EtPavilion (Hannover Expo2000)

I dedicate this site for those who did their best to the success of the Ethiopian Pavilion at the Expo 2000, Hanover. I was so happy to visit the expo but discontent by the fact that such a great exposition was not supported by a web page so that the whole world can see it.

I present a small part of the exposition on this page.

E-mail: satnafu@gmail.com

• The Ethiopian Exposition:
  • I. Introduction
  • Il. Ethiopia's Presentation
  • III. Rational for Participation
• Lucy, the ansister of humankind
• Ethiopian Coffee

I. Introduction

"How can humanity survive in the next century?" This leitmotiv of EXPO 2000 with its key theme "Humankind -Nature - Technology" challenges each nation to focus on sustainable development.

The above theme of EXPO 2000, coincides with Ethiopia's strategy of ensuring sustainable development. It is with these lofty objectives in mind that Ethiopia participates. It has constructed its own pavilion where its cultural, traditional and historical achievements shall be displayed to the International Community. Ethiopia is not only "The origin of Humankind", but also a country which has contributed to the world edible seeds and medicinal herb from the endemic plants to the land. If Ethiopia is assisted with technology , it can tap its abundant natural resources. Ethiopia, as one of the oldest nations of the world, has a lot to offer to the rest of the world in the discovery of medicine and the development of new varieties of plants with high nutritional values. ln order to attain this objective, Ethiopia needs global partners in investment and trade. It seeks the transfer of new technology that enhances the existing indigenous capacity. Ethiopia believes also that EXPO 2000 is the appropriate forum for fostering cooperation and development among nations. It is with such a vision that Ethiopia shall present various items that reflect its historical and cultural heritage as well as its natural resources. Some of these items which are displayed in the EXPO 2000 are highlighted as follows:

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Il. Ethiopia's Presentation

True to its tradition of presenting exhibitions abroad, Ethiopia has built its own pavilion at EXPO 2000 Hanover, in order to effectively project and promote its true image. Ethiopia, the Origin of Humankind, a country of ancient civilization, rich cultures and a land of vast natural resources, enters into the new millennium by opening its door for partnership in trade and investment. Visitors of Ethiopia's pavilion can visit:

1. The Site: The Ethiopian site is about 1 ,290 square meters, located in the eastern part of the EXPO grounds and close to Germany's own pavilion and the EXPO plaza which is de- signed as the venue for important performances by all nations.

2. The Pavilion: The main building of the Ethiopian pavilion is an exhibition hall, the external appearance of which is that of a flat-topped mountain or amba. The architecture is reminiscent of Ethiopia's rock-hewn churches. The other buildings, comprising a traditional thatch-roofed hut, a souvenir shop, public relations offices, etc. form with the "amba", an enclosure at the center of which stands a tree symbolizing a village meeting place or "adbar", and a stage for cultural and other performances. Gracing the Ethiopian compound is also a replica of an Axumite monolithic stele.

3. The Attractions: Visitors will have the following attractions to enjoy at the Ethiopian pavilion:

1. 3.1. Faces of Ethiopia: These are rows of picture panels at the entrance to the pavilion showing typical Ethiopian faces wel- coming visitors.
   1. 3.2. Lucy or (Dinknesh): The world famous paleontological find of 1974 by professor D. Johanson which was nicknamed Lucy or Dinknesh, Australopithecus Afarensis is presented in a glass case. This 3.2 million-year old fossil of a female human ancestor, along with other fossils, depicts Ethiopia as the origin of hu- mankind.
   2. 3.3. Bio-diversity: This the me is intended to highlight the fact that Ethiopia is one of the most important centers of bio-diversity. A room is built with glass dome, walls and floor. On the illuminated walls two special plants, "Endod" and "Enset" are displayed and their multiple uses are explained with audio-visuaI means.
   3. Endod is the plant extensively studied by Ethiopian scientists as an effective natural agent for controlling the tropical disease bilharziasis and as an environment friendly detergent, among other things.
   4. Enset is the perennial high-calorie-yield plant of multiple uses as human food and animal feed. On account of its abundant fiber, Enset is also used for making ropes, mats and as shel- ter material. Further, because of its immense and long root system, it protects the soil from erosion.
   5. It is worth noting here that Ethiopia is a country which has introduced the use of coffee and barley for human consumption.
   6. 3.4. Konso: This artful presentation refers to the traditional land management practices of the Konso region of Ethiopia where caring for the environ ment is highly practiced.
   7. 3.5. Tigray:The Tigray attraction presents a modern approach to the rehabilitation of degraded land with effective public participation.
   8. 3.6. Harar: The 1000 year old city of Harar is multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural. Images and sounds of Harara attempt to epitomize peaceful coexistance in today's world of intolerance.
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2. 3.7. Coffee: Ethiopa being the original home of coffee, the beautiful legend of the discovery of the coffee bean and the development of one of the world's most popular drinks, is pictorially depicted. Fittingly, Ethiopian coffee ceremony is al- so demonstrated at the pavilion in a traditional hut. Ethiopia will particularly promote organic coffee, presenting it in various forms to the public.
   1. 3.8. Cultural Show: On the open-air stage at the center of the Ethiopian pavilion, cultural performances will be presented. These will include folklore music and dance and fashion shows featuring traditional and modern Ethiopian costumes and jewelry.
   2. 3.9. National Day: Meskerem 1, 1993 (September 11,2000), Ethiopia's New-Year Day according to its own calendar usher- ing the year 1993, has been designated as Ethiopia's National Day at the EXPO. The National Day will be a special occasion with cultural performances and other activities.
   3. 3.10. Special Events: There will also be other special events with different promotional focuses such as Ethiopian Tourism Day, Beer Festival and CoffeeDay.
   4. 3.11. Ethiopian Garden: In a green corner of the pavilion, viewers will have a chance to see actual coffee, enset and endod plants as well as typical Ethiopian flowers.
   5. 3.12. Commercial Activities: In addition, organic coffee will be sold in especially designed cups, mugs, packets etc. The Ethiopian pavilion intends also to sell Ethiopian handicrafts and other souvenirs of unique characteristics. The interest here, as with other attractions, is in depicting Ethiopia's image as a country of ancient cultures and abundant resources, seeking partners in development in the new millennium.

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III. Rational for Participation

When Ethiopia was asked to participate in EXPO 2000 exhibition four years ago, it gladly accepted the invitation for the following reasons:

• In the guide to The EXPO 2000 the organizers have ex- pressed that "the future of human kind will attain sustainable development and improve the quality of life without destroying the earth's natural resources and jeopardizing its future, when global partnership is built up." This expression is in conformity with the development policies of Ethiopia designed to ensure sustainable development.
• The idea of harnessing technology for the promotion of sustainable growth and development is given prominence in the EXPO 2000.
• The EXPO 2000 provides the opportunity to exchange experiences with other countries and to promote investment and business in Ethiopia.