MALI—UNESCO has asked French and Malian forces to protect the country’s ancient cultural heritage sites during air raids and ground attacks, by providing maps showing the locations of heritage sites and brochures for soldiers on preventing damage to them. In 2012, historic buildings in Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were severely damaged by Islamist rebel forces. “The current military intervention must protect people and secure the cultural heritage of Mali,” said Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General.
UNESCO Asks Military to Protect Mali’s Cultural Heritage
News January 16, 2013
Recommended Articles
Off the Grid September/October 2012
Aquincum, Hungary
Off the Grid July/August 2012
Pucará de Tilcara, Argentina
-
Features November/December 2012
Zeugma After the Flood
New excavations continue to tell the story of an ancient city at the crossroads between east and west
(Hasan Yelken/Images & Stories) -
Letter from India November/December 2012
Living Heritage at Risk
Searching for a new approach to development, tourism, and local needs at the grand medieval city of Hampi
(Gethin Chamberlain) -
Artifacts November/December 2012
Beaker Vessels
Ceramic beakers were the vessels of choice for the so-called “Black Drink” used at Cahokia by Native Americans in their purification rituals
(Linda Alexander, photographer, use with permission of the Illinois State Archaeological Society) -
Digs & Discoveries November/December 2012
The Desert and the Dead
(Courtesy Bernardo Arriaza)