EU Ambassador Highlights Sustainability, Local Impact of Beynouna Village in Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa: Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, praised the newly inaugurated Beynouna Village on Lake Beseka as an amazing development with important aspects of sustainability, noting that ‘the fruits and vegetables served to guests are produced here locally.’
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated ‘Beynouna Village’ built around Lake Beseka on Sunday. ‘Beynouna Village’ is located on the shores of Lake Beseka featuring state-of-the-art bedrooms, a lounge, a cinema hall, various amusement facilities, a spa, as well as orchards and other developments of the Bounty of Basket initiative. The village combines traditional architecture with modern construction, and it is a popular destination that has created more tourism potential for the area.
Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, who attended the inaugural ceremony, expressed admiration for the project’s commitment to using local labor, fostering sustaina
bility, and offering a model for community-based tourism in Ethiopia. During her visit, Ambassador From-Emmesberger remarked on the significant progress Ethiopia has made in combining tourism with local agricultural initiatives, as seen at Beynouna Village. She emphasized the unique value of the resort’s approach, where produce grown on-site, such as oranges, lemons, and mangoes, is served directly to guests. This not only sustains the resort but also supports local employment, as the construction and operation of the site have created jobs within the community.
Ambassador From-Emmesberger, who has been stationed in Ethiopia for two months, commended the country’s cultural richness, historic sites, and scenic beauty. The inauguration of Beynouna Village, led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marked a new chapter for the region. Nestled near Metehara town and close to Awash National Park, Beynouna Village represents a remarkable transformation, shifting from a volcanic landscape to a thriving retreat of
green farmland and tourist amenities.
The project was achieved through collaboration between the governments of Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, supported by private-sector partners, and will be managed by Skylight Hotel. Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the perseverance needed to develop the village, given the challenging landscape and climate. He noted that Beynouna Village is a testament to what can be achieved when communities and governments work together.
In addition to recreational facilities, the village features the “Bounty of the Basket Initiative,” supporting sustainable agriculture and livestock development, with crops and livestock, including chickens, camels, cattle, and goats. “This village showcases our vision for Ethiopian tourism,” Prime Minister Abiy stated in a social media post, adding, “We will continue showcasing Ethiopia to the world.”