African rock art came under discussion at a meeting of prehistory specialists from Spain and African States at the historic city-centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, organised by Casa África. Dr George Abungu, TARA Board member and also Kenya's Representative on UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, spoke about the plight of African sites, many of which come under threat in areas of conflict. He noted that while Africa has done quite a lot in the protection of its heritage through different initiatives such as the Africa 2009 programme and the newly formed continental funding initiative, African World Heritage Fund, there is still a lot to be done to ensure sustainable conservation and use of its rich heritage.

Dr Abungu noted that out of the 878 sites in the World Heritage List, only 123 are from Africa and about 30% of these are in the Danger List. He identified threats including: lack of appreciation by the African governments of heritage as a source of pride, identity and sustainable resource for national development; lack of resources; neglect; lack of community involvement; the Eurocentric notion of heritage of outstanding universal value; greed; conflicts; and lack of investment in heritage. Dr Abungu commended the Spanish Government in particular and the other State Parties of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the concern and assistance to the continent in supporting its heritage, especially through the support to the African World Heritage Fund. He called for partnership, especially in research with Spanish institutions, particularly in the area of Rock Art Studies, Palaeo-anthropology and Archaeology.

Read an article from La Provincia (in Spanish).