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Climate Action using the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) and restoration efforts to address climate impacts at Songo Mnara and Kilwa Kisiwani
Full Solution
Plantation of Mangrove seeds in the coastal areas of Kilwa Kisiwani at Malindi Mosque and cemeteries
(Mercy, 2022)
This solution addresses the climate challenges faced by Kilwa Kisiwani and the ruins of Songo Mnara. The primary threats—wave action, sea level rise, erosion, and heavy rainfall—were evaluated using the methodology of the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI). In response, key actions were implemented, including the construction of a protective wall, the planting of mangrove trees along the coastline, and the restoration of the stairs at Husuni Kubwa Palace, which had been damaged by wave activity.
One of the key lessons learned was the importance of capacity-building programs for both site managers and local communities. Additionally, securing adequate funding to support community-wide education targeting local stakeholders was identified as essential. The project also involved training community members in restoration techniques using locally sourced materials such as lime, with guidance from specialists in restoration from other World Heritage sites, thus promoting long-term sustainability and fostering community participation
Last update: 09 Dec 2024
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Contexto
Défis à relever
The presence of strong wave action and high tides has led to sea erosion on the shores of the sea along with the collapse of the walls of ancient buildings but also the washing away of archaeological remains.
Also, there has been a big challenge for the members of the community living within the Site because climate changes have led to the presence of extreme heat, the loss of some plants that were helpful for social needs such as coconuts and others which were used for medicine. But also the risk of the collapse of their household, especially those located near the sea.
Ubicación
Kilwa Kisiwani, Lindi, Tanzania
East and South Africa
Procesar
Summary of the process
The project addressing climate impacts on Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara demonstrates how environmental, social, and economic dimensions are interconnected. By constructing protective walls and planting mangrove trees, the project mitigated coastal erosion and stabilized local ecosystems, establishing the base for long-term environmental resilience. This, in turn, supports local tourism, boosting the economy by preserving cultural heritage sites, which are vital for local jobs and income. Additionally, community involvement in restoration efforts fostered social empowerment and ensured the project’s sustainability, linking environmental protection with both social and economic benefits.
Building Blocks
Building Block 1. Assessment using the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI)
The methodology of the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) was applied to assess the risks and threats posed by climate impacts like wave action, sea level rise, erosion, and precipitation, informing the actions taken. The application was carried out in combination with a regional training that took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, together with other site managers and heritage practitioners from Tanzania, Nigeria and Uganda. The training and application was supported by the James Cook University, Australia.
Enabling factors
The application of CVI was made possible thanks to the support of institutions such as the James Cook University of Australia, ICOMOS and ICCROM. Though the participation to the CVI project in Africa, site managers and heritage practitioners from Tanzania, Nigeria and Uganda were also invited to join the 27th annual United Nations meeting on climate (COP27) in Egypt to share their experience and knowledge.
Lesson learned
This Building Block shows the importance of connecting with other practitioners in monitoring and assessing our sites for any climate change induced effects. But it also highlights the significant value of connecting with other site managers and heritage practitioners from around the world, particularly when it came to exchanging knowledge about our heritage sites, the methods we use to care for them, and our perspectives on their preservation.
Building Block 2. Restoration and Environmental Actions
This Building Block involved the following actions:
- Constructing a protective gabion wall to mitigate wave action and coastal erosion.
- Planting mangrove trees along the coast to stabilize the shoreline and protect against sea level rise, erosion, and storm surges.
- Rehabilitating stairs at Husuni Kubwa Palace which had been impacted by natural forces, specifically wave action.
Enabling factors
These actions were informed by the assessment carried out using the CVI.
The rehabilitation of the stairs at Husuni Kubwa Palace was made possible through the involvement of built heritage specialists who were invited to train the "Ruins Committee"—a group of sixteen individuals responsible for managing the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara—on how to reconstruct the palace stairs using the original materials. The training programme was facilitated by the participation of a staff member and trainer to the Stone Conservation Course organised by ICCROM in Mexico in 2018. The learnings of the course were greatly helpful in knowledge sharing during the course and in monitoring restoration activities.
Lesson learned
The main lesson learned from these actions is the importance of integrating capacity building and nature-based solutions with traditional restoration techniques to enhance climate resilience and heritage preservation.
Building Block 3. Community Engagement and Capacity Building
In the third Building Block, there was emphasis on the training the local community through capacity-building initiatives that involved locals in restoration work using traditional and local materials, fostering community ownership and long-term sustainability. This included support from UNESCO Climate Change Champions who provided external expertise and support while empowering local stakeholders.
Enabling factors
The enabling factors for this approach include support from experts in local knowledge who use lime for building; collaboration with local (local communities), national (government) and international (UNESCO) partners and stakeholders; and access to local materials and funding for training ensured that community members had the necessary resources to participate actively in the restoration efforts.
Lesson learned
This approach not only empowered the community but also provided benefits to various groups, including women. The concept can be expanded to the wider community, encompassing fishermen and schoolchildren, who can also acquire valuable skills and knowledge in heritage preservation.
Impacts
The actions taken at Kilwa Kisiwani and the ruins of Songo Mnara have demonstrated significant positive impacts across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
- Environmental impacts include the successful mitigation of coastal erosion and wave action through the construction of protective walls and the planting of mangrove trees. These efforts have stabilized the shoreline, reduced the risk of further damage from sea level rise, and restored natural coastal ecosystems, contributing to long-term environmental resilience.
- Social impacts were realized by actively involving the local community in the restoration process. Training locals in rehabilitation techniques using traditional materials fostered a sense of ownership and empowered them to take part in the preservation of their cultural heritage. This collaboration strengthened community engagement and ensured the sustainability of the project.
- Economic impacts emerged from the enhanced preservation of these heritage sites, which are critical for local tourism. The project’s efforts help safeguard these cultural landmarks, supporting the local economy by maintaining and potentially increasing tourism, which in turn provides jobs and income to the local population.
Beneficiaries
- Community members preserving heritage for future generations
- Tourists accessing climate-protected sites
- The local overnment benefiting from increased revenue
- International partners like CVI, UNESCO, ICOMOS, and ICCROM
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 15 – Life on land
SDG 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the goals
Story
Through the solution we took to the effect of climate change on the Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara ruins as we did physically but also on paperwork as we collaborated with the CVI team.
I have been inspired to work closely with the local community in finding a solution because I have learned how to use traditional and local knowledge as they instructed us to use mangrove trees and teach us how it helps in reducing the speed of the sea waves, this was a good education I learned from the community members living in Kilwa Kisiwani.
Along with that we did an assessment of climate change vulnerability Index in collaboration with CVI, indeed through CVI I have learned a lot about climate change and conservation in general, gaining exposure by traveling to several countries to attend meetings and workshops to discuss issues of climate change at the archaeological site where through that I was also able to meet with experts and thus we were able to exchange ideas and experience in maintaining and protecting archaeological sites against climate changes.
