Two World Heritage properties in Madagascar - Tsingy de Bemaraha Integrated Nature Reserve and the Belo-sur-Mer Kirindy-Mitea Biosphere Reserve - received financial support for COVID-19 recovery and emergency response from the programme #SOSAfricanHeritage funded by the German Commission for UNESCO.

The grants follow submission of two project proposals by Madagascar National Parks entitled “Integration of regional and local youth volunteers in the fight against bushfire and restoration of degraded areas in the Kirindy Mite National Park central area of the Belo-sur-Mer – Kirindy-Mitea Biosphere Reserve” and “Strengthening the involvement of local stakeholders' site committees to reduce pressures in the Tsingy de Bemaraha World Heritage Site”.

The #SOSAfricanHeritage fund, which offers support up to 25,000 Euros, was set up by the German Federal Foreign Office and the Goethe-Institut and aims to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Africa World Heritage sites and other UNESCO designated sites. The funding period is from 15 September to 31 December 2020.

"We are grateful to the German Commission for UNESCO for this support which comes at a critical time when we are facing the challenges of conservation and management of our World Heritage site related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are optimistic that with this financial contribution, we could build staff capacity and ensure their resilience." Dr. Mamy Rakotoarijaona, Director General of Madagascar National Parks

"Many world heritage sites are currently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in substantial income losses for park management, local communities and businesses. This generous financial support to African World Heritage sites from the German Commission for UNESCO will help to integrate local stakeholders’ participation in the protection of heritage sites and help promote resilience at these UNESCO designated sites" Ms. Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa.

For more information about #SOSAfricanHeritage Fund, visit: http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2149