Introduction

The cultural and natural heritage of States has a value that transcends their respective borders. They are universal in character. Examples include the natural monuments and mausoleums of Timbuktu. These assets require special protection to offset the damage they suffer. Under the auspices of UNESCO, the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted on November 16, 1972. This protection takes the form of States’ compliance with their obligations, inscription on the list and international assistance. 

States’ compliance with their treaty obligations

States Parties to the Convention are invited to comply with certain requirements for the optimal and efficient protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage. In particular, they must ensure the identification, promotion, conservation and enhancement of properties. It goes without saying that their involvement is a sine qua non condition for such protection, since international protection has only a supplementary value.

Inclusion on the List

Inscription on the List is a well-known and effective method of protection. It is a kind of international label in this field. Through this act, the States Parties subscribe to the universal character of the properties inscribed, whose protection is the responsibility of the entire international community. In fact, according to Article 8, the World Heritage Committee is the institution responsible for managing the World Heritage List and for international assistance. Moreover, properties subject to inscription are required to comply with at least one of the 10 criteria set out in this article. As of today, Burkina Faso has three properties inscribed on UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. These are the LOROPENI Ruins (2009), the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (2017) and the Ancient Iron Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso (2019).

The essentiality of international assistance

In the light of Article 15, the Convention establishes a Fund for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. In fact, the resources of this Fund meet two major objectives. On the one hand, international assistance takes the form of technical assistance, notably through the training of identification specialists and the supply of equipment. On the other hand, it consists of financial assistance, in the form of loans or grants. In all cases, international assistance is the direct corollary of an agreement between a State and the aforementioned Committee.

Conclusion

 Protecting the world’s cultural and natural heritage is essential to ensure that it is preserved for future generations, and to ensure that past civilizations continue to flourish. This requires a strong commitment from States and a considerable contribution from the international community. Unfortunately, it does happen that property is delisted. In most cases, this is because the authenticity and integrity of the site have been compromised by the state.