Addis Ababa — Member of the National Heritage Restitution Committee, Alula Pankhurst, emphasized the pivotal role of Ethiopia's rich heritage in spurring development and attracting investment to the country.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Pankhurst pointed out that the nation’s extensive history and the breadth of its heritage sites, spanning from north to south and east to west, are invaluable for the country’s identity and future. He remarked on the critical function of cultural heritage in the development of the arts and crafts sector and its potential to bolster tourism.
Ethiopia has established itself as the leading African country in terms of world heritage recognition, boasting 11 sites inscribed by UNESCO, including two recent additions. These sites range from ancient obelisks to rock-hewn churches and expansive national parks.
Pankhurst further highlighted the importance of heritage as a lure for tourists and investors. He insisted that preservation and promotion of these assets are essential to the nation's cultural and historical identity.
The discussion also touched upon the issue of African heritages housed in European and American museums. Pankhurst noted the country’s historical losses, particularly during the Mekdela expedition in 1868 and the Italian occupation from 1935 to 1941. While a few items, such as the Lion of Judah Statue and the Aksum Obelisk, have been repatriated, he asserts that efforts to reclaim numerous artifacts from foreign institutions must be intensified.
The UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ethiopia, including Aksum, Fasil Ghebbi, and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, play a significant role in Ethiopia’s tourism sector and present an attractive proposition for development and investment, echoing the nation's commitment to cultural sustainability and economic growth.