Abstract:
Urban heritage in Ethiopia, particularly in historically rich towns like Yirgalem, remains under-identified, poorly documented, and highly vulnerable to urbanization pressures. Despite its cultural and historical importance, Yirgalem lacks a strategic framework for conserving its natural and built heritage assets. This study addresses this gap by exploring the conservation of potential urban heritage through urban design in Yirgalem town. A mixed research approach was employed, incorporating site observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and heritage evaluation based on UNESCO criteria. The analysis utilized thematic narrative analysis and descriptive techniques to assess heritage significance, identify challenges, and guide design integration. Findings reveal twelve under recognized heritage sites in Yirgalem with substantial potential to meet UNESCO cultural and natural heritage standards (Criteria V, VI, and VII). However, these sites face physical deterioration, identity erosion, and encroachment from unplanned urban expansion. To address these challenges, the study proposes the 5P’s urban heritage conservation model—Preservation, Protection, Promotion, Participation, and Prioritization—as an integrative framework. This model guides inclusive, sustainable conservation strategies grounded in both cultural value and community engagement. The study significantly contributes to heritage conservation discourse in Ethiopia by offering a practical framework applicable to cities experiencing similar development pressures. It also serves as a foundation for policy revision, community-based planning, and the integration of heritage into future urban design practices
