Workshop: Digital Technologies to Empower World Heritage in Africa

Organized in the framework of the development of the World Heritage Online Map Platform, supported by the Government of Flanders (Belgium), this workshop aims at advancing regional capacities to harness emerging technologies for the conservation, protection, and promotion of World Heritage in Africa.

Africa hosts a wealth of natural and cultural heritage of Outstanding Universal Value. However, many of these World Heritage sites are increasingly at risk due to a range of challenges including insufficient documentation and management, climate change, uncontrolled urban expansion, illicit activities, conflict, and trafficking. At the same time, the growing availability of digital technologies—such as GIS, geospatial and remote sensing tools, 3D scanning, drones, photogrammetry, and mobile applications—offers new opportunities to safeguard heritage.

The workshop will bring together around 40 participants, including World Heritage site managers, heritage experts, mentees of the World Heritage Mentorship Programme, and scholars, to explore how emerging digital tools and innovative technologies can strengthen conservation and management practices. It will also aim to foster a community of practice and encourage regional cooperation and best practices exchange among professionals engaged in the preservation and promotion of World Heritage in Africa.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with innovative methodologies that enable better risk assessment, monitoring, and public engagement. The event is designed to equip heritage professionals with the knowledge and skills to proactively respond to both longstanding and emerging threats using cutting-edge technologies.

This event builds on previous efforts such as the World Heritage Futures Lab: Southern and Eastern Africa edition, held in Windhoek in January 2023, which convened youth, creative technologists, and local community members to reimagine the narrative of World Heritage through digital media.

The event is co-organised and hosted by the Namibian Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, and the National Heritage Council.

               

With the generous support of