Africa not only prides itself as the cradle of mankind, but also as a hub of beautiful forests, natural reserves that are home to thousands of wildlife and spectacular parks among others. The African continent is home to renowned conservationists including the Leakey family that has contributed massively to the discovery of human fossils. This alluring continent hosts some of the best UNESCO Heritage Sites.
However, this sweet story is slowly turning soar, as Africa’s heritage sites gradually get damaged. According to UNESCO, out of the 89 sites in Africa, 16 are included on the List of World Heritage Sites in danger by the World Heritage Committee. Jovago.com, Africa’s leading online hotel booking company, has put together a list of some of the most endangered Sites in AfricaS
Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves – Niger
Located in northern Niger within the Sahara Desert, the Aïr is famous for its rock art dating from 6000 BC to around AD 1000. The Natural Reserves also has a variety of landscapes, plant species and wild animals. Though it is considered one of the largest protected areas in Africa covering approximately 7.7M hectares, Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves became endangered in 1992 as a result of political instability in Niger.
Conflict among the populations has also become a big threat, with poaching and illegal grazing posing a great danger to the reserves. Measures to protect the reserve include tough penalties against poachers.
Sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has most of its heritage sites facing damage threats. Garamba National Park for example, was home to the world’s last known wild population of Northern White Rhinoceros. Poaching of the rhinos made the park endangered, but efforts to save the wildlife were successful. However, the Garamba was later impacted and destroyed again in 1991, when the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) attacked and captured a nearby town. An influx of the town’s inhabitants sought refuge in the park, while SPLA hunted game from among the remaining wild animals. As a result, Garamba Park was once again listed as a World Heritage Site in danger.
Other sites destroyed or endangered in Congo especially due to political instability associated with the 1994 Rwandan Genocide include: Salonga National Park, Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
Both Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara are located in Stone Town, in East Africa’s Tanzania. Mosques, cemeteries and most houses along these two sites are built from rough-coral and mortar; reminiscing a feel of the centuries’ old slave and spice trade. Years of neglect and lack of rehabilitation of the once vibrant heritage sites has led to the two being listed among the endangered ones in Africa.
