Rethinking Heritage Authenticity: new perspectives for World Heritage in Africa – News

As the Advisory Body on nature to the World Heritage Committee, IUCN was pleased to contribute to the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa: A Dialogue on the Concept of Authenticity. Represented by Paul NGAFACK and Youssouph DIEDHIOU, IUCN reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a holistic, integrated vision of heritage, that recognizes the interdependence of nature, culture, and people. In its keynote address, IUCN reaffirmed its commitment to support African States Parties and communities in defining, conserving, and celebrating heritage on their own terms, and to continue to diversify its networks and engage in the changes that are necessary to nature conservation policy and practice as a whole, and including changes in the World Heritage Convention so that it sets standards, and models the best of conservation practice. 

The Nairobi Outcome on Heritage and Authenticity calls for a pluralistic and inclusive understanding of heritage, grounded in oral traditions, spirituality, use, function, and social values. It urges UNESCO, the World Heritage Committee, and its Advisory Bodies (IUCN, ICOMOS, ICCROM) to integrate these principles in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, capacity-building, and heritage assessments. Communities, the document stresses, must be at the centre of defining, managing, and safeguarding heritage. 

IUCN was pleased to contribute to the declaration and is now fully committed to supporting its implementation. This includes engaging regional experts in heritage evaluation and monitoring missions, promoting inclusive governance through tools like the IUCN Green List, and reinforcing capacity building through the World Heritage Leadership Programme.  

“Africa’s heritage cannot be siloed into natural or cultural. Authenticity and integrity demand inclusive, adaptive, and connected solutions.” – Paul NGAFACK, World Heritage Monitoring Officer, IUCN

This major reflection on heritage in Africa points towards a World Heritage List that will be more representative, just, and responsive to the world’s diverse cultural and natural values, and IUCN will play a full part in following up on the recommendations, including in the debates and decisions expected at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee next month in UNESCO, Paris (7-16 July 2025).