Africa Wild

Unesco declares a new world heritage site in SA

12 Jul 2017 15:10 (UTC+2)
Unesco declares a new world heritage site in SA

Unesco has declared another World Heritage Site in South Africa.

South African National Parks has extended its gratitude to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, following the inscribing of the #Khomani Cultural Landscape as a World Heritage Site, bringing the total number of World Heritage Sites in South Africa to nine.

SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni, said the inscribing of the #Khomani Cultural Landscape, in the Northern Cape, was a very important and symbolic step in the recognition and restoration of the dignity of the #Khomani San whose cultural life and traditional practices were significantly undermined due to the forced removals they suffered under apartheid.

Mketeni said the inscribing by Unesco added to the recognition of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the larger Kgalakgadi Transfrontier Park as a special and unique conservation area to be protected and enjoyed by all. “It further gives recognition to the great work being done in the preservation and promotion of South Africa’s diverse heritage.

“This brings the number of World Heritage Sites under the management of SANParks to three as it adds to the existing Cape Floral Region and the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape.”

According to Mketeni, the site contains evidence of human occupation from the Stone Age to the present, associated with the Khomani San culture. The site also includes landmarks of San history, migration, livelihoods, memory and resources.

The submission to Unesco was a collaboration by the #Khomani San SANParks, the Department of Environmental Affairs, The Peace Parks Foundation and EcoAfrica.

Interesting, H.!

Ja, the Bushmen were chased around by all races, ironically...long before apartheid, if that has to be dragged into it...

Has been already RP,..and true so !!!
Good grief, this part of the planet,
really not out to prove a point,....
juxtaposed!!

what great news

Indeed great news, yet Kruger will remain the menial
milking cow that will bear the brunt!!!

YAY!

Does that also mean that SanParks will be restricted in their further development of the park?

Maybe not "in" the park, but for sure in the surroundings of the park, which might not be enough

Mel wrote:Does that also mean that SanParks will be restricted in their further development of the park?

Mel question rather interesting!! At one time I was told that
by subjecting national parks to international heritage sites,
could be seen as giving away control of national asset!!!

Their argument, Sanparks, same as handing over into dubious
hands!!! It would seem that international heritage sites then
are controlled by a higher order!!

It will be interesting to note, all nine international sites, I stand
for correction, are all sites that require financing. Those sites
that are self reliant, such as KNP, remain unnoticed!!!

Mel, regarding the KoiSan, they are a nomadic culture, and roam
across borders. I seem to believe this mere fact distances the KTP,
Sanparks from this obligation. Hence, Kruger will remain forever
not qualifying for higher status.

I may add here, heritage and international heritage are
subject to application. In other words, a situation, natural,
needs to be applied for at Unesco. Obviously accompanied
with credible scientific studies, suggesting such order!!

We cannot rely on Unesco stepping in and suggesting such
order. It needs to be requested!!

Sanparks are boldly taking the opportunity to task yet have
little jurisdiction outside their boundaries!!! The KoiSan being
nomadic!!! Sanparks are claiming name to fame, questionable
in their authority!!
After edit it will be interesting to note how Bot.gov and Nam.gov
accept this new Stature???!!