lengai in Tanzania—despite the continent’s vast geological treasures, from fossil-filled basins to active volcanoes.

While the geological landscapes of Eastern Africa are among the most spectacular in the world, the region has faced challenges in the conservation and development of geotourism. Minister Kassa noted that this reflects broader issues facing Africa’s tourism sector, such as infrastructure gaps, environmental degradation, and the need for greater awareness of geoheritage conservation.

However, with the rise of eco-conscious tourism and the growing global interest in sustainable travel, there is a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on Eastern Africa's geotourism potential. The establishment of UNESCO Global Geoparks in the region would not only protect critical ecological and geological areas but also serve as a catalyst for job creation, local business growth, and climate change awareness.

By promoting geotourism, UNESCO and Ethiopia aim to foster a deeper understanding of local cultures and identities while providing a sustainable and inclusive economic model. This initiative would also play a key role in enhancing local climate change education, building awareness of the region's geohistorical heritage, and creating sustainable livelihoods for communities.

With Ethiopia taking the lead, the broader Eastern African region stands to gain immensely from a strengthened focus on geoheritage conservation and sustainable tourism development. The government's new tourism policy, which emphasizes the protection of geoheritage, lays a solid foundation for future growth.

As the workshop concluded, it became clear that geotourism is not just a strategy for preserving natural wonders; it is a path toward sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Through the combined efforts of Ethiopia, UNESCO, and other Eastern African nations, the future of geotourism promises to be a key driver in the region's ongoing transformation.

Ethiopia’s collaboration with UNESCO offers a promising future for geotourism in Eastern Africa, blending culture, conservation, and community-driven sustainability. As the region embraces its geodiversity, it paves the way for a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector—one that can offer visitors not just breathtaking landscapes, but a deeper connection to the natural and cultural heritage that makes Eastern Africa truly unique.

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Ethiopia and UNESCO Partner for Sustainable Development in Eastern Africa