In a significant step toward safeguarding global heritage, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially removed three African sites from its List of World Heritage in Danger. This announcement came during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris on July 9.
The sites—Rainforests of the Atsinanana in Madagascar, Abu Mena in Egypt, and the Old Town of Ghadames in Libya—have been recognized for their improved conservation status and the dedicated efforts made by respective countries to preserve them.
This move marks not only a restoration of the cultural and ecological integrity of these historic and natural landmarks but also a testament to how international cooperation and national commitment can overcome complex challenges. UNESCO’s Director General Audrey Azoulay praised the collective victory, stating, “When sites are removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger, it is a great victory for all.”
The Rainforests of the Atsinanana: A Biodiversity Treasure Reclaimed
Located in Madagascar, the Rainforests of the Atsinanana were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007 due to their critical biodiversity and unique endemic species. Comprising six national parks along the eastern coast of the island nation, these rainforests serve as a refuge for some of the rarest and most endangered species on Earth. Chief among them are the lemurs, which are not only emblematic of Madagascar’s wildlife but are also globally significant as evolutionary distinct primates.
However, in 2010, the rainforests were placed on the endangered list due to severe threats such as illegal logging, trafficking of precious woods like rosewood and ebony, and rapid deforestation driven by agricultural expansion. These activities, often fueled by international demand and weak enforcement, posed a dire risk to both the flora and fauna that the rainforests host.
The decision to remove the Atsinanana rainforests from the endangered list reflects Madagascar’s renewed commitment to preserving its ecological heritage. With UNESCO’s support, the country implemented stringent measures to curb illegal activities, improved surveillance systems, enhanced community engagement, and strengthened national legislation. The return of greater stability and conservation governance has helped improve the ecological integrity of the rainforests.
UNESCO emphasized that the delisting was not merely symbolic but a reflection of tangible progress. The survival of lemurs and other endangered species now looks more hopeful. The success also demonstrates how local community involvement and international partnerships can contribute to biodiversity preservation, a critical lesson for other regions facing similar challenges.
Abu Mena: A Cradle of Christian Monasticism Saved from Rising Waters
In Egypt, the ancient site of Abu Mena, located southwest of Alexandria, was once one of the most important early Christian pilgrimage centers. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its remarkable architectural and historical value. The site contains the tomb of Saint Menas, early Christian churches, monasteries, and public buildings that reflect the early spread of Christianity in Egypt and beyond.
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However, the site was added to the endangered list in 2001 due to a sharp rise in the underground water table. This environmental threat was caused primarily by unsustainable irrigation practices in the surrounding agricultural lands. As water seeped into the soil, it undermined the foundations of ancient structures, leading to the collapse of several buildings and posing an imminent threat to the entire complex.
For over two decades, the Egyptian government, with technical and advisory assistance from UNESCO, embarked on an ambitious restoration and stabilization program. This involved the construction of drainage systems, reengineering of local water management, and conservation work to strengthen the weakened structures. Furthermore, national and local authorities worked closely with international experts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the site.
The removal of Abu Mena from the danger list marks a crucial turning point. It highlights not only the site’s improved condition but also the value of combining traditional knowledge with modern engineering to protect vulnerable cultural heritage. This success also helps re-establish Abu Mena as a center of Christian history and spiritual tourism, offering educational and cultural benefits to both local communities and international visitors.
Old Town of Ghadames: Resilience in the Face of Conflict and Climate Threats
Often referred to as the “pearl of the desert,” the Old Town of Ghadames in Libya is a unique example of traditional Saharan architecture. Recognized by UNESCO in 1986, the town is known for its ingenious urban layout, cool and well-ventilated houses, and network of covered alleyways that reflect the adaptation of its inhabitants to the harsh desert environment.
However, the town’s status as a World Heritage Site came under threat during Libya’s years of political turmoil and civil conflict. In 2016, the Old Town of Ghadames was added to the endangered list due to the deteriorating security situation, which led to damage from wildfires, flooding, and neglect. Without adequate protection and maintenance, the earthen structures began to decay, raising alarms over the possible loss of one of North Africa’s most remarkable urban landscapes.
Despite these challenges, local communities, heritage workers, and Libyan authorities persisted in their efforts to protect the site. Restoration work began even in the absence of full political stability, with help from UNESCO’s technical teams and funding. Emergency measures were implemented to repair damaged areas, control the impact of natural disasters, and train local workers in heritage conservation.
The removal of Ghadames from the endangered list underscores the resilience of both the town’s architecture and its people. It also showcases the importance of safeguarding heritage in post-conflict settings, where cultural preservation plays a role in community rebuilding and identity. In many ways, Ghadames stands as a symbol of hope and resistance, defying war and nature alike to retain its cultural legacy.
A Broader Effort Toward African Heritage Preservation
The removal of these three African sites from the danger list is not an isolated victory. It is part of a broader and more deliberate initiative by UNESCO to prioritize African heritage conservation. According to the organization, significant and targeted efforts have been made since 2021 to support African countries in preserving their natural and cultural landmarks.
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As a result, three other sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Senegal were previously removed from the endangered list, signaling a positive trend. These developments reflect UNESCO’s long-term strategy to build local capacity, train heritage experts, and support African states in implementing effective conservation policies.
UNESCO has also made efforts to expand African representation on the World Heritage List. For many years, African countries were underrepresented both in the number of inscribed sites and in the global narrative of heritage preservation. Recent moves indicate a shift toward more equitable recognition and support for Africa’s diverse and rich cultural and natural history.
Moreover, the process of removing sites from the endangered list sends a powerful message to the international community. It highlights the importance of heritage not only as a record of the past but also as a resource for the present and future. Heritage preservation can contribute to sustainable development, education, tourism, and community pride—especially when it is aligned with local needs and global standards.
The removal of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Abu Mena, and the Old Town of Ghadames from the World Heritage in Danger list is a celebration of resilience, cooperation, and renewed hope. These sites, once threatened by war, environmental degradation, and neglect, now stand as shining examples of what is possible through determined and collaborative action. They are not just victories for Madagascar, Egypt, and Libya, but for all of humanity.