The challenges of transnational management of cultural and natural sites in Africa: The case of Cameroon

Abstract

AbstractThe concept of ‘transnational management of cultural and natural sites’ can refer to the effective implementation of good practices and mechanisms at sites of cultural and/or natural significance, with a view to their sustainable management. Typically, these sites are located in contiguous areas of States that share the same borders and establish mutually agreed mechanisms for their management. The sustainable management of transboundary cultural, natural and mixed heritage sites in sub-Saharan African countries continues to pose enormous challenges, yet it could contribute to promoting peace in these countries, where the majority of the populations are victims of terrorism, social tensions and widespread poverty. Whether, for example, it is a question of the same protected area extending on both sides of a border as serial properties or a group of different sites, but linked by the same theme, the typology of transnational sites is diverse and requires the establishment of a transnational cooperation strategy that can provide mechanisms adapted to the African continent.