The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, meeting in Paris, announced the removal of three African sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
They are the rainforests of the Atsinanana in Madagascar, Abu Mena in Egypt, and the Old Town of Ghadamès in Libya.
This success is the result of joint efforts between the concerned states and UNESCO to mitigate threats to these heritage sites.
In a statement released Friday, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay described the removals as a “major victory” for the countries involved, for local communities, and for humanity as a whole. She highlighted the significance of Africa-focused efforts, including expert training and support for the management of endangered sites.
Since 2021, several other African sites — notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Senegal — have also been removed from the danger list.
Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar)
Inscribed in 2007 for their exceptional biodiversity, the site had suffered from illegal logging and deforestation. A comprehensive action plan — including satellite surveillance and traffic control — enabled the restoration of 63% of the degraded areas and a notable reduction in lemur poaching.
Abu Mena (Egypt)
A Christian archaeological site inscribed in 1979, it faced serious threats from rising groundwater caused by agricultural irrigation. The installation of a solar-powered drainage system stabilised the soil, while a conservation plan involving local communities was launched.
Old Town of Ghadamès (Libya)
Listed as in danger since 2016 due to conflict and natural disasters, the site’s status improved thanks to restoration work and strengthened local governance, which helped stabilise its condition.
TE/lb/as/APA