African World Heritage Day is an international observance held annually on May 5, established to promote the protection, awareness, and transmission of Africa’s cultural and natural heritage to future generations. The day encompasses local, national, sub-regional, regional, and international activities, linked to the 10th anniversary celebrations of the African World Heritage Fund.

^{Africans (Anadolu Ajansı)}

History

May 5 as African World Heritage Day was adopted at UNESCO’s 38th General Conference held in November 2015. The decision was made based on document 38 C/68 and is associated with 182 EX/Decision 20. The resolution aims to support African countries in capacity-building activities under the World Heritage Convention, preparation of effective nominations, and management of heritage sites.^【1】 

Purpose and Significance

African World Heritage Day seeks to safeguard and promote the continent’s cultural and natural heritage. Heritage sites in Africa face various threats, including climate change, uncontrolled urbanization, poaching, internal conflicts, and political instability, and some are listed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO implements education and expert training programs to support the protection of these sites. Certain heritage sites have been removed from the danger list following long-term preservation efforts.

Examples of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Cultural heritage sites celebrated on African World Heritage Day include the Royal Palace of Tiébélé in Burkina Faso, Melka Kunture and Balchit historic sites in Ethiopia, and the city of Gedi in Kenya. Sites preserving historical memory include Robben Island and the Rwanda Genocide Memorial Sites (Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi, and Bisesero).

Natural heritage sites include the Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls in Zambia, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and the Ivindo lowland forests in Gabon, reflecting the continent’s natural diversity and ecological significance.

International Participation and Cooperation

African World Heritage Day encourages active participation through UNESCO member states, National Commissions, governments, civil society organizations, UNESCO clubs, educational institutions, and the media. International and regional organizations, including the United Nations System, the World Bank, the African Union, the European Union, and regional African political communities, are invited to support the activities. The resolution stipulates that activities should be conducted at local, national, and international levels in line with the objectives of the World Heritage Convention.

Implementation and Conservation Efforts

UNESCO develops programs for the protection and management of heritage sites in Africa and supports young experts through training in these areas. Efforts conducted within the framework of the African World Heritage Fund aim to remove heritage sites from the danger list and ensure sustainable management.