With African rock art providing one of the oldest and most extensive records on Earth of human thought, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on the continents leaders to play a more active role in saving a priceless cultural heritage of all humankind that is under severe threat, above all from neglect and thieves.
– It shows the very emergence of the human imagination. It is a priceless treasure. And it is irreplaceable, he said in a video message to the Trust for African Rock Art (TARA), a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to the conservation of Africas rock art heritage.
– Yet, today, Africas rock art is severely threatened. Its future is uncertain. Perhaps the greatest threat is neglect. A lack of resources, combined with a lack of official interest, has left too many rock art sites unguarded against vandals and thieves, he added.
– We must save this cultural heritage before it is too late, he declared, calling on Africas leaders to take a new and more active role and on private businesses, foundations and individuals to contribute their expertise and resources.
– We at the United Nations will continue to do our part, Annan concluded in his message.
Kilde: FNs nyhedstjeneste
