Sileshi Girma, the State Minister of Tourism for Ethiopia, officially opened the 25th Global Wildlife Program Conference in Addis Ababa, reaffirming Ethiopia's commitment to biodiversity protection, cultural heritage, and resilient livelihoods on November 3, 2025. The conference brought together key stakeholders in discussions on how nature-based tourism and sustainable development can drive both economic growth and ecological preservation.
Minister Girma highlighted the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure, nature-based tourism, and the national Green Legacy initiative as key drivers of sustainable tourism. These investments are focused on creating a balanced approach to development that benefits both the environment and local communities. Ethiopia's tourism strategy emphasizes the role of protected areas in driving conservation efforts while also generating economic benefits for surrounding communities.
As a member of the 38-country Global Wildlife Program network, Ethiopia shared several milestones in its journey towards sustainable tourism. Notable achievements include the full operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and various riverside and corridor developments, which have created new opportunities for tourism development while supporting environmental conservation. These projects are designed to strengthen the visitor economy while ensuring the preservation of natural assets.
Collaborating for Impact: Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices
Ethiopia is well-positioned to leverage its natural resources and cultural assets to create a thriving, sustainable tourism sector. As the country continues to integrate biodiversity conservation and tourism development, it will serve as a model for other nations looking to develop sustainable, eco-friendly tourism industries. Ethiopia's efforts to balance the needs of tourism growth with environmental sustainability offer important lessons for the global tourism community.
This is reinforced by Ethiopia's participation in the recently concluded 25th GWP Conference, a testament to the determination of the country to rise as a global leader in sustainable tourism. Emphasizing biodiversity, cultural heritage, and nature-based tourism, Ethiopia is well-positioned to develop a kind of tourism that serves the interest of local communities, advances economic growth, and helps conserve its natural legacy. With global partnerships and further investments in conservation, Ethiopia's tourism industry can only get better and promise its travelers meaningful, life-changing experiences.