Africa-Press – Mauritius. A Capacity Building in Heritage Impact Assessment workshop focusing at the preservation and protection of the cultural heritage, opened, today at Le Workspace by the Docks, Port-Louis, in the presence of the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck.
The eight-day workshop was attended by the Chairperson of the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, Mr Rishiraj Kanhye; the National Programme Officer for Culture, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa; Miss Judith Ogana; the Representative of ICOMOS, Mr Nicholas Clarke; and other personalities.
In his speech, Minister Teeluck underscored the workshop’s paramount significance as a shared passion uniting diverse African continents in the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage.
According to him, beyond the mere collection of artifacts, cultural heritage serves as a testament to shared history, embodying identity and providing inspiration for future generations.
In a world marked by constant evolution, the Minister highlighted the workshop’s critical role in comprehending the impacts of developments on heritage sites and cultural landscapes.
Positioned as a collaborative platform, he pointed out that the workshop facilitates the delivery of sustainable solutions, and that Heritage Impact Assessment is not merely a technical process but a moral responsibility, a commitment to enriching global cultural diversity.
Minister Teeluck proudly announced Mauritius’ ownership of two World Heritage Sites namely the Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Landscape, with robust legal safeguards.
Beyond policies and funding, he highlighted substantial investments in capacity building, aligning with international protocols. He affirmed Mauritius’s steadfast commitment to both sustainable heritage protection and the welfare of its people.
Stressing a delicate balance, he underlined the importance of harmonising national development imperatives with the preservation of cultural heritage.
Moreover, the Minister reiterated the dual commitment of Mauritius to heritage preservation and the welfare of its citizens. He underscored that this commitment goes beyond rhetoric, with legal frameworks in place and active participation in international agreements.
He cautioned against neglecting cultural heritage in the pursuit of development, emphasizing the need for a harmonious coexistence between progress and the preservation of the nation’s rich cultural legacy. Mr. Kanhye, for his part, spoke the workshop’s efficacy in uniting minds across Africa to promote and safeguard its cultural heritage.
Highlighting the imperative to preserve the unique cultural tapestry defining African heritage, he pointed out the international significance of the mission through collaboration between the World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS, and ICCROM.
Central to the workshop’s purpose is the capacity building for sustainable management of heritage sites and a deeper understanding of the subject at hand, he added.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
