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Our project | Zimbabwe | Tanzania | On the web |
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| Our actions in Tanzania |
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In the middle ages, Kilwa was the most important city state of the East
African Swahili coast. The monuments of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara
bear witness to its role in the Indian Ocean trading system. These urban complexes
include major architectural remains such as ambitious mosques and palaces (12th
to 15th centuries) and an 18th century Omani fort. Although
designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981, no significant conservation
operations have been carried out since. The sites’ potentials are not fully
developed and their access remains difficult. This extraordinary heritage is
threatened by erosion, vegetation, rainwater and stone-poaching. Kilwa is in a poor and isolated rural area, whose economy is based on subsistence agriculture and fishing. It is essential that the local authorities and inhabitants become aware of the sites’ cultural value and are trained in how to preserve and present them. |
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CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
The Tanzanian Ministry for Tourism and Natural Resources has requested French cooperation in the restoration and enhancement of the Kilwa sites, with a view to developing tourism in the region. The French embassy thus asked CHAM, recognised for its know-how in heritage projects, to contribute in the field of architectural conservation.
In 2002 CHAM starts a three-year semi permanent work programme through the French Foreign Affairs Ministry’s “Priority Solidarity Fund” (FSP). CHAM technicians will coordinate and train a team of Kilwa residents, who will be employed by the District. This maintenance team will clear the sites, consolidate and stabilise the masonry ruins (using traditional local materials) and make trail paths and site-interpretation panels.
Other than this work-training project, the global programme for the development of the historic sites and of tourism foresees a number of actions including the installation of a visitor centre and museum, the construction of boat jetties, conservation awareness events for the local population, reinforcing legislation to protect the monuments, training site guides and a research programme.
| GLOBAL AIMS FOR THE SITES’ DEVELOPMENT - to stimulate sustainable development in the region though promoting tourism leading to job creation, improvements in services and infrastructures and a rise local living standards - to preserve and present the archaeological, architectural and historic material - to improve visitor facilities, site interpretation and educational tools on the site - to increase and ensure wide-ranging diffusion of knowledge and research about the sites’ history |
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| SPECIFIC AIMS OF CHAM’s PROJECT - to transmit technical know-how in the preservation and maintenance of historic monuments among the local population - to train a site manager and a work supervisor (district officers), in technical, administrative and financial site management so that they can continue the work effectively afterwards, without outside help - to consolidate the most threatened architectural features and control the deterioration of the remains of the monuments through restoration work - to make the sites more accessible and understandable to visitors |
N.B. these heritage partnership projects are for local volunteers and experts in the field of heritage conservation. Being part of an overseas development training programme, they cannot be opened to young volunteers with little or no experience. |
PARTNERS
| - Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism - District Council and Village Councils - UNESCO - French Embassy in Tanzania - French Foreign Affairs Ministry - French Youth and Sports Ministry - Archipat, Heritage Architects practice - Japanese Embassy and Overseas Development Agency (JICA) |
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