The Tigray Heritage Scapes Restoration Initiative is a two-year research and conservation project funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation, dedicated to the scientific documentation, preservation, and restoration of cultural heritage in Tigray, Ethiopia.
Utilizing advanced methodologies such as 3D imaging, remote sensing, laser scanning and photogrammetry, the project conducts comprehensive damage assessments to develop evidence-based conservation strategies.
Structural engineers, archaeologists, and conservation specialists collaborate to analyze degradation patterns, while historical records and ethnographic research provide critical cultural and environmental context. Restoration efforts prioritize structural stabilization, material reinforcement, and the integration of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary preservation techniques.
A key focus of the initiative is community engagement and capacity building, ensuring the sustainability of heritage conservation through local participation. In collaboration with the Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau and Mekelle University, the project provides training for artisans and heritage practitioners, fostering knowledge exchange and skill development. Digital platforms are utilized to document and share oral histories, while multimedia resources enhance public access to research findings. Please explore our continuously updated resources, where ongoing research data, technical reports, and conservation updates are made available to support scholarly collaboration and informed heritage management.
