UNESCO World Heritage Fund supports two new projects in Tanzania
Following requests from the United Republic of Tanzania, the World Heritage Fund has granted a total of USD 59,836 in International Financial Assistance for two new projects to address conservation and management needs at two World Heritage sites: the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara and Kondoa Rock-Art Sites.
A project signing ceremony convened by the Tanzania National Commission for UNESCO was organized in October 2020 in Dar es Salaam for the signature of contracts between UNESCO and the site management authorities-- Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency—for the implementation of the projects over the next 12 months.
"The UNESCO Office in Dar es Salaam is pleased to support the State Party of Tanzania with the implementation of these important projects, which will help to improve the conservation and management of iconic World Heritage sites in Tanzania. We are confident that Tanzania’s World Heritage sites can help the country to rebuild its tourism sector after the COVID-19 pandemic, and contribute to sustainable development in Tanzania." Mr. Tirso Dos Santos, Head of the UNESCO Office in Dar es Salaam
The project for the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara World Heritage site is focusing on countering the impacts of climate change and promoting awareness raising of conservation needs. Activities for this project will include: planting of mangrove trees to reduce scouring tidal currents that also increase wave impacts on the Malindi beach, Gereza, Makutani mosque and Songo Mnara; restoration of eroded stairs at the Husuni Palace; and educational programmes for the local community on cultural heritage.
The project at Kondoa Rock-Art site will focus on updating the conservation and management plan for the site through capacity building workshops, and raising awareness among the local communities through education and outreach on the conservation and management needs of the site as well as its potential for the development of sustainable cultural tourism.
The United Republic of Tanzania ratified the UNESCO 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1977 and currently has seven properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including:
- Kondoa Rock-Art Sites (2006)
- Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara (1981)
- Stone Town of Zanzibar (2000)
- Kilimanjaro National Park (1987)
- Selous Game Reserve (1982)
- Serengeti National Park (1981)
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1979,2010)
International Assistance under the World Heritage Convention is a financial assistance granted to the States Parties in order to help them protect the cultural or natural heritage sites inscribed on the World Heritage List or on the List of World Heritage in Danger. International Assistance under the World Heritage Fund can support projects falling under one of the following three categories: Emergency Assistance; Conservation & Management; and Preparatory Assistance. For funding in 2021, the deadline for submission is 31 October 2020.
For more information on the International Assistance from the World Heritage Fund, please visit
United Republic of Tanzania