Rock art, Kasama, Zambia. Photo: Inger A. Heldal © Riksantikvaren

Africa is a continent where heritage is embedded both in the movable and the immovable, in the tangible as well as the intangible. The tangible and intangible are in many cases intertwined, and so is the cultural and natural heritage. During colonial times people were taught to despise their cultures, and local communities became alienated from their cultural heritage. There was a loss of identity and confidence, creating a feeling of helplessness.

In Africa today there is a growing understanding that cultural heritage is an important political, economic and cultural resource. For this to contribute in the democratisation processes and ensure sustainable development, a careful consideration of local perspectives and cultural needs is required. It is necessary to create conditions that allow heritage managers to shape their own frameworks and their own policies, based on different post-colonial realities.

During the last decade, the Africa 2009 programme has been the most important actor in strengthening the protection and preservation of immovable cultural heritage in Sub-Saharan Africa. You will find a summary of the results (PDF) at the Africa 2009 website.

In 2006 the African World Heritage Fund was established to assist African countries in fulfilling the obligations of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention.