Born in South Africa and having lived my whole life here, I often fantasized what it would be like to live in another country. I was always so magnetically drawn to Europe because of its rich history and, of course, our educational syllabus always placed such emphasis on its importance and so very little on our actual environment and continent, that where we lived, how we lived and how we evolved became almost irrelevant to the rest of the world’s history and existence. This is until I landed a job taking care of sales for the African continent.
They (whoever they may be) say that “things always happen for a reason”. This is a credo I firmly stand by and only because so many of my life’s lessons have been taught through this. And it is through these lessons, that I have come to appreciate my home and my continent far more than I ever imagined.
Through my business research of each country, I uncovered much more than just its GDP and sales potential. I unearthed a world beyond my imagination. A continent with history and culture so diverse and so exuberant that I felt ashamed for not being proud of my African heritage and I swore from that day on, I would never again close my mind to the beauty and wonder that is Africa. The somber reality is that there are more cultural and natural sites here that are in jeopardy of ebbing away completely than anywhere else in the world. Join me as we explore these unique and endangered UNESCO Heritage sites.
- SELOUS GAME RESERVE, TANZANIA
What I like to refer to as the African Amazon, Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest remaining protected wilderness ecosystems in Africa. It contains several thousands of unique flora and fauna which make it the perfect lab for biological and ecological research. Although the 50 000 square kilometer habitat remains mostly undisturbed, it is being affected by the elements of nature and man alike. With global warming causing frequent fires, heavy rains and then industrial development and mining, its natural inhabitants are affected and therefore changing the environment.
- OLD TOWNS OF DJENNÉ, MALI
Originally a thriving market centre and essential link in the trans-Saharan gold trade, the towns of Djenné date back to 250 BC. It played a vital role in the propagation of Islam during the 15th and 16th centuries. Archeological excavations over the years have uncovered a good many artefacts revealing glimpses into the life and times of its dwellers. An increase in population and urbanization pose a huge threat to the preservation of the remaining 2000 traditional dwellings that have remained.
- ABU MENA, EGYPT
A Christian pilgrimage site outside of Alexandria, Abu Mena dates back to 296 AD as the tomb of Saint Menas. It is said that when he died, the martyr’s camel refused to move any further and hence he was buried on this spot after which it became the site of a miraculous healing spring. The destruction of numerous cisterns around the city has caused the collapse of several overlying structures and underground cavities which have opened up and are causing huge concern that the site will eventually give away to being lost forever.
- THE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES OF LEPTIS MAGNA, CYRENE, SABRATHA AND THE OLD TOWN OF GHADAMÉS, LIBYA
Sadly, Libya has much more to contend with than struggling to end its violent conflict and re-build a nation. They are also at risk of losing several historical sites. Leptis Magna was founded in the 7th century BC and said to be one of the most beautiful and prominent cities of the Greek and Roman Empires. Its rich and epic history was plagued by war and vandalism which eventually led to its desertion and ruin. Sabratha was an important trading post and port lying next to Leptis Magna and is now susceptible to the erosion from the weather elements. Cyrene was one of the biggest of the five cities and served as the principal town for commercial trading between all of the Greek cities. It was destroyed in 365 AD by a massive earthquake and although it enjoyed some reconstruction in the decades thereafter, it eventually fell to abandonment. But with more than a thousand years of history, it is truly deserving of being protected.
- TOMBS OF BUGANDA KINGS AT KASUBI, UGANDA
The Tombs of Buganda Kings lay engulfed by 26 hectares of hillside within Kampala City and serves as a link between the human and spiritual world of Baganda culture. The earliest of the tombs date back to the 13th century and the burial ground of the four former kings has become a place of sacred rituals for the royal family. It has become the most religious place in the kingdom and emphasizes the impalpable connection between the spirituality and traditions of its people. Its biggest threats are residential encroachment and fires. One of the tombs was previously damaged in a fire and unfortunately, modern trades and technology are unable to replicate ancient traditional methods of building.
- LAKE TURKANA NATIONAL PARKS, KENYA
Being the most saline lake in East Africa, and the fourth largest lake in Africa, Lake Turkana is also a haven for research and studies of paleontology as well as the current plant and animal species that inhabit the park. It is surrounded by desert land that is almost devoid of life but is affectionately called the Jade lake because of its spectacular emerald hue. The parks around the lake are home to the Nile Crocodile, hippos and plenty of venomous snakes and is an important stopover for migrant birds. In recent years the lake has been receding due to the climate changes and severe drought. Along with this, animals are being poached and with human and animal conflict and poor infrastructure, the existence and continuity of this significant ecosystem is gravely threatened.
And thus ends our journey of enlightenment, savoir-faire and fulfilment for now until the next time although it is utterly heart-wrenching to see so many sites at risk of disappearing forever and much is being done by UNESCO to save and preserve the survival of these remnants of time. Remember to be kind to each other, nature and our world as we all strive to live in harmony and in the hope being remembered, revered and cherished.
NOTE:
Although on the endangered list, all of the abovementioned sites are open to the public to visit at the time of publishing this article.