To move towards better representation of Africa, the Committee adopted the first ever Strategy for World Heritage in Africa. The strategy sets out concrete targets and actions on the horizon of 2029 to better protect and promote African heritage – these include expert training, financial and technical assistance for the protection of heritage sites, as well as support in the preparation of World Heritage nomination files.
Towards a more balanced and inclusive List
With 5 new site inscriptions from African countries during this session of the Committee, the symbolic milestone of 100 African sites inscribed on the World Heritage List has been reached.
This breakthrough includes the inscription of Rwanda’s first ever two sites, “Nyungwe National Park” and “Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero”. These inscriptions follow years of support by UNESCO and its partners, to Rwanda to submit its nominations.
Contributing to removing sites from the In Danger List
While African heritage is under-represented on the World Heritage List, it is on the other hand over-represented on the World Heritage List in Danger. UNESCO is working with African States Parties to save the sites concerned.
This approach succeeded this year for the site of the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (Uganda). The site was devastated in 2010 by a violent fire which resulted in its inscription on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Through a plan implemented by the Ugandan authorities and its local communities, in close collaboration with UNESCO and the financial support of Japan, Norway, UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund and the African World Heritage Fund, the site has been rehabilitated and has returned to the Desired State of Conservation. Its rehabilitation and reconstruction programme were completed in the summer of 2023 and officially led to its removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger by the Committee on 12 September 2023.
This decision is a new step to achieve the goal by 2029 of removing half of the African sites currently on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
A new generation of young African professionals
Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. Such a high number of young people is an opportunity for the continent’s growth. UNESCO is committed to supporting professional opportunities in the field of heritage.
The Mentorship Programme for African Heritage Professionals creates opportunities for African professionals to enhance their expertise in the field of natural and/or cultural heritage. Started in 2021, led by UNESCO in partnership with the African World Heritage Fund, ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN, it has already trained 40 professionals (20 women and 20 men).
Source: unesco.org
