land use plan of propsal in Gherealta Tourist Destination

Developed by Tedros Abreham

Lead consultant @ kingdomnomics consultancy
Mobile 251-989830495
Email: kingdomnomicsethiopia@gmail.com
 1. Introduction
Facts abound that tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors in
the world and a major driver of growth for developing countries- their tourism
market share increased noticeably over the past decades. In some developing
countries, tourism already contributes to as much as 40% of their GDP.
Further, the influx of international tourist witnessed unprecedented growth
over the last six decades since 1950. International tourist arrival increased
from 25 million in 1950 to 1.087 billion in 2013. Growth in the influx of
international tourists is foreseen to remain unabated over the coming two
decades and is estimated to grow on average by 3.3% annually and so will the
income from tourism. The total international tourist arrival is projected to
reach 1.8 billion by 2030.

The positive outlook in the global tourism presents opportunity worthy of

exploiting by developing countries seeking to accelerate and integrate their
overall socio-economic development. Yet, addressing critical bottlenecks for
tourism development well ahead of time is undoubtedly the key to maximizing
the benefits presented by the forward looking tourism industry.

Ethiopia, an ancient country, with remarkably diverse and rich cultural,

natural, historical and archeological heritages, is one of the countries that
could benefit seriously from the emerging global tourism growth trend.
However, despite Ethiopia’s bounty of heritage sites; it has only recently begun
to take its rightful place i.e voted as the World’s Top Tourism Destination of
2015 for its “Excellent Preservation of Humanity Landmarks” by the
European Council on Tourism and Trade.

The fact that tourism sector in Ethiopia is progressing amid the current
political condition implies bright future for the development of the sector.
However, in terms of placing Ethiopian tourism sector to the status it deserves;
there remain lots of works to be on the table. Aggressive and focused actions
should be made in supplying adequate infrastructure at promising and
established centers, and intensifying marketing and branding efforts among
other measures.

2. Project Justification and Description

Tigray is endowed with beautiful landscapes and historical values of
unparalleled beauty, good nurtured and hospitable people, who are proud of
their culture and heritage deeply anchored in their great history. In fulfilling
the aspirations of the people of Tigray for overall socio-economic development
multi-sector development strategies have been implemented so as to effectively
exploit the region’s economic potential. Effective use of Tigray’s economic
potential is essential for its people and for a strong Ethiopia, which itself is a
pillar to the wider regional and African renaissance. This can materialize only if
the benefits of economic development and the region’s resources can be
sustainably exploited.

One such potential of the state for sustainable development is the enormous
wealth of the region’s tourism heritages. As briefly discussed above, tourism is
one of the world's largest and fastest-growing sectors and a major driver of
growth for developing countries. Tigray is one of the ideal sites for tourist influx
by vertu of the rich and unique heritages. Tigray’s tourist destination sites are
worthy not only to the curious international but also to the domestic one.

Given an overall rising trend in the influx of international tourists and the
attitude and disposition to recreation and vacation by middle-class Ethiopians;
Tigray could have been one of the top tourist destinations in the world and
tourism sector- a major driver of growth to the region. However, real tourism
development at this point in time is practically in the preliminary stage in
Tigray, and the economic potentials of the sector have not been realized in the
region in both absolute and relative measures.
While, in general, it is true that Ethiopia is still lagging behind as tourist
country; the tourism sector of the Tigray region is even in a more deplorable
condition. This can be explained by regional market share (in terms of
international tourist flow) of Tigray which stood 6 th in 2017- performance quite
contrary to its potential. Average tourist stay, in the same year, in the whole
Tigray was 4.2 nights per tourist.

Yet to come, thinking of the major corridor of tourist influx within the Tigray
region; there is no doubt that Gherealta is the most important and fascinating
attraction to the curious tourist. There are several decisive factors that could
provide standalone criteria for Gherealta international tourism:

Despite Great potential of being international tourism destination site; tourism

has not yet flourished as it should be the case. The areal tourism sector
development at this time, is practically challenging in Gherealta tourist
destinations. Valuable historic sites are in deplorable condition.

Recently, the region’s bureau of culture and tourism developed a destination

management plan which defines core and buffer zones for the region, though
not authorized by the responsible institution. Besides this, the destination
management plan lacks details of activities to be incorporated in core and
buffer zones.

According The Ethiopian tourism investments promotion which requires land

as critical input: hotels, lodges, guest houses, pension services and restaurants
are reserved for domestic investors. Whereas mice facilities, star rated tourist
hotels , leisure and sports ,entertainment and shopping centers ,tourism
medical services and education and training facilities are investment areas
are open to foreign investors. However Gheralta as tourist destination is yet to
define its investment requirement based on land use, investment profile and
investment incentives to desired investors.
Randomly assessed information revealed that there is a conflict between
heritage, tourism, and community development programs. Every responsible
sector for these developments is driven by its own sectoral plan. The tourism
institution driving forces are inclined on preserving heritages, the investment
commission intended to boost luxury tourism investment projects, whereas the
local administrations are highly concerned with alleviating social issues like
rural housing developments and promoting SME industries which are unlikely
to the values of Gherealta tourist destination.

Currently, among many lacks of systems, institutional support, rules, and

regulation as well as policies and Guidelines are critical ones that affect the
tourism economy in the region. It is impossible to imagine the existence of
tourism development without preserving the core values and authenticity of
Gherealta tourist destinations. To reverse the situation, a strategic intervention
for developing a Guiding tourism investment Action plan to avoid the conflict
between heritage, tourism investments, and community development, are
primary issues of the sector in the region.

The presenters of this proposal are aware of the beautiful landscapes and their
historic endowments and trends in the tourism sector and believed that there
is a lot of work to be done to boost the tourism sector in the region. However,
the protection, preserving, and presenting Gherealta as a landmark is the basic
foundation for future developments. So we came up with a project development
scheme that will be a benchmark to transform the Gherealta tourist
destination in to economically growing development-oriented business and
investor-friendly society by creating an appropriate investment climate, and
knowledge-based initiatives to provide for growth and competitiveness.

One of the initiatives covered in the strategy is developing a tourism investment

Action plan for Gherealta, which enables the clustering of the tourism core
attraction, tourism investment, and community-related developments within
the circle of the Gherealta tourist destination management plan. This project,
therefore, complements one of the measures that should be taken in enhancing
the competitiveness of the sector and its role in advancing the socio-economic
development agenda of the country i.e. to avail the practicality of management
plan with particular focus on the Gherealta tourist destination sites.

3. Project site description

Hidden away in the mountains like ancient treasures, the churches in Gheralata are described as
‘’ the greatest of the historical-cultural heritage of the Ethiopian people’’. The Gheralta
Mountains chain is found deep within the northern high plateau of the Tigray region.

The geography of the Gheralta range is one of the most striking landscapes in all of Ethiopia. It’s
picturesque setting, dazzling heights, age-old rock painting churches from the middle ages make
it one of the premium destinations to be explored.

According to local tradition the churches in the Gheralta Mountains were constructed in the 4th
Century by the first Christian kings of Ethiopia, Abraha, and Atsbeha, although it is more likely
that many are 6th Century constructions, from the time when monasticism was spreading
throughout the region. Many of the hermitage caves were expanded to become the enormous
edifices that can now be admired flickering in candlelight amid the murmurs of the cream-
shawled faithful. The churches have been hewn directly out of the mountainsides by hand, only
their slim rock pillars left in place to prevent collapse.

From the churches of Gheralta, Abune Yemata Guh, Maryam korkor, and Daniel korkor are
fascinating and frequently visited ones. Abune Yemata guh is a very beautiful painted church
carved into a tall perpendicular sandstone pinnacle and accessed by a cliff face. Though regular
visitors clamber up with ease, travelers often climb this rock face wrapped in ropes and
harnesses.

From visitors perspective Gheralta is an amazing place to see and access age-old monasteries
which nestled over a sheer cliff. The churches are embellished with spellbound frescoes and
mural painting which dates back to the 12 and 13th-century ad. The mountains here are an ideal
place for trekking and mountain climbing. The people that inhabit in this part of Ethiopia have an
amazing culture and way of life religious.

From investment perspective Gherealta is one seven potential destinations; Abijatta-Shalla

National Park, Bale Mountain National Park, Semien Mountains National Park, Erta Ale, Abaya
and Chamo lakes, Arba Minch and Wenchi Crater Lake selected for provision special investment
incentives such like :

 5 years of income tax exemption for those who invest on the five specified regions.
  Duty free privileges on Capital good and spare-parts.
 Duty free privileges on finishing construction materials (if they’re going to build the
hotel themselves).
 Duty free import of the following vehicles. [ Station wagons (NEW), A bus (minimum
capacity of 30 passengers excluding the foldable seats) ].

4. Project Goal
This project aims at developing a tourism investment promotional and action
plan for Gherealta tourist destination that helps in addressing the practical
challenges for development as well as alleviating the existing conflicts of
heritage, tourism investment as well as community developments interests
within the region, and thereby increasing the volume of tourism, tourist
satisfaction, and community profit from the sector

Project objectives
Proposed Intervention Modalities

Several key areas of interventions are proposed in-line with the above project Goal . Under each
of these interventions, detailed baseline needs, and opportunities assessment will have to be
carried out to ensure the interventions are tailored to the specific needs of the tourism sector in
the destination. Thus, every intervention should begin with an assessment of economic
opportunities, inventory of core and secondary tourism product development options and
possible ecosystem factors in targeted IDPs. The proposed interventions in line with project
objectives are:

1. Developing a master plan guides the development of destination model that integrates
core tourism products, private led tourism investments, and cultural experience via
community tourism products (immersive experience) by partnering with communities

2. Establishing land Banking with its land packaging enhancement and profiles for tourism
investment on paper which improves the value of the land through conceptual land
planning, zoning, investment schemes, or other “paper enhancements” like accurate
surveys and environmental studies...
 3. Developing a tourism investment promotional profiles both in print and soft to market the
destination properly

4. Conducting Awareness and capacity building package for stake holders

Hence, to realize these tourism investment opportunities on the ground giving proper awareness and
Training is unquestionable. This capacity building project will focus on creating awareness and
ownership on policy makers ,private sectors and main stake holders on the destination

5. Scope of the project

The investment action plan will provide an integrated development scenario for
tourism, community development, management of endowments, upgrading the
natural and historic landscapes of the Gherealta tourist destination, and a
central locations conceptual planning in order to provide facilities needed for
an extended tourism approach in consideration of realizing real economic and
social transformation and sustainable economic developments.

Special emphasis will be given to spatial planning with the individual public
and private tourism investment sector studies opportunities and existing
deficits will be analyzed with the tourism sector scenario developments, and
linkages between heritage, private investment, and community will be
established. , areas of intervention and policy fields will be prioritized, i.e action
fields and Geographical locations, where the new investment interventions will
be considered and the deficits and worst interventions mostly needed. These
tourism sector scenarios as developed for the plan will display references to all
important intervention fields.
 6. Methodology
It should be noted that the project to be implemented is not a full-fledged
tourism study but from a number of inputs that emerge from thinking of
creating a conducive environment for an investment-friendly Gherealta tourist
destination. Accordingly, it has two stages. The first stage is policy review and
documentation and the second is conducting an entire supply-side inventory
for spatial planning.

1st. Policy review and documentation

Activities

A. Identify the main source of tourism growth

B. Identify the potential sources of growth with comparative advantage
C. Identify the current and potential tourist products where Gherealta
tourist destination could be competitive
D. Identify the main tourist targets
E. Identify the most promising existing and potential tourism segments
F. Identifying the key policies and institutional constraints affecting the
tourism performance

2nd. Spatial planning

Activities

A. The main activities of special planning consisting of an inventory based

on the central location of the destination :
 Population located or planned in central locations
 Population within the catchment areas
 Administrative structure and public services
 Existing or planned private sectors services supporting tourism
 Accessibility indicators
B. On the basis of the above indicators a priority area of tourism
development will be defined. Such like :
  The proposal which define the core investments in the core zone
for preserving, upgrading and presenting of the historic
endowments
 The spatial planning defines the buffer zone land use and
investment profile for hotels, lodges, guest houses, pension
services and restaurants which reserved for domestic investors and
defines buffer zone land use for intensive capital investment which
to accommodate foreign investors such like star rated tourist
hotels , leisure and sports ,entertainment and shopping
centers ,tourism medical services and education and training
facilities within Gheralta tourism management plan will be
defined.

7. Project Deliverable
The documents considered as project deliverables consisting of the following
details:

 A tourism investment marketing document that compiles the specialties

of the Gherealta tourist destination to serve as the benchmark for
tourism and investment planners
 A spatial planning which defines free zones, tourist concessions, a land
allocation for investors, and also priority development zones for tourism
investment
 A Tourism investment profiles which gives clear terms of reference to
tourism and investment offices enable them to quickly respond to
investors request
Schedule of deliverables
Phases Specific objectives key activities Deliverables

Phase A to fine tune the work kick-off meeting Output 1

methodology and
Inceptio preliminary site visits  inception
work plan and ensure
n and consultations report
an effective project
start-up.
collection of the
existing
to collect all the
documentation
immediately available
information and data.
review and
finalization of the
detailed work plan
Phase B 1. Develop a master  desk Output 2
plan guides the research and
prelimin development of analysis  heritage
ary destination model  site visits inventory
studies that integrates core and report (draft)
and tourism products, stakeholders
Output 3
compreh private led tourism consultation
ensive investments, and  topographica  tourism
destinati cultural experience l survey experiences
on via community  direct inventory
marketin tourism products investigation report (final)
g plan (immersive s
experience) by  preparation Output 4

partnering with of the

 preliminary
communities product
study report
development
(draft)
plan
 concept
design of
private and
community
Output 5
led tourism
investment
 a detail tourism
profiles
product plan
other
tourism Output 6
facilities
 a detailed of
 environment
tourism
al and
investment
heritage
marketing plan
impact
assessment
 preparation
of 3D
presentation
models
 first
 milestone
meeting
 first
awareness
workshop

Phase C 2. Establishing land  identifying Output 7

Banking with its land the tourism
preparati packaging investment  detail business
on of enhancement and gaps development
spatial profiles for tourism  developing plan (draft)
planning investment on paper land banking
Output 8
for which improves the for tourism
defining value of the land related  detail business
land through conceptual private and development
banking land planning, community plan (final)
for zoning, investment business
tourism schemes, or other projects
investme “paper  stakeholder
nt enhancements” like consultation
accurate surveys and on the
environmental proposed
studies... projects

Phase D Developing a  development Output 9

tourism investment of detailed
preparati promotional profiles tourism  detail tourism
on of the both in print and soft investment investment
detailed to market the profiles profiles
tourism destination properly  preparation
Output 10
investme of Broachers
nt  preparation  actual
profiles of 3D production of
documentary sample
marketing tools
(final)
.
Project deliverable and Budget Requirements

S.No Name of the project Name of the Duration of the project Professional fee per Total Professional fee
deliverable project area hour (in birr) expense
(in birr)

1 Tourism investment Gherealta 60 days 175.00 720,000

marketing document cluster

2 Spatial planning for Gherealta 30 days 175.00 640,000

developing land banking for cluster
private tourism investment

3 Tourism investment profiles Gherealta 30 days 175.00 340,000

cluster

Total 1600,000

NB: this budget component does not include the costs related to the trainees. So, the trainers
expect Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau to consider these costs. Training hall, training
stationeries, LCD projector and related facilities also need to be arranged by the bureau.

8. Project Organization and Staffing

Organizational profile of the Proposed staffs
To respond comprehensively and effectively to the TOR and to the objectives of the
assignment, we have compiled a multi-disciplinary team of experts that will be
adequately supported by our technical and managerial backstopping staff. For detail
information please refer the resumes of the expert in the Annex

Staffs Name Profession Educational Experience

Rank

KE01 Samson Addis Architect MA More than

10yrs

KE02 TedrosAbreham Business MBA More than

development expert 10yrs

KE03 Yohannes Gebreselassie Archaeologist PhD candidate More than

 10yrs

KE04 Solomon Weldegebreal Heritage Msc More than

conservator 10yrs

KE05 Solomon HisheWeldegiorgis Geographer and Gis Phd candidate More than
expert 10yrs

KE06 YaredArefaine Language Expert MA More than 10

years

KE07 Tsegay Mamo Photographer Diploma More than 10

yrs

Annex1: CVS of proposed staffs

No Name Educational Background Expriance and carrier achievements

1 Samson Addis  Professional Master From July 2006 to date

Degree in Urban
Planning and Land
Administration
International Institute
of aerospace survey
and earth science
(ITC). (Netherlands)
(2000)
 BSc in
Architecture and Town
Planning Faculty of
Science & 
Technology,
 Position: General Manager, STUDIO SAMSON ADDIS, Architects
& Engineers PLC.
 Complete Engineering services related to the project AKSUM
VISITOR CENTRE Design, Specification and Tender Document,
and Construction Supervision and contract administrations
 Road, Landscape and Renovation of Old Houses Projects called
‘’Improvement of Visitors Walking Routs, Plaza, and Stele Filed,
and Renovation of Old Houses for Adaptive Reuse in Axum’ in the
historic core zone of Axum city which is one of a UNESCO
registered historic cities of Ethiopia.
National Visitor Centre Policy and Design project in Ethiopia for
The World Bank.

AAU(1992) Certificate  Preparation of Development Proposal & Design for Old Houses of
Axum for Adaptive Reuse
of Training in Urban
Management,  Improvement of Visitors Walk Routs & Plazas and Stele Field in
Axum
Ethiopian Management
 Preparation of 4 towns action plans (Bora, Dela, Zata, &Tsigereda)
Institute, 1999
 Preparation of 5 towns action plans (Subcontracted from
 Certificate of
GirmayKifle consulting Architects & Engineers)
Participation in
 Preparation of Meshenti Basic plan (Bahardar’s satellite town)
Modern Architecture
From April 2004 to July 2006 at Mekelle city Plan Preparation
and Town Planning in Office.
Ethiopian Context,
 Position………Spatial planning and design team leader, Mekelle.
GTZ-Tigrai Urban
 Duties:-
Development Office,
 Member of the management unit
 2002  Coordination and organization of urban planning works
 Certificate of Training  Preparation of the strategic development framework of the city
in Urban Planning and
Management, Ministry  Development of conceptual expansion alternatives
of Federal Affairs,
2003  Organize data inputs from the socio-economic survey and prepare
their application in physical terms
 Preparation of spatial plans based on the strategic development
framework of the city
 Participate in the preparation of implementation strategies
 Prepare New Millennium Project Proposal (Revitalization of the
inner city)
 Preparation of terms of reference for outsourced tasks such as local
development plans, Land Information system, base map preparation
for the hinterland, etc.,.
 Follow up works of outsourced activities

From January to March 2004 at Municipality of Mekelle city

administration.
 Position………Design, contract administration dep. Head, Mekelle.
 From September 2002 to January 2004 at Tigray Urban
Development Office.
 Position………..Cadastre and land management team leader,
Mekelle.
 Duties:-
 Planning and coordination of cadastral application works for
selected towns within Tigray region.
 Study involving land and property valuation system to be
introduced at towns' level and later to be organized at regional level.
 Support in planning works as a management committee for the
tasks of the office.
From October 2000 to September 2002 at Tigray Works and
Urban Development Bureau.
 Position………..Design department head, Mekelle.
 Duties:-
 Planning and monitoring municipal projects on study and
implementation phases.
 Supervision of Architectural design activities for municipal and
private owned construction projects.
 Preparation of urban designs for various towns in the region.
 Design approval for private as well as government projects in the
region.
 Preparation of architectural designs for government organizations.
 Participate in urban design aspects including urban renewal
schemes, and city beautification schemes.
From July 1997 to July 1999 at Mekelle zone city
administration
 Position Technique department head, Mekelle.
 Duties:-
 Planning of partial plan in the city
  Monitoring the construction activities in the city and issuing
construction work permits
 Planning and monitoring municipal projects on study and
implementation phases.
 Supervision of Architectural design activities in municipal and
private owned construction projects.
 Preparation of urban designs for various parts of the city of Mekele

From September 1995 to June 1997 at Tigray Works and

Urban Development Office
 Position as an architect, acting department head of town planning
and design departments while the scarcity of professionals was
immense, and section head, in Mekelle
 Duties:-
 Coordination of work as a head and have personally been involved
in the preparation of implementation plans for MakelleAdihaki
expansion areas.
 Had special responsibilities in directing and coordinating the
preparation of action plans for towns in the region, including Quiha,
Wukro, Adigrat, Adwa, Indasilasie, and Sheraro.
 Had prepared upgrading proposals for the inner town of Mekelle,
and revitalization plans for Alamata town as a chief town planner.
 Different Architectural design activities in municipal and private
owned construction projects.
 Preparation of standard low cost house designs that were in use till
recent days
From November 1993 to August 1995, at Studio Michael Tedros
– Architects- Urban Designers.
 Position……………..as a senior architect with one architect and
two technicians under my supervision, in Asmara.
 Duties:-
 Preparation of architectural designs, preparation of working
drawings and construction details.
 Site supervision
From May 1993 to October 1993, with GirmayHaptegabir
Building Contractor
 Position ……………as construction supervisor, Mekelle
 Duties:-
 Construction site supervision, and preparation of specification and
bill of quantity
From Oct. 19, 1992 to 30 April 1993 at National Engineers PLC.
 Position ……………as junior architect, in Addis Ababa.
 Duties:-
 In architectural design and landscape architecture.
Architectural design for private owned construction projects
5 Yohannes =1991 - Addis Abeba University,  August 1997-Dec. 2000: Tourism promotion officer in the
Social Science College, B. A degree Bureau of Culture, (in charge of brochure writing) Tourism
Gebre Selassie
in history in 1991 and Information, Tigrai, Mekelle.
=2001-2002- French language study  Jan. 2001-August 2001: Archaeology section head in the
=2002-2003- Maitrîse (MA) in department of Culture, Tourism and Information Aksum
history from the University of Paris branch.
1, Panthéon Sorbonne
2003-2004 DEA
(Diplômed’EtudeApprofondi=M.Phil
in Anglo-Saxon system) in ancient
Ethiopian history and Archaeology, Feb-April 2001 with HAMA (Hamburg Arhaeological Mission at
Uiversity of Paris 1, Panthéon
Sorbonne
=2004- Doctoral candidate in
ancient Ethiopian history, with
Thesis tile-Image of Kaleb, King of
Aksum (6th Century AD), in
Ethiopian written and oral tradition,
Dissertation submitted. Defence date
fixed for April 26 2018.
Publications, Conference presentations and research papers
Review of Book (s)
Forthcoming publications
Archaeological Field work and projects
 Oct.-Nov. 2000 with French archaeological mission at Stele
Park.
Aksum) under the direction of Professor Helmut Zigert.
 Feb. 16-27 2004, at the protohistoric site (first and second
Iron Age) of « Bordeaux Grand-Hôtel » for excavation and
stratigraphy recording training with arhaeologists from
INRAP (Institut National de
RecherchesArchéologiquesPréventives).
 2010-2014 Wakarida archaeological and epigraphic project. It
was initiated by IwonaGajda and YohannesGebreselassie
 2010-2015- Wakarida, in Eastern Tigray, projected initiated
by IwonaGajda and YohannesGebreselassie,
 2014-2015-Mifsas Bahri, Korem, Mekelle University and the
University of Heidelberg, under the direction of Professor
Paule Yule
 2015-Quiha, with the Department of History and Heritage
management. And French Cenre for Ethiopian Studies
(CFEE)
 Gadja, I. YohannesGebre Selassie &HilufBerhe, « Pre-
Aksumite Inscriptions FromMaqaerGa'ewa, (Tigrai, Ethiopia)
», Annales d' Éthiopie, 2009, vol. XXIV, p. 33-48.
 Gadja, I. &YohannesGebre Selassie, « Pre-Aksumite
Inscribed Incence Burner and Some Architectural Ornaments
from AddiAkaweh (Tigrai, Ethiopia) », Annales d' Éthiopie,
2009, vol. XXIV, p. 49-61.
 YohannesGebre Selassie, « plague as a possible factor for the
decline and collapse of the Aksumite Empire: a new
interpretation », Ityopis, vol. 1, no. 1, 2011, p. 36-61.
 YohannesGebre Selassie, « The Icongraphy of KalébKing of
Aksum (6th Century AD) », Cultural Landscapes of Ethiopia:
Conference Proceedings, ed. by D. James NARENDRA
BONDLA, Wolbert G. C. SMIDT, Yoko FURUSAKI,
AYELE Bekerie, Mekelle: Dayo Printing Press, 2015: 53-61.
 YohannesGebre Selassie, 2014 « New Data on ᵓGZ, son of a
King : From a third century AD UnvocalizedGәᶜәz
Inscription (Ḥәnzat, Tәgray), Annalesd’Ethiopie, vol. 29, 13-
25..
 YohannesGebre Selassie, “EnnoLittmann: An assessment of
his legacy in the light of ongoing scholarly debates”, in W. G.
C. Smidt and S. Thubuville eds. Cultural Research in
Northeastern Africa: German Histories and Stories, Ityopis,
Northeast African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities,
Special Issue No. 1, Frankfort, Addis Ababa: 2015: 125-138
 ዮሃንስገ /ስላሴ(2009) «መባእታዊሪኢቶብዛዕባገለ ‘ተደረብቲ’
ፊደላትግዕዝንኣብኣጠቃቕማትግርኛዝፈጠርዎፅዕንቶ»
ውፅኢትምርምራትቀዳማይሲምፖየምቋንቋታትትግራይ፤ኣካዳሚቋን
ቋታትትግራይ (ዓድግራትጥሪ 5-6 2009 ዓም) ገጽ 338-359 ፨
 YohannesGebre Selassie, « L‘alphabetéthiopien:
uneoriginediscuté» in Les Dossiers d’Archéologie (editor J.
F., Breton), Jan-Feb 2017, Éditions FATON, Paris : p. 36-39.
 Gabriel B., YohannesGebre Selassie and Heruy Daniel (2017),
Catalogue of the Survey of the Lake Hashenge Area 2014: In
Gaudiello M and P. Yule, MifsasBahri a Late Aksumite
Community in the Mountains of Sothern Tigray: Survey,
Excavation and analysis, 2013-2016 , BAR International
Series S2839, p. xx-xx.
 YohannesGebre Selassie, 2014, Le Site de DongourAxoum,
Éthiopie :recherchesarchéologiques, Azania : Archaeological
Research in Africa, 49 : 2, 277-279, DOI : 10. 1080/
006727OX. 2014. 904074.
  YohannesGebre Selassie, « An Inventory of Archaeological
sites in Tigrai », Paper red in the 4th International
LittmannConferene held in Tübingen (Germany) 1st April
2014, proceedings to be published in Meroitica (forthcoming).
 YohannesGebre Selassie, « The Future of the Past: Towards
Conservation of Undocumented Archaeological Sites and
Uncatalogued Archaeological Materials in Tigrai »,
Annalesd’Ethiopie, 31, 2016 (in press).
 ዮሃንስገ /ስላሴ -
የጥንታዊቅርሶችእጣፈንታበኢትዮጵያ፦ኣጭርዳሰሳትግራይውስጥስለ
ሚገኙያልተመዘገቡየመካነቅርስቦታዎችናተንቀሳቃሽቅርሶች፤በ፪ኛው
ሀገር-አቀፍየባሕል፣ቋንቋናሥነ-ጽሑፍአውደ-
ጥናትላይየቀረበጥናታዊጽሑፍሚያዝያ 13-14
መቐለ፨
 ዮሃንስገ /ስላሴ-
ፈጠራናውሰትበጥንጣዊትኢትዮጵያ፤አጭርሐተታስለግዕዝቁጥርአመ
ጣጥበ፩ኛውሀገር-አቀፍየባሕል፣ቋንቋናሥነ-ጽሑፍአውደ-
ጥናትላይየቀረበጥናታዊጽሑፍግንቦት 14 መቐለ፨

Conference presentations
 YohannesGebre Selassie, « The Future of the Past: Towards
Conservation of Undocumented Archaeological Sites and
Uncatalogued Archaeological Materials in Tigrai »,
International Conference « Developement of Museums and
Heritage in Africa-Opportunities, Challenges and
Collaborations » held at Mekelle University, November 6-8,
2012, proceedings to be published as special series in
ITYOPIS.
 YohannesGebre Selassie, « New ‘Pre-Aksumite’ and
Aksumite archaeological sites from central Tigrai and their
significance for tourism development in the “historical route »
read at the International Conference of IPHC, held at Mekelle
University, March 15, 2012.
 YohannesGebreselassie, Heritage Management for Heritage
Tourism, Opportunities and Challenges: the case of Tigrai,
Read at a Workshop on ‘Heritage Tourism in Ethiopia’
Mekelle University, December 28, 2013, Institute of
Paleoenvironment and Heritage Mekelle.
 YohannesGebre Selassie, « The Composition of Historical
Documents in Tәgray: the KәbräNägäśt, Mäṣḥäfä Aksum,
Wängelzäwärq and TarikäNägäśt », Paper read in a
conference Manuscripts and text, languages and contexts: the
transmission of knowledge in the Horn of Africa, Hamburg,
17-20 July 2014.
 YohannesGebre Selassie, “Notes on the representation of
women in ‘pre-Aksumite’ and Aksumite Art (800BC-
700AD)” read in the 10th International Conference of the
History of Art and Archtecture in Ethiopia” 30 Novemeber-4
December 2015, Mekelle, Mekelle University, Tigay,
Ethiopia.
 YohannesGebre Selassie, GädläKaleb: A New Document
from the Island Monastery of DäbräṢәyon, Tulu Gudo, Zway,
international Conference on archaeology of ancient Ethiopia:
Cult places in ancient Ethiopia, Recent Archaeological
Research, 14-16 April 2016, Paris.
 YohannesGebre Selassie, The past in the present:
Transmutation of textual and oral traditions concerning the
reign of Kaleb, King of Aksum (6th century AD), 3rd
National Social Science Conference , Bahir Dar University,
May 6-7, 2016.
 ዮሃንስገብረስላሴ« አድዋየጀግንነትውሎ- የካቲት 23 1888 »
የአድዋንድልናየድሉንአውደ-
ግንባሮችበዩኒስኮየዓለምቅርስሆኖእንዲመዘገብለማድረግየተዘጋጀሃገር-
አቀፍአውደጥናትየካቲት 20 ቀን 2004
ዓምማኔጅመንትኣዳራሽመቐለዩኒቨርሲቲ።

 ዮሃንስገ /ስላሴ«ዓድዋናማይጨው፡
የ 1888 ቱድልናየ 1928 ቱሽንፈትንጽጽራዊትንተና» በ 117
የዓድዋድልመታሰቢያበዓልላይየተነበበፅሁፍ፡የካቲት 212005 ዓድዋ
 ኣብመፅሔትባህልንቱሪዝምንትግራይዝቐረቡፅሑፋት
 YohannesGebre Selassie, A New 2nd/3rd Century AD
7 TewodrosAbaraha  BED in history bahrdar
m 
university (2004)
 MBA from Aksum
university (2017)
8 YaredArefayne 2002-2005:BA, Major in Foreign
Language and Literature (English)
and Minor in History, Addis Ababa
University
2008-2011: MA in Linguistics,
Addis Ababa University
9 Solomon  Bachelor Degree in
weldegebreal Heritage conservation
an [Bsc](2010)
 Master Degree in
Heritage Building
Conservation and
Management(MSc)
(2015)
 Certificate Course on
Wall painting
conservation Germany
University of Applied
Science and Arts and
Mekelle University
 Fine Art Advance
diploma Tigray arts
college
10 Solomon  BA degree in Social
Science in the field of
HisheWeldegiorgis
Geography from
Addis Ababa
University in 1995.
 Professional Masters
degree in
Geographical
Information System
for Rural Application
from the Institute of
 Aerospace Survey and
UnvocalizedGәᶜәz Inscription from Ḥәnzat, Tәgray,
ባህልንቱሪዝምን, 7 ይዓመትቁ 12, 2008, ገፅ 21-25.
st
1 March 2012up january2016: projectcoordinatorof
ESTDP Aksum site managementunit.
nd
 2 January2010to April 2012:
CoordinatorofAksumculture andtourismcluster and site
manger of Aksum world heritage site
rd
 3 November2008 to December 2010: museum expert
th
 4 May2005up to october2008: culturalsitesexpertand
tourist guide
 9th Mar 2013 to 10th Oct 2015: Lecturer of English
Language and Linguistics, Aksum University
 9th Dec 2011 to Mar 8th 2013: Lecturer of English
Language and Linguistics, DebreMarkosUniversity
 8th Jul 2011 to 8th Dec 2011: Lecturer of English
Language, Axum Business and Service College
 10th Nov 2007 to 7th Jul 20011: Assistant Lecturer of
English, Axum Business and Service College
 10th Nov 2006 to 7th Jul 2007: Assistant Graduate II
Instructor of English, Axum Business and Service
College
 10th Nov 2005 to 9th Nov 2006: Assistant Graduate I
Instructor of English, Axum Business and Service
College
 Since 2015 up to date lecturer at MekeleUniversty
 trainerArt drawing, paintingin Jima.
Teaching handcrafts short term
 Teaching Fine Art, Ethiopian traditional painting and Heritage
management level IV.
 Conserve wall painting and short term training in handcraft
 partcipatingDevelopmentof Occupational Standards and
Assessment Tools for Culture, Hotel and Tourism
 5 years’ experience in the field of Geographical Information
System expert with intensive field works to rural areas of
Tigray region (about 53,000 km2) having 608 rural districts,
to collect, organize and analyse geographical information, and
attribute data that helps for the regional planning decision
making. (Sept 1998- Sept. 2003)
 October 2003-July 2004 as Lecturer in Mekelle University,
Department of Geography and EnvironmentalStudies
 August 2004-September 2005 as Department Head for
Geography and Environmental Studies, Mekelle University
 October 2005-August 2008, Deputy Director for Continuing
and Distance Education for the Faculty ofEducation, Mekelle
 Earth Science, ITC University besides to teaching activities at the Department of
The Netherlands in Geography & Environmental
1998. Studies.
 Advance Diploma in  Since September 2008, Lecturer at Mekelle University
Teachers Educator, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.
2005 (Courses teaching: Cartography and Map reading, Terrain
 Masters degree in Analysis and Land use Planning, Surveying,
Geomatics and Geomorphology, soil geography, GIS, Principles of remote sensing,
Natural Resources Introduction to Climate, Applied climatology)
Evaluation, Florence Community Service Provision
University, Italy June  Develop project proposal for rural electrification to one rural
2009. village in EndertaWoreda and wassuccessful since 2003.
 Since November,  Developed a proposal for urban green space development at
2015, a PhD student at Hawelti Sub city, Block 2, MekelleTigray.
University of Dar es  Mobilizing the rural communities for Heritage conservation at
Salaam, Institute of EndertaWoreda, AdiMeararcheological site discovered by
Resources Assessment, Mekelle University.
 Department of Natural  Mobilizing the rural communities for Heritage conservation at
Resources Assessment HawzienWoreda, Mariam Anza
and Management. archeological site conserved by Mekelle University.
 Coordinator of the “Stop Early Marriage or No Al
MatrinonioPrecoche” project in Maimekden Primary and
junior school to support girls from stopping their education due to early
marriage and other socio-economic
reasons since 2010. (Annual fund granted from the project association
members in Florence, Italy)
 Won Awards from the World Bank Development Innovative
Fund (DIF) by developing competent project proposal
entitled “Establishing Cartography and GIS lab at the department of
Geography and Environmental Studies, Mekelle
University” in 2007.
 Team leader to conduct need assessment for the establishment
of the Institute of Climate and Society at
Mekelle University, 2009.
 Conduct a survey for mainstreaming climate change
adaptation into higher educations in Ethiopia led
by the Institute of Climate and Society, Mekelle University and recently
results submitted to the coordinator, 2014.
Publications and researches
 A Study on Urban development: The case of Mekelle, senior
essay Addis Ababa University, June1994, Senior essay.
 Rural - Urban Migration in the case of Addis Ababa, District
l, Group work paper 1994 , AAU
 Information System Development for Population Supporting
Capacity in the case of Tekezze River basin Zone 4,Individual
Final Assignment (IFA), ITC Enschede The Netherlands
August 1998.
 Working manual for Rural Peasant Executive bodies, in
Lower administration level planning, evaluation of projects
and administration, 2003.
 Problem identification on rural irrigation scheme at peasant
administration level in TabiaAdekesandid and Abrahawe-
Atsibaha(Two Peasant Association) 2003.
 Socio-Economic Infrastructure of Tigray Region, August
2005, Paper presented to the Ministry of Education National
Conference held Oct. 21-22, 2005.
 Identification of Potential Irrigable Land (IPIL) using GIS
Techniques: The case of Giba River, 2008
 Module: Introduction to climate, 2007 a module for
undergraduate students of the department ofGeography and
Environmental Studies.
 Land evaluation in KilteAwulaelo district, IAO, Italy, 2009.
 Land slide assessment mapping in KilteAwulaelo district,
IAO, Italy, 2009. Paper presented in the international
conference held in Addis Ababa, Gion Hotel organized by
AAU, Department of Earth Science.
 Land Suitability Analysis for Policy Making Assistance: C o _
A u t h o r , A GIS Based Land Suitability Comparison
between Surface and Drip Irrigation Systems International
 Journal of Environmental Science and Development, Vol.4,
No. 1, February 2013
 Soil mapping and classification: A case study in Tigray
region, Ethiopia.Co_Author, Journal of Agriculture and
Environment for International Development – JAEID 2013, 107 (1): 73 -
99
 Modeling Land Use Optimization of Lake Hashenge
Watershed in the Northern Highlands of Ethiopia: (2010),
(Co-researcher), Mekelle University
 Deciphering and analyzing the cultural heritages of Mai
Mekden/Addime’ar sites: south–eastern zone ofTigray,
Undergoing research, Funded by NORAD, Project III
(Ongoing research)
 Small scale gold mining effects on the miners and local
communities in Semi-arid regions of Ethiopia. Co-Author,
Journal for Geography, 10-1, 2015, 25-40
 Solomon H. and Mohammed A. (2016). GIS based land
suitability analysis for selected cereals in five peasant
associations of Kilte_AwulaeloWoreda, Tigray, Northern
Ethiopia, Research Journal of Agriculture andEnvironmental
Science. 3(1): 1-15