The effects of climate change on natural and cultural heritage sites were at the center of a congress held on Sunday in Errachidia.
Thus, the participants in this event called for innovative approaches and anticipatory policies to address climate change that threatens several heritage sites, to strengthen the roles of scientific research and new technologies in terms of preserving natural and cultural sites, and to promote international cooperation and the involvement of the private sector to curb the growing impact of climate disruptions on tangible heritage.
Speaking on this occasion, the dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Errachidia, Jaouad Foshi, called for the development of innovative, practical, and urgent solutions to address climate change, the effects of which continue to impact several cultural and natural sites in Africa.
Mr. Foshi, who emphasized the need for the involvement of all stakeholders to at least minimize the impact of climate change, also called for leveraging cultural and natural heritage to promote sustainable development and strengthen local social cohesion.
For his part, the representative of the Confederation of African Foreign Students, Students, and Interns in Morocco (CESAM), Osman KhirAllah, noted that this congress aims to be a space for exchange, sharing, and highlighting the cultural and natural treasures that Africa abounds in, but also to address the threats facing tangible heritage in Africa.
“As Africans, we fulfill the duty to preserve, enhance, and pass on this heritage to future generations and to strengthen the collective awareness of the importance of its preservation,” he said.
At the end of this congress, organized by the Civil Forum for Development and Human Rights and CESAM, several recommendations were made, particularly regarding the need to consider socio-economic dimensions and local specificities in various policies aimed at rehabilitating cultural and natural heritage.