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Support to cultural sectors in Benin, Ethiopia, and Mali during the COVID-19 pandemic
According to studies published by UNESCO, more than of World Heritage properties in Africa and nearly of museums across the world were closed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to support the recovery of the cultural sectors, 91麻豆国产精品自拍 undertaken activities in Benin, Ethiopia and Mali in the wake of the health crisis, with financial support from .
In Benin, the World Heritage site of the Royal Palaces of Abomey has been severely impacted by the absence of visitors during the pandemic. In response, UNESCO supported efforts to digitise the museum鈥檚 collections and develop a digital platform that will make these collections accessible to online visitors, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts.
In Ethiopia, several heritage sites and museums across the country have been closed due to both the pandemic and the ongoing conflict. UNESCO provided the Ministry of Tourism with signage, health kits and materials that facilitated preparation for the reopening of their doors in respect of public health requirements.
Finally, in Timbuktu, Mali, urgent restoration and conservation works on mosques were carried out with the Timbuktu Cultural Mission in response to the challenges that communities faced in maintaining their sites. Masons reinforced the waterproofing of the walls in the Sankore mosque and carried out plastering works on the courtyard facade of the Djingareyber mosque. The latter鈥檚 electrical system was also refurbished to address fire risks. Necessary health supplies were provided to both mosques, as well as the mosque in Sidi Yahia, in order to limit the spread of viruses among visitors.
The works have had a direct impact on the inhabitants, notably through the reduction of the electricity costs of the Djingareyber mosque, which was a major burden on the management committee鈥檚 budget, but also through the creation of jobs and support to the preservation of traditional building techniques
These emergency measures have helped limit some of the effects of the pandemic on culture and local communities, notably by supporting the safeguarding of cultural sites and museums, and as well as by promoting the transmission of knowledge necessary for their preservation and protection. UNESCO and are committed to continuing their collaboration to support communities whose cultural heritage is threatened by emergency situations.
