Mitigating the impacts of climate change and enhancement of cultural heritage at the Cliffs of Bandiagara World Heritage Property

The site of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons), a vast cultural region along the 150km-long Bandiagara escarpment, has been inhabited since the 3rd century B.C.E, and settled by the Dogon people in the 15th century. A World Heritage Site, it has suffered from intercommunal conflict and effects of climate change, notably floods. Building on a successful first phase of restoration efforts, the project will restore 165 traditional buildings, improve water access in Yougapiri, and strengthen local livelihoods. It will also document traditional environmental knowledge, support academic research, and host community forums and awareness campaigns. Training programs will build skills in heritage conservation, especially for women and youth, while promoting the link between cultural heritage and climate resilience.