African World Heritage Day is annually observed across the globe on May 5 to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Africa.
African World Heritage Day 2023 was observed on 5th May 2023.
- The day is celebrated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) and its partners.
Aim:
UNESCO aims to promote greater cooperation for the preservation of African heritage at the local, regional, and global levels. It particularly aims to focus on youth.
Background:
i. The 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2015 proclaimed May 5 of every year as African World Heritage Day.
- It was proclaimed as an opportunity for people around the world, particularly Africans, to celebrate the continent’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
ii. The 1st ever African World Heritage Day was observed on 5th May 2016.
Africa:
i. Africa, the world’s second-largest continent and second-most-populous continent consists of 54 countries and one non-self-governing country.
ii. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the continent has 40% of the world’s gold and up to 90% of its chromium and platinum.
- It holds 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of Earth’s internal renewable fresh water source.
iii. African Heritage Site:
UNESCO has designated 147 World Heritage Sites in Africa. These sites are located in 46 countries.
- Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe); Serengeti National Park (Tanzania); Great Lakes (Kenya); Kilimanjaro National Park (Tanzania); iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa) are some of the major Heritage sites in Africa.
Key Points:
i. The properties in Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, are underrepresented on the World Heritage List (African properties account for some 12% of all inscribed sites worldwide).
- 39% of these sites are listed as being in danger on the World Heritage List, which is a disproportionately high number.
ii. Contemporary risks to Africa include climate change, unchecked development, poaching, civil unrest, and instability. Many of Africa’s wonders risk losing their outstanding universal value.
Events 2023:
i. On 5th May 2023, UNESCO conducted the round table conference for African World Heritage Day on “Our Natural Cultural Heritage at the Service of an African without Borders.
ii. The organisation also celebrated Africa’s unique and diverse heritage by screening “Christiansborg Castle”, holding a panel discussion, and more.
About the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director-General- Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters- Paris, France
Establishment- 1945 (came into force in 1946)
