The Intangible in World Heritage in Africa: Recognising the Invisible: Case Studies of the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage ZAMBIA, Pendjari National Park, BENIN and Matobo Hill World Heritage Zimbabwe

This research reveals the critical role of intangible heritage in the sustainable management and strategic usage of World Heritage Properties, particularly in Africa. It demonstrates that integrating 'unspoken' or often-unrecognized intangible elements—such as traditional systems and values shared by local communities living near these sites—can 'complete' the narratives of these properties, enhancing their preservation. The study employs case studies from three African World Heritage Sites: Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls (Zambia), Pendjari Biosphere Reserve (Benin), and Matobo Hills (Zimbabwe). Through critical analysis, it underscores how community engagement and the recognition of intangible heritage contribute to more effective conservation strategies. The approach involves defining 'community' as local people sharing traditional systems and values, thereby linking tangible and intangible heritage for sustainable outcomes.

Zulu, J., & Koudakossi, H. N. B. (2022). The Intangible in World Heritage in Africa: Recognising the Invisible: Case Studies of the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage ZAMBIA, Pendjari National Park, BENIN and Matobo Hill World Heritage Zimbabwe. Cultural Heritage Management in Africa, 189–203. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003199144-13