Cultural and natural heritage in Sub-Saharan Africa represents a rich and diverse legacy, deeply intertwined with histories, identities, and local knowledge systems. However, multiple challenges threaten its preservation: climate change accelerates the degradation of fragile ecosystems and historical monuments, while rapid urbanization and economic pressures often lead to the displacement of heritage sites in favor of infrastructural expansion. Additionally, conflicts, political instability, and illicit trafficking of cultural objects pose serious risks to the protection of both tangible and intangible heritage. The 2025 edition of the TOAfrica Summer School explores the policies and practices that shape heritage management in the region, addressing both challenges and opportunities.
“Cultural and Natural Heritage in Sub-Saharan Africa: Policies and Practices” provides an in-depth exploration of the frameworks, strategies, and approaches shaping heritage management in Sub-Saharan Africa. Participants will engage with key themes such as the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation, the impact of international conventions (e.g., UNESCO World Heritage, Intangible Cultural Heritage), and the tensions between heritage protection and economic exploitation. Case studies from across the region will highlight how national policies and grassroots initiatives interact in the safeguard of cultural and natural heritage.
A focus will be placed also on the management of natural sites, including biosphere reserves and sacred landscapes, as well as cultural heritage, such as archaeological sites, historic cities, and intangible traditions. Participants will analyze how different actors - governments, local communities, international organizations, and private stakeholders - shape the policies and practices that define the future of heritage in the region.
Designed for students, researchers, and professionals in heritage studies, anthropology, history, and international cooperation, this summer school offers a critical and multidisciplinary perspective on heritage governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions, participants will gain deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities of heritage preservation in the rapidly changing contexts of the African continent.
