PM Abiy reviews tourism dev’t projects in Harenna Cluster of Bale Mountains National Park

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday reviewed ongoing tourism development projects in the Harenna cluster of Bale Mountains National Park, emphasizing the government’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism and create employment opportunities for local communities.

During the visit, the Prime Minister inspected projects under construction, including the Rira Eco Lodge and its surrounding facilities within Harenna Forest, as well as viewpoints, restaurants, and coffee shops along hiking and driving trails leading to the summit of Tulu Dimtu, the park’s highest peak.

In a post published on his social media page this morning, PM Abiy said the developments “aim to promote sustainable tourism, create local employment opportunities, and enhance visitors’ comfort and experience of the park’s unique natural and cultural heritage.”

He added that the projects would generate jobs for local residents and contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of Bale Zone, highlighting the importance of integrating tourism development with community empowerment to ensure long-term benefits.

The visit followed Friday’s inauguration of the Welmel River Irrigation Development Project in Delo-Mena Woreda, which will provide reliable irrigation for nearly 9,700 hectares of farmland and benefit around 20,000 farming households. The irrigation initiative is expected to boost agricultural productivity, improve resilience to drought, and advance Ethiopia’s food sovereignty goals.