Tanzania stresses on promoting, protecting Kilwa Kisiwani, Songo Mnara Ruins as world heritage sites

LINDI: THE Tanzania has stressed the importance of protecting and developing the Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara Ruins, describing the site as an important part of the history of Africa and the world.

The remarks were made by Tanzania’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO,  Saidi Othman Yakubu, during his visit to the heritage site in Lindi Region, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Ambassador Yakubu said Kilwa’s heritage must be valued, protected and preserved for future generations, while acknowledging the contributions of the United States Government, the World Monuments Fund and the Government of France in supporting Tanzania’s efforts to conserve and maintain the ruins.

He said Kilwa contains important evidence of civilization, trade and centuries-old relations between East Africa and various parts of the world.

“Kilwa is not only Tanzania’s heritage, but also an important part of the history of Africa and the world,” Ambassador Yakubu said.

The visit was part of efforts to tour World Heritage Sites across the country, assess their conservation status and strengthen cooperation between Tanzania, UNESCO and international partners.

During the visit, Ambassador Yakubu commended the Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), for its efforts to protect the site.

However, he emphasized the need for increased international cooperation in conservation, research, infrastructure development and sustainable tourism.

He said there is significant potential to develop new tourism products in Kilwa by linking the history of the ruins with the culture of surrounding communities, as well as marine tourism, mangrove ecosystems and other attractions along the coast.

According to Ambassador Yakubu, heritage conservation should go hand in hand with creating economic opportunities for local communities so that people living around heritage sites can directly benefit from tourism activities.

“Kilwa has a history with enormous potential to promote Tanzania to the world. Our responsibility is to protect it, promote it and ensure that this history becomes a source of education, tourism and development for present and future generations,” he said.