Ethiopia's Church Forests. Biodiversity. Conservation. Hierotopia.

BBC Sounds, Heart and Soul, Saving Ethiopia's church forests

"An estimated 95% of the native forest has already lost in northern Ethiopia, yet from the sky it has always been possible to see small green circles of hope across the country – the church forests of Ethiopia. Kalkidan Yibeltal travels to Bahir Dar to meet a man whose faith has led him to a lifetime working to preserve these oasis of calm and fertility. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church teaches the value of nature and the small forests surrounding each place of worship offer sanctity and healing for the communities they serve".


Ethiopia's church forests (film clip)


The 'sacred forests; of Northern Ethiopia, BBC Travel


Ethiopia's 'church forests' are incredible oases of green, National Geographic


'Hierotopia' by Kieran Dodds, World Photography Organisation


Land and faith: Kieran Dodds' Hierotopia

Note also, Saturday 29 February 10.30 am – 4 pm

On the agenda:

In ‘Hierotopia, Ethiopia’s Holy Forests’, filmed from an aerial view, photographer Keiran Dodds shows us islands of ancient woodland in a denuded land, each protected by a church at its centre. Wolde Tadesse delves into the history of this rural ecclesiastical landscape.

St Theosevia House, 2 Canterbury Road, left off Banbury Rd just after North Parade.
Study days FREE for students with card. Non-students £5 (on door). No booking needed,
just come, for all or part of the day. Lunch break 1-2 pm (please provide your own lunch).

Enquiries: Asst Director of Studies: Rob Boyle robboyle4@live.co.uk

House phone: 01865 310341