Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-13 05:45:13
The Heritage Management Organization known as Heritage has recently shared two significant actions of the EU-funded HerMaP Gambia Program in an effort to realize its ideas and projects. These actions were outlined in a press release issued by Heritage and included an introductory workshop specifically designed for cadres of The Gambia’s National Environment Agency (NEA) and the organization’s participation in the 1st International Conference on Responsible Tourism Practices and Cultural Heritage.
The HerMaP Gambia Program, co-funded by the European Union, aims to support the heritage sector in The Gambia to act as a driver for social and economic development as well as job creation. As part of this program, in late January, 18 officers and managers from the NEA participated in an Introduction to Heritage Management workshop conducted by HERITΛGE director Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis. The workshop covered essential heritage management principles and discussions on environmental impact assessment and heritage impact assessment, providing insights into the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
Dr. Kyriakidis emphasized the importance of decision-makers in The Gambia being aware of the significance of heritage for sustainable economic growth and the fundamentals of heritage management. Following the workshop, Heritage also organized the 1st International Conference on Responsible Tourism Practices and Cultural Management in collaboration with the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG). The conference focused on the interconnectedness of cultural heritage and responsible tourism, highlighting community-driven initiatives for sustainability and leveraging tourism for positive impact.
Apart from showcasing Gambia’s cultural tourism offerings, the conference featured keynote speakers such as Dr. Kyriakidis, ITTOG’s Dr. Adama Bah, and other experts in responsible tourism. The event aimed to promote sustainable economic development through heritage preservation and responsible tourism practices. Additionally, the conference enabled the participation of two nominated Gambian parliamentarians, Omar Jatto Jammeh and Alieu Baldeh.
HERITΛGE, established in 2008, trains heritage managers to transform heritage assets into sources of learning, community identity, and economic development through targeted training. The organization has trained individuals and organizations in over 110 countries and aims to impact global heritage hotspots by 2025. HerMaP Gambia, an initiative under HERITΛGE, focuses on enhancing the cultural, creative, and sports industries in The Gambia for social and economic development, with support from the European Union and partnership with The Gambia’s National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
In conclusion, the actions taken by Heritage through the HerMaP Gambia Program highlight the organization’s commitment to promoting responsible tourism practices, cultural management, and the preservation of cultural heritage in The Gambia for sustainable economic development and job creation.
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