Cultural Property Conservation and the Development Process

Abstract

The study intends to assist in planning for cultural heritage conservation in project environmental assessments, and complement instructions under operational directives on both environmental assessment, and cultural property. Based on library research, and discussions with Africa experts, the study cautions on the information provided on the subject, since both qualitative, and quantitative findings have serious data gaps. The changing nature of African culture is taken into account, in reflecting on cultural heritage issues, for little is known about site distribution, since geographical distribution varies considerably form one country to another. Undoubtedly, Africa is the continent paramount in studies of human evolution, both in human paleontology, and the archaeology of human origins, however, archaeology in Sub-Saharan Africa is a relatively recent innovation. Descriptions on traditional, and colonial architecture, including cultural landscapes identify the result of human interventions, including the rich traditions of daily life through its material culture. Projects on cultural heritage issues should contain an executive summary; policy, legal and administrative frameworks; and, concise project description, to assess the dimensions of socioeconomic conditions. Mitigating measures should include site conservation, archaeology recovery, and enhancement of site improvements.