The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has renewed its call for enhanced protection and recognition of African heritage sites, given their contribution to cultural pride and tourism.
Louise Haxthausen, UNESCO’s Regional Director for Eastern Africa, stated at an international conference on cultural heritage in Africa, held in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, that the continent is a custodian of world-renowned archaeological sites and invaluable objects that should be preserved for future generations.
Haxthausen emphasized the need for a solid policy and legal framework to strengthen the protection of African heritage sites in the face of threats posed by climate change and human activities.
A more inclusive approach involving policymakers, local communities, and multilateral partners is necessary to enrich the discourse on heritage site conservation across the continent, she said, noting that the African Union’s Agenda 2063 advocates for the safeguarding of the health of the continent’s historic sites and monuments, considering their intrinsic value to indigenous communities.
According to UNESCO, Africa represents 12.26% of world heritage sites globally, but the future of these sites is uncertain due to the threat of rapid urbanization, weak protection laws, and climate constraints.
Among the participants in the conference held from May 6 to 9, organized by UNESCO, the Kenyan government, and the African World Heritage Fund, were high-level policymakers, academics, and cultural enthusiasts.
They will explore political, scientific, and community interventions that could strengthen the resilience of African heritage sites, reports the Ethiopian News Agency.
