About Us_Old Version

who we are & what we do

Our Beginnings

Established in 2018, Heritage Watch Ethiopia has been advocating for the restoration of urban heritage, such as residential and commercial buildings, historic neighborhoods, nature preserves and gardens in the capital city of Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa and Oromia Region.

Heritage Watch Ethiopia was formed in response to a grave need we saw in our capital city, Addis Ababa. This city which is in the middle of a construction boom, continues to expand and along the way, many historical buildings are being demolished. Moreover, these buildings are in deplorable condition due to gross neglect. In this way, for the last 10 years, in the capital city of Addis Ababa, an estimated one third of all the listed historical buildings have been destroyed. This happens despite an official registry of historical buildings and protection protocols. No one seems to mind that we are destroying irreplaceable part of Ethiopia’s built heritage.

Heritage Watch Ethiopia has stepped forward as a group that provides oversight and fresh ideas for the preservation of urban history and culture. Not only are these places worth preserving for their social significance, they also hold untapped potential for creating economic opportunities for commerce, tourism and global cultural exchanges. The coalition of advocates across the public and private sectors are ideally positioned to promote opportunities to further invest in the future of Ethiopia, a country experiencing unprecedented growth and social change.

Through our work in preservation, public outreach, volunteer and partnerships, we create platforms to strengthen public awareness and empower local communities to support the restoration of our precious common heritage.

Our Work

Survey and Mapping Historical Buildings of Addis Ababa

Heritage Watch Ethiopia was awarded its first fund from the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Czech Development Fund. This project was funded to create the first map focused on historical buildings of Addis Ababa. In keeping with our mandate, to work with young Ethiopians, we employed 60 students from Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City development (EiABC) to conduct the surveys.

To see the results of this project, including a selection of maps for download, visit Heritage Stories

Orientation of Students at Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (EiABC)

Heritage Watch Team at work

Alfred Ilg Project

On September 24, 2019 the Embassy of Switzerland and Heritage Watch Ethiopia hosted a promotional event for the restauration of Alfred Ilg's Residence in Addis Ababa. Alfred Ilg (1854-1916) was an Engineer who lived in Ethiopia and served as an advisor to Emperor Menelik II. He was a valuable assistant to the sovereign in his mission to modernize Ethiopia. In this way, Alfred Ilg was involved in building roads, bridges and water supply systems of Addis Ababa. Together with the French authorities in Ethiopia, he participated in the planning of the Railway lines and the postal services.

the ilg residence today

Ilg's residence is one of the few historic buildings of that period still somewhat intact. This residence which is located a stone's throw away from the Menelik palace signifies the close proximity of this European to the Emperor and the exceptional way he was regarded by the court of Menelik. Given the exceptionality of Ilg to Ethiopia and also because this residence is a unique example of European and Ethiopian architectural design, the Ilg residence should be conserved and maintained for posterity. To this end, Heritage Watch Ethiopia advocates for the rehabilitation and adaptive -reuse of the Ilg residence.

The conservation & valorization
of Kumsa Moroda Palace

Heritage Watch Ethiopia in the old city of Nekemte, Eastern Wellaga.

Two civil society, non-profit, non-political organizations; Heritage Watch Association and Oromia Hotel and Tourism Professional Association have joint together to implement the ‘Moti Kumsa Moroda Palace Valorization Project'. This project will bring together government entities that are by law custodians of this regional/national heritage site. Unfortunately the palace most recently had been used as a prison and is in a deplorable condition.

In January 2020, the two groups organized two events to introduce and promote this project. The first the launch of the project was held on Dec. 10th 2019 at the small conference hall in the Authority for Conservation and Research of Cultural Heritage compound. The second, was held on March 4th, 2020 in the city of Nekemte during one day forum These events were planned for the purpose of having public discussions regarding the project. Therefore, the two organizations with the financial and technical support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the office of the president of Oromia region, Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, and Oromia region culture and tourism Bureau were participants.

This event was made possible by the sponsorship and great diligence of the Eastern Wollega Oromia zone Administration, the city Mayor’s office, Wollega University, Aba Geda, Nekemte Culture and Tourism Bureau and the residents of Nekemte at large.

The forum included a group tour of the Moti Kumsa Moroda Palace. Unfortunately the palace most recently had been used as a prison and is in a deplorable condition. The recent good news is that the authorities have removed the prisoners and the palace is free for the time being. The immediate and concerted effort for the rehabilitation of this site is one of the biggest agenda for heritage Watch! This treasure deserves our attention and we will make a national as well as international appeal for all your involvement. Stay tuned.

Virtual tour of Addis Ababa

Heritage Watch is planning the first virtual tour of Addis Ababa. This project which is work in progress, is made possible by funding from the TAP INTO. Stay tuned for more on this.

More about the heritage watch staff

Esther Sellassie Antohin, Founder and Executive Director

To try and fill a need on the scale of society is in my mind, a call of duty. After many years of being away from my natal home Ethiopia, my return brought directly in my path, this chance to do something that needed doing. . . Addis Ababa’s older buildings, many of which are irreplaceable heritage building, for my fresh eyes (I had been living abroad for over 37 years), became the eyesore that no matter what, I couldn’t get used to. I became emboldened to get involved in trying to help save them by any means possible, when I began to notice the sweeping eradication of these buildings, which are forced to make room for the new high-rises – the hallmark of the ‘Newer, taller Addis Ababa! To be a member of Heritage Watch, a civil society Association that will try to speak for the muted history of this capital city, is a great opportunity to serve this worthy cause with unparalleled passion. Residents of Addis, who share our passion, please join us!

Solomon Kifle, Visual Artist

Every time I go for walk, I chose piazza, and if I go for a regular photo walk again I prefer places which are bound by old buildings and atmosphere, I am young and I love old, they say old is good, even the saying will never get old.
As a person born and raised in Addis, I have been and am still a witness for Addis being in a dramatic change, I don’t really have listed reasons why I have joined the team, but only because of the beauty and the power of the idea in it.
I am a visual artist graduated from the Alle School of fine art and design, using my skills I am dedicated to help the team in achieving all the plans. Together we can still keep what we have.

Bethelem Gebremedhin, Urban Planner & Designer

The reason I joined Heritage Watch Ethiopia Association is because I am interested on protecting and promoting our heritage. It tells a story and identity on the process of how our settlements form. "It is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generation.

Simret Arega, Urban Planner & Designer

I completed my BSc from Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Planning (EiABC) in urban and regional planning. Since 2017, I have been working as an assistant lecturer at Ambo University. I have also been involved in urban projects with private businesses engaged in this same field of study.
I am interested in Heritage Watch because I am very concerned about heritage buildings in Addis Ababa. Plus as an planner and designer who designs living environments, I always wonder what we could do to restore and preserve these heritage buildings.

Alexandra Sellassie Antohin, Research and Communications Advisor

I am an anthropologist, educator and program administrator and have spent several years working in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa and Dessie). I am especially passionate about promoting anthropology and ethnography in community-led research projects. I am excited to apply my skills and interests for the development of creative approaches to heritage management in Ethiopia.