A ray of hope for heritage sites under threat from humans, natural calamities

Tomb of Askia in Gao, Mali.

The courtyard of the Tomb of Askia in Gao, Mali. The site was protected during the jihadist occupation in 2012. PHOTO | AFP

Heritage sites are under threat from human activities as governments struggle to tame appetite for short-term economic gains that take priority over conservation.

Natural calamities are also a big danger to cultural and natural heritage sites across the globe. Other threats are human activities that include mega infrastructure developments — such as dams and bridges — and the mining industry.