Call for Abstracts: Panel on Ethiopia’s Cultural Heritage in the Face of Climate Change and Socio-Cultural Transformations

European Conference on Ethiopian Studies.  Prague from June 25–28, 2025

We are seeking papers for our ECAS panel titled "Ethiopia’s Cultural Heritage in the Face of Climate Change and Socio-Cultural Transformations." This panel falls under the Environment and Geography stream and will be held in Prague from June 25–28, 2025.

Deadline: December 15

Submission Link: https://guarant.eu/ecasconfe.../call-for-papers/index.php...

Title of the Panel: 

Ethiopia’s Cultural Heritage in the Face of Climate Change and Socio-Cultural Transformations

Short Description:

The panel explores the challenges of preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage—sites, monuments, and urban landscapes—amid climate change, urbanization, and conflict. It highlights documentation technologies and stresses the need for co-creation and collaboration in safeguarding these treasures.

Abstract:

Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, encompassing archaeological sites, monuments, and historic urban landscapes, is increasingly threatened by climate change, urban growth, and socio-political shifts. This panel addresses the urgent need to document and preserve these cultural treasures, focusing on vernacular architecture (particularly rock-hewn churches) and archaeological sites.

Modern technologies like 3D laser scanning, drone mapping, and photogrammetry are transforming how we capture and conserve heritage sites, making them invaluable tools for addressing these challenges. The panel will explore the socio-political dynamics of conservation efforts, and the power dynamics between different stakeholders. It will highlight   the opportunities and challenges of using documentation technologies in preserving heritage the roles of local communities, governments, and international organizations. 

Case studies will highlight successful preservation strategies and adaptive techniques that mitigate environmental risks while ensuring sustainable development. The discussion will emphasize integrating heritage conservation into broader urban and rural planning frameworks, fostering a balance between preservation and modern needs.

By combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies, the panel aims to foster a collaborative dialogue on safeguarding Ethiopia’s cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world. Contributions are invited from experts in heritage conservation, archaeology, anthropology, urban planning, and environmental studies to explore innovative solutions for protecting these invaluable sites.

Panel organizers: 

Alula Tesfay Asfha
Frobenius Institute, Goethe University of Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Rumi Okazaki
Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan

Blen Taye
Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES), University of Antwerp , Antwerp, Belgium

Chair:

Dr. Wolbert Smidt
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany