And in between lie some of the world’s most ancient cultural sites and precious natural wonders. However, despite its vast size, sub-Saharan Africa has never been proportionately represented on Unesco’s world heritage list, its 98 sites dwarfed by Europe, North America and Asia. Now, the first African to be made head of the world heritage centre has said that needs to change – and fast. This is also something … which makes us believe that mobilising our efforts for [existing] world heritage sites in Africa should be a priority,” said Assomo. But whenever heritage sites became involved in conflict, Unesco has urged those in control to protect the sites from looting and vandalism, he said.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 20, 2021 11:51 UTC