After the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO, African World Heritage day was established on May 5th in order for people, especially Africans, to celebrate the continent's culture and natural heritage it is so well known for.
Unfortunately, Africa is underrepresented on the World Heritage List as African properties account for 12% of all inscribed sites globally, and stands at a disproportionately high percentage of 39%. This number represents the properties that are on the World Heritage List which is in Danger. They are faced with modern-day threats such as climate change and other threats such as uncontrolled development, poaching, and civil unrest.
Many wonders we may know of which stand in the content of Africa are at risk of losing their universal value. In order for future generations to enjoy this irreplaceable heritage, we must protect and preserve it.
UNESCO aims to draw in international efforts to draw on Africa's vast potential for culture and natural heritage as a way to reduce social cohesion and increase sustainable development and innovation. This day continued to aim towards awareness with a special focus on youth to enhance cooperation and safeguarding on a local and global level.
Message from Director-General:
"As the world enters a second year of this devastating pandemic, engaging with our cultural and natural heritage remains crucial for humanity. This engagement helps us to be more connected, more resilient, more able to protect the legacy of the past and hand it down to future generations. African World Heritage, which we celebrate every year on this day, is essential in this respect – not only for the people of Africa, but for all of humankind. "
— Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, on the occasion of African World Heritage Day
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