Speaking at the 25th Annual Conference of the Global Wildlife Program (GWP) in Addis Ababa, State Minister of Tourism, Sileshi Girma, said Ethiopia remains steadfast in its resolve to balance environmental protection with inclusive national growth.
Describing Ethiopia as “a land of profound heritage and ecological wonder,” Sileshi highlighted the country’s diverse cultural and natural assets—from its ancient civilizations and unique alphabets to its varied languages and landscapes.
“Ethiopia is the Land of Origins—the cradle of humankind, the source of the Abbay River (Blue Nile), the birthplace of coffee, and a country of rich history and spectacular scenery,” he said.
The State Minister noted that Ethiopia is currently undergoing multifaceted transformations through strategic investments in infrastructure, eco-tourism, and the Green Legacy Initiative, which aims to promote environmental sustainability and reforestation.
According to him, protected areas are evolving into engines of both conservation and community empowerment, reflecting a broader national strategy to align ecological protection with socio-economic development.
Sileshi also underscored major national achievements, including the full operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and ongoing riverside and corridor development projects, as evidence of the government’s commitment to advancing sustainability while improving livelihoods.
In his remarks, Fanuel Kebede, a Senior Researcher at the Ethiopian Wildlife Authority, described Ethiopia as a country where “nature, culture, and history converge in the most remarkable ways.”
He emphasized the country’s extraordinary ecological diversity, noting that Ethiopia’s terrain ranges from highlands rising above 4,000 meters to arid lowlands dipping 150 meters below sea level—a variation that makes it one of the most ecologically diverse nations in Africa.
Fanuel added that Ethiopia’s ongoing conservation efforts, including initiatives within the Green Legacy program, aim to strengthen wildlife protection, expand community-based conservation models, and promote nature-based tourism as a driver of sustainable growth.
The Global Wildlife Program (GWP)—which includes 38 member countries—serves as a collaborative platform for governments, researchers, and conservation partners to share knowledge, showcase best practices, and strengthen policy frameworks that enhance biodiversity protection and sustainable livelihoods.
The 25th GWP conference, held in Ethiopia for the first time, underscores the country’s growing influence in global environmental and tourism diplomacy, reaffirming its role as a key advocate for sustainable development across Africa.