Location : Lalibela, Ethiopia
Year : 2023
Client : Expertise France (AFD Group)
Role : Technical support for establishing a dialogue between Ethiopia and UNESCO
Description : As part of the support provided by the French Development Agency (AFD) to Ethiopia in reforming its cultural policy regarding the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, Expertise France was commissioned to conduct a feasibility study to examine ways to restore, preserve, and promote the Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a World Heritage site. This study included monitoring and analyzing the stability and resistance of the existing temporary shelters for the churches and exploring the implementation of alternative protective structures to replace these temporary shelters. Within this framework, the work involved supporting the Ethiopian Heritage Authority (EHA) and Expertise France to ensure that the actions carried out were consistent with the recommendations made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.