Abuja, Nigeria – The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) has unveiled an ambitious program designed to elevate Gashaka Gumti National Park’s status to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The initiative, titled “UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) 2024: Working on the Future,” will see international volunteers collaborate on conservation efforts at the park and the Sukur Cultural Landscape.
The official inauguration ceremony, held at the National Park Service Headquarters in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from government agencies (Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Taraba State Ministry of Heritage and Eco Tourism), cultural and environmental bodies (National Park Service, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, National Commission for UNESCO), and NGOs (North East Development Commission, American University of Nigeria). Media partners like Nomad Africa Magazine will ensure broad coverage of the program.
The WHV program will unfold in two phases. From September 17th to 27th, 2024, volunteers will work at Gashaka Gumti National Park, a haven of biodiversity bordering Cameroon. Activities will focus on conservation, environmental education, and cultural exchange. This immersive experience aims to not only bolster conservation efforts but also promote sustainable tourism and raise global awareness of the park’s ecological significance. The second phase, scheduled for October 6th to 17th, will see volunteers delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Sukur Cultural Landscape.
Ms. Malame Mangzha, Director General of AFIDFF, expressed her gratitude to the participating organizations and emphasized the importance of dedicated teamwork to ensure a successful WHV 2024 program under the theme “Working on the Future.”
