Protection, restoration, and development of the Lalibela heritage site in Ethiopia

Financing of studies for the protection, restoration and development of the Lalibela heritage site.

Context

The site is made up of eleven rock churches listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is a major pilgrimage site for Ethiopians. Lalibela is an emblem of Ethiopian national identity and a major tourist attraction in the country's economic development. However, due to its deterioration, this cultural heritage is under threat.

Following an agreement in October 2018 between French President Emmanuel Macron and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, France launched a program to support the enhancement and development of Ethiopia's National Heritage, including the Lalibela site, with the aim of supporting Ethiopia in preserving its heritage and helping to develop the country's tourist appeal.

Since 2019, France has already carried out a number of actions on the Lalibela site, which this funding completes. These include the mobilization of solidarity funds for innovative projects (PSPI), which enabled a feasibility study to be carried out for the protection of the churches (with canopies) and the restoration of four of them.

Description

The site is made up of eleven rock churches listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is a major pilgrimage site for Ethiopians. Lalibela is an emblem of Ethiopian national identity and a major tourist attraction in the country's economic development. However, due to its deterioration, this cultural heritage is under threat.

Following an agreement in October 2018 between French President Emmanuel Macron and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, France launched a program to support the enhancement and development of Ethiopia's National Heritage, including the Lalibela site, with the aim of supporting Ethiopia in preserving its heritage and helping to develop the country's tourist appeal.

Since 2019, France has already carried out a number of actions on the Lalibela site, which this funding completes. These include the mobilization of solidarity funds for innovative projects (PSPI), which enabled a feasibility study to be carried out for the protection of the churches (with canopies) and the restoration of four of them.

Impacts

Definition of a preservation and restoration program for the churches of Lalibela, validated by UNESCO.
Definition of a program of actions to contribute to the inclusive social and economic development of the population.
The Ethiopian Heritage Authority (EHA) was able to strengthen its capacities in terms of project management and monitoring, as well as in terms of managing and steering Ethiopian heritage policy.

Download the project sheet

20/10/2022

Project start date

20/10/2026

Project end date

4 years

Duration of funding

Infrastructure

Sectors

Lalibelan Ethiopia

Location

Grant