Brief synthesisThe cluster of Pleistocene archaeological and palaeontological sites of Melka Kunture and Balchit lies along the upper course of the Awash River, on the Ethiopian Highlands, at an altitude of about 2,000 to 2,200 metres above the sea level. Criterion (iii): The ensemble of Pleistocene archaeological and palaeontological sites of Melka Kunture and Balchit is the only known place in the world to have preserved in a single area an exceptionally long cultural sequence consisting of four consecutive phases of Oldowan, Acheulean, Middle Stone Age and Late Stone Age techno-complexes. Criterion (v): The cluster of Pleistocene archaeological and palaeontological sites of Melka Kunture and Balchit testifies in an exceptional way to the consistent exploitation of obsidian as a raw material and its extensive use for tool production that starts with the Oldowan industry. The archaeological and palaeontological deposits and the deep stratigraphy are well-preserved throughout the property. Local communities will be actively engaged in the management and development of the property to ensure conflict-free protection of the archaeological and palaeontological sites.