JOIN THE CAMPAIGN

The World Heritage Volunteers Initiative (WHV) was established in 2008 led by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in collaboration with the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service- (CCIVS) within the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme. The Initiative aims to sensitize and develop an appreciation of World Heritage values through concrete hands-on activities, awareness-raising campaigns, and skills training.

UNESCO has selected Sukur Cultural Landscape located on a hill above the village of Sukur in the Adamawa State of Nigeria. It is situated in the Mandara Mountains, close to the border with Cameroon. Sukur is Africa’s first cultural landscape to receive a World Heritage List inscription. Sukur is selected to be among the 74 action camp projects will be implemented from April to December 2023 at 67 World Heritage properties and sites on the Tentative Lists, by 58 organizations in 33 countries around the globe. Strengthening Resilience and Sustaining the Values of Sukur Heritage. North-East Nigeria under the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme focused on working on the future in 2023.

Sukur World Heritage Site offer opportunities for multi-disciplinary research on authentic culture, environment, anthropology, archaeology, agronomy, geology, mountain geography, biodiversity, and the traditional lifeways that will enrich the study of human history sustained for over 600years even in the throes of human conflict and a sweeping civilization. Sukur is compact with modes and themes that can support studies in authentic cultural traditions thereby posing as a one-stop site for research in human history, cultural resilience, agronomy, geology, technology, and other fields of academic and investment interest.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, the WHV 2023 projects will involve young people, communities and site managers in building new, inclusive societies together where World Heritage is a source of resilience, humanity and innovation. National and international volunteers will work together with the local communities to preserve our common cultural and natural heritage, through concrete hands-on and awareness-raising activities, which will provide empowering and enriching opportunities to young people and enable them to go beyond the constraints of geography to some of the most outstanding places in the world.

The hands-on activities in the Action Camp include the methodological study of Sukur traditional architecture mostly composed of dry stone walls, wood, straw, and thatched roof, Participants will also learn techniques in the production of iron tools, production of artisanal handcrafts, and the maintenance of stonewalls and mountain trails. Basketry, pottery, calabash making, and label designing, the participants will also organize and take part in different awareness-raising actions, from hiking on the mountain, to musical evenings, and performing arts. Volunteers will also be involved in the production of a documentary on all the activities and virtual reality of the landscape.

African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) As the implementing Organization of the WHV 2023 Programme for Sukur, Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Nigeria National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM), Government of Adamawa State, North-east Development Commission, Korean Cultural Centre, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigerian Redcross Society, and the relevant stakeholders, earmark to implement the program from 22nd October to 31st October 2023 at Sukur World Heritage Site.

Benefits

• Participants will share knowledge of the traditional ideas, skills, technologies, and other traditional modes of production that forms the bedrock of Sukur cultural authenticity.
• Participants will be part of the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers initiative (WHV)
• Build local capacities in conservation techniques and methods of conservation while creating opportunities for economic self-reliance aimed at improving
  the quality of life in the local community.
• Sukur World Heritage Site provides firsthand materials for multi-disciplinary research on Sukur Culture for students, research institutions, and investor groups.
• Participants and Volunteers will be presented with International Certificates.
• Work and network with global participants
• Explore investments opportunities

Additional Benefits

• Meeting with the Hidi (Chief-in-Council) of Sukur Kingdom, the coveted throne that has been sustained for over 600years
• Access to the Ancient Shrines and other anthropologically sensitive sites of history in the Sukur Kingdom and the surrounding communities.
• A Guided Tour of Communities on the Mandara range of Mountains.
• A Cross – Border tourism experience with the sight of the Republic of Cameroun from the Mandara ranges.
• Hiking on the Madara mountain

Above all, participants will enjoy the special privilege of exploring one of the remaining virgin environments in Africa, sharing authentic cultural experiences, and interacting with people in their natural elements.

Reference Link to UNESCO Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/volunteers2023/