MULTIDIMENSIONAL IMPACTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT (CHM) AND CONSERVATION PRACTICES IN NORTH-CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

The main aim of this study was to assess the multidimensional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on heritage conservation and management and the possible strategies as a way out of the corona pandemic in North-Central Ethiopia. The study was conducted by using a descriptive study design. The study found that : 60.9 % of the heritage sites in the study area were forced to close due to the sudden outbreak of the Coronavirus. And, 71.7 % of staff who worked in the conservation and custodian was not able to work during the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic has affected by delaying heritage conservation projects works especially in Lalibel, Dessie Museum, and Mereho Palace. 63 % of the heritage collections were not monitored during Corona time. Disruption of community life in and around heritage properties was also one of the major impacts of the Coronavirus. Communication and social mobilization, fast decision making, inviting partners to participate in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, institutional Cooperation and using social media as a platform were identified as the possible strategies for heritage conservation during and post crisis.