At the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Paris, UNESCO removed three African heritage sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger, marking a major success in international conservation efforts.
Sites Removed from the Danger List
- Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Madagascar
- Abu Mena, Egypt
- Old Town of Ghadamès, Libya
Reasons for Removal
UNESCO cited significant improvements in conservation, threat mitigation, and site restoration by the respective national authorities and partners. The removals also reflect UNESCO’s intensified support for African heritage since 2021.
Site-Wise Details
Rainforests of Atsinanana (Madagascar)
- Inscription Year: 2007
- Placed on Danger List: 2010
- Reason for Listing:
- Illegal logging
- Deforestation
- Trafficking of precious woods (notably impacting endangered species like lemurs)
- Current Status: Extensive conservation and protection have allowed for its removal from the danger list.
Abu Mena (Egypt)
- Inscription Year: 1979
- Placed on Danger List: 2001
- Significance: One of the earliest Christian pilgrimage sites, symbol of Christian monasticism.
- Threats:
- Rising water table due to nearby irrigation
- Structural damage and collapse
- Conservation Measures:
- Restoration of structures
- Improved water management systems
- Outcome: Site stabilised and delisted.
Old Town of Ghadamès (Libya)
- Inscription Year: 1986
- Placed on Danger List: 2016
- Significance:
- Unique desert architecture
- Cultural hub connecting Africa and the Mediterranean
- Threats:
- Armed conflict
- Flooding
- Wildfires
- Restoration Outcome: Stability improved; preservation work allowed for removal from danger list.
Purpose of the World Heritage in Danger List
- Function:
- Highlights threats to sites of Outstanding Universal Value
- Mobilises international attention, technical assistance, and financial support
- UNESCO Support:
- Enables prioritised funding
- Facilitates expert deployment for conservation
UNESCO’s Broader Africa Strategy
- Since 2021, sites in Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Senegal have also been removed from the danger list.
- UNESCO is intensifying efforts in:
- Training local experts
- Supporting sustainable conservation strategies
- Facilitating new site nominations
- These actions reflect a targeted focus on African heritage protection and capacity building.
Significance
- Reflects UNESCO’s active role in global cultural and ecological conservation
- Shows success stories of international cooperation in heritage protection
- Reinforces knowledge of African cultural landmarks and their historical relevance