By Veronika Dariya
The National Park Service has inaugurated National Planning Committee to implement the 2024 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Initiative in Sukur Heritage Landscape, Adamawa and Gashaka-Ghumti National Park in Taraba states.
Inaugurating the committee on Thursday in Abuja, Mr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator General of the Service, said the committee had the mandate to coordinate the implementation and evaluation of the initiative.
He said that other mandate for the committee included planning for the elevation of Gashaka-Gumthi Park to a World Heritage Status.
“The committee is also expected to work to ensure the success of volunteer activities to promote and preserve both sites,’’ he said.
Goni lauded the organisers of the initiative, African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), an NGO, adding that the Service was excited to be part of the initiative.
“We are delighted to announce that Gashaka-Gumthi has been selected for the first time, to participate in the UNESCO WHV initiative.
“This is all thanks to the resilient efforts of AFIDFF and National Park. We are ready to support the foundation and other partners to accomplish the 2024 WHV at Gashaka-Gumthi and Sukur World Heritage site.
“We will work hand in hand with all partners involved to make a lasting impact and contribute to a sustainable and cultural rich future.”
Goni said that the WHV initiative had evolved within time into a rich and diverse endeavor that showcases the remarkable work of volunteers and communities around heritage conservation sites.
He noted that the project aimed to raise awareness and the significance of the two sites, teach traditional skills to youths, and enhance cultural and environmental resilience among many other opportunities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2024 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteer initiative is: “Working on the Future.”
In her remarks, Mrs Malame Mangzha, Director-General, AFIDFF, said the UNESCO initiative had provided a platform for young people to engage with and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
According to Mangzha, WHV had fostered a new generation of heritage custodians who were passionate about conservation and were also eager to make a difference in communities.
“Over the past four years, AFIDFF, along with our esteemed partners have made remarkable strides in the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural and natural heritage.
“Our collaborative efforts has not only raised awareness but has also fostered a sense of pride and ownership within our communities.
“The involvement of volunteers from diverse backgrounds has enriched our projects, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions,” she said.
She noted that the collaborative efforts with partners served as examples of what could be achieved when Nigeria unites for a common cause.
This, she added, was because the sites were not only treasures of the country but were also vital pieces of the world’s heritage, deserving of the Nigerian people’s utmost care and protection.
Mangzha said her foundation would work in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM) to achieve the goal.
“Our partners also include the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC), Adamawa and Taraba state governments.
“Others, are Nigerian Red Cross Society, American University of Nigeria (AUN), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),” she said.
Mangzha said the WHV theme for Sukur was tagged:” Sukur Echoes; Educate, Empower and Preserve (SLEEP), while the theme for Gashaka-Gumthi Park was tagged: “Preserving Nature, Empowering Communities; On the Path to World Heritage Status.”
NAN reports that the projects under the initiative were scheduled to take place from Sept.17 to Sept. 27 in Taraba and Oct. 6 to Oct. 17 in Adamawa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng