Climate change and cultural heritage protection in Africa: an appraisal of legal frameworks in Ethiopia and South Africa

Existing heritage laws in Ethiopia and South Africa are inadequate to protect cultural heritage sites from climate change impacts, necessitating new policies that enhance adaptability and resilience. This study, employing a socio-legal inquiry approach combined with critical law analysis, examines the role of heritage laws in safeguarding diverse African cultural landscapes amid escalating climate threats. By integrating insights from climate science and legal frameworks, it identifies gaps in current protections for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Fasil Ghebbi in Ethiopia, underscoring the urgent need for interdisciplinary strategies to mitigate risks.

Addaney, M., & Gbomagba, M. (2025). Climate change and cultural heritage protection in Africa: an appraisal of legal frameworks in Ethiopia and South Africa. Journal of Property, Planning and Environmental Law, 17(2-3), 210–231. https://doi.org/10.1108/jppel-06-2024-0025