Publications
The Involvement of Practitioners in World Heritage Management in Burkina Faso
A key finding from this study is that the involvement of local practitioners, such as blacksmiths and community members, significantly enhances the sustainable conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ruins of Loropéni in Burkina Faso. The research demonstrates that the integration of tangible and intangible cultural heritage—including sacred representations and traditional knowledge—strengthens endogenous conservation practices. However, balancing these local approaches with international standards and administrative requirements poses a persistent challenge. The study analyzes archaeological sites and the Royal Court of Tiébélé to explore how practitioner identity, site sanctity, and structured management committees contribute to heritage preservation.
The Tyranny of Travel: Re-framing Tourism Planning in Post-Conflict Sub-Saharan Africa
Authoritarian governance significantly hampers tourism potential in Sub-Saharan Africa, stifling economic growth and development. This study reveals that countries with prolonged leadership or recent political instability face severe declines in tourist arrivals, revenue, and infrastructure investment—such as Burkina Faso's Ruins of Loropéni, which saw visitor numbers plummet from 150,000 in 2015 to 50,000 in 2023. The research identifies key barriers, including insecurity, restricted access, controlled narratives, and elite capture, while proposing mitigation strategies such as strengthening democratic institutions, regional sanctions, youth empowerment through digital platforms, conflict resolution, and community-based tourism models. Drawing on systematic literature reviews and case studies—including successful examples from Botswana and Namibia—the study argues that post-conflict recovery requires innovative resilience strategies and effective destination image management to unlock tourism's economic potential.
Technologies de l’information et valorisation du patrimoine culturel et touristique africain : le cas du site classé UNESCO des « ruines de Loropéni » au sud-ouest du Burkina Faso
Virtual tours significantly enhance the accessibility and attractiveness of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by the case study of Loropéni's ruins in Burkina Faso. These digital tools address physical access challenges while fostering interactivity and engagement for visitors. However, implementing IT solutions tailored to local contexts with limited technical expertise presents substantial challenges. The study highlights the potential of virtualization in preserving and promoting African cultural heritage but underscores the need for context-appropriate technologies and infrastructure.
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