UNESCO: Iconic Old Towns of Djenné In Danger Of Disappearing
- 8 years ago
On Wednesday, the committee that oversees the UNESCO World Heritage Sites added Mali’s Old Towns of Djenné to the list of those in danger.
On Wednesday, the committee that oversees the UNESCO World Heritage Sites added Mali’s Old Towns of Djenné to the list of those in danger.
In a statement, it noted there is a great deal of concern due to the landmark's location amidst an area affected by insecurity.
According to Reuters, "Mali faces a threat from Islamist militants, as well as volatile separatist politics in the north."
The committee explains, “This situation is preventing safeguarding measures from addressing issues that include the deterioration of construction materials in the historic town, urbanization, and the erosion of the archaeological site.”
Established in 250 B.C., the area long served as a bustling market center and was instrumental in the trade and transport of gold across the Sahara.
In the 1600s and 1700s, the region became a vital hub for the expanding faith of Islam.
It has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
On Wednesday, the committee that oversees the UNESCO World Heritage Sites added Mali’s Old Towns of Djenné to the list of those in danger.
In a statement, it noted there is a great deal of concern due to the landmark's location amidst an area affected by insecurity.
According to Reuters, "Mali faces a threat from Islamist militants, as well as volatile separatist politics in the north."
The committee explains, “This situation is preventing safeguarding measures from addressing issues that include the deterioration of construction materials in the historic town, urbanization, and the erosion of the archaeological site.”
Established in 250 B.C., the area long served as a bustling market center and was instrumental in the trade and transport of gold across the Sahara.
In the 1600s and 1700s, the region became a vital hub for the expanding faith of Islam.
It has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.