Creation of a Special Fund for the Safeguarding of Mali’s World Heritage sites
Echoing the call of UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, the World Heritage Committee has established a Special Fund to support Mali’s efforts to safeguard the World Heritage properties affected by the armed conflict in the north of the country, notably the sites of Timbuktu and the Tomb of Askia in Gao.
The Fund will support the Government of Mali in assessing damage at the sites, and carrying out reconstruction and rehabilitation projects for the properties affected as soon as this is made possible by the security situation. It will also be used to reinforce the capacities of the managers of the sites and of local communities of Timbuktu and Gao.
‘The World Heritage label is given to sites of outstanding universal value, of importance to the whole of humanity. It is in this spirit that I call on the community of UNESCO Member States, regional organizations in Africa, other international organizations, and citizens everywhere, to contribute to this Fund,” the Director-General said.
The World Heritage properties situated in the northern parts of Mali have been subjected to destructive attacks since they were occupied by armed rebel groups in April this year. In Timbuktu, nine mausoleums have been desecrated, including two at the Mosque of Djingareyber, the most important mosque in the town.
Other news
- UNESCO expert mission evaluates damage to Mali’s cultural heritage Sunday, June 9, 2013
- International experts and decision makers gathered at UNESCO adopt Action Plan for Mali’s cultural heritage and manuscripts Tuesday, February 19, 2013
- UNESCO convenes international experts meeting for the safeguarding of Malian cultural heritage Wednesday, February 13, 2013
- UNESCO has developed cultural heritage maps and a “Heritage Passport” to help protect Mali’s cultural heritage Monday, February 4, 2013
- Director-General visits Mali with French President François Hollande Sunday, February 3, 2013
- UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova in Mali to spearhead UNESCO’s commitment to safeguard and rebuild Mali’s extraordinary cultural heritage Saturday, February 2, 2013
- UNESCO determined to help Mali restore and rebuild its cultural heritage Wednesday, January 30, 2013
- The Director-General of UNESCO urges military forces to protect cultural sites in Mali during air raids and ground interventions Monday, January 14, 2013
- End of 36th session of the World Heritage Committee marked by concern for World Heritage sites in Mali Friday, July 6, 2012
- World Heritage Committee calls for end to destruction of Mali’s heritage and adopts decision for its support Tuesday, July 3, 2012
- Heritage sites in northern Mali placed on List of World Heritage in Danger Thursday, June 28, 2012
- Government of Mali and UNESCO move to protect Timbuktu and other heritage sites in the north of Mali Thursday, May 24, 2012
- Irina Bokova concerned about growing threats to cultural heritage in Mali Friday, May 4, 2012
- UNESCO Director-General expresses concern about the situation in Mali Monday, April 2, 2012
