Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have launched a €1.7 million initiative to strengthen community resilience through heritage preservation and post-conflict tourism initiatives in the Wukro-Gheralta Belt of Tigray.
A Step Forward in Post-War Development Projects
The two-year project, titled “Supporting Community Resilience through Community-Based Tourism and Heritage Conservation in the Wukro-Gheralta Belt”, seeks to integrate cultural heritage into local economies—empowering communities while promoting sustainable tourism Ethiopia.
H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister at the Ministry of Finance, described the initiative as both symbolic and strategic, underscoring the strong ties between Ethiopia and Italy. She expressed appreciation for Italy’s continued solidarity, stating that by investing in heritage and people, “this initiative will help restore hope, create jobs, and preserve our cultural identity for future generations.”
According to the Minister, integrating heritage with tourism drives inclusive growth, while community-based tourism empowers locals to become custodians and direct beneficiaries of their cultural treasures.
Italy’s Commitment to Peace and Cultural Revival
H.E. Agostino Palese, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia, emphasized that the agreement reflects a shared conviction: “Culture and tourism can be powerful engines of peace, resilience, and prosperity.” He noted that this cooperation strengthens bilateral relations while promoting development not only in tourism but also in health and other vital sectors.
This project aligns closely with Ethiopia’s post-war development projects, particularly the post-conflict recovery agenda outlined in the Pretoria Peace Agreement and the nation’s Ten-Year Development Plan (2021–2030). Both frameworks recognize sustainable tourism Ethiopia as a vital tool for local development, peacebuilding, and cultural diplomacy.
Revitalizing the Wukro–Gheralta Belt
The Wukro–Gheralta Belt, a region rich in ancient rock-hewn churches and cultural landmarks, has endured challenges due to recent conflicts. Through this initiative, the Ethiopian and Italian governments aim to restore these historical sites, strengthen social cohesion, and foster post-conflict tourism initiatives that directly benefit local communities.
This project also marks the conclusion of Ambassador Palese’s diplomatic tenure in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government acknowledged his enduring friendship and dedication to advancing cooperation between both nations.
The collaboration represents a renewed chapter in Ethiopian-Italian relations—focused on resilience, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism Ethiopia as a pathway toward lasting peace and prosperity.
For travel opportunities and guided heritage tours across Ethiopia, explore Travel Afrikeye.
This story was first reported by the Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia. Read the full article here.
