Objectives
- Inscribe the Betammaribé territory on the World Heritage List;
- Recognize the values of this culture;
- Establish site management and control mechanisms.
Koutammakou is the land of the Betammaribé, “those who know how to shape the earth”. This appellation is not surprising considering the exceptional quality of their architecture, which reflects the richness of this culture particularly well integrated into its environment.
While many of the dwellings in the southern Sahelian region have strong symbolic dimensions, none of them demonstrate such an accomplished relationship between form and function, secular and sacred. In the takienta, the basic family dwelling, nothing is left to chance, every detail fulfilling a precise function and carrying a strong symbolic charge; a concept so perfect that it serves as a model for all main dwelling houses.
Despite the cultural influences that threaten Tammari society, the villages perpetuate their foundations through time and space, thanks to strong social cohesion. The effects of globalization are nevertheless being felt, and the Bétammaribé are calling for their culture to be protected. That's why they have broadly supported the Togolese government's proposal to inscribe their territory on the World Heritage List.
At the request of the Government of Togo, and in the context of a positive response from the World Heritage Committee, CRATerre-ENSAG was entrusted with a preparatory assistance mission for the preparation of a nomination file. The work was organized with Togo's Heritage and Museum Directorate, in close collaboration with traditional authorities and various institutional representatives from the area.
The consultation work focused first on documenting the essential values of the site, then identifying the threats, leading to the drafting of a “Management Plan”. On this basis, the nomination application was drawn up and forwarded to UNESCO for review by experts before submission to the World Heritage Committee.The consultation work focused first on documenting the essential values of the site, then identifying the threats, leading to the drafting of a “Management Plan”. On this basis, the nomination application was drawn up and forwarded to UNESCO for review by experts before submission to the World Heritage Committee.
Results
Koutammakou was inscribed on the World Heritage List in June 2004, at the 28th session of the World Heritage Committee (Sushou, China).
The management plan that has been drawn up focuses on three areas:
- Establishing legal protection and an effective management mechanism for the conservation and promotion of Koutammakou.
- Enhancing the value of Tammari culture and promoting tourism that respects the intrinsic values of the site.
- Improving the living conditions of the Batammariba people.
Implementation of this management plan began with the creation of the Koutammakou Protection and Enhancement Service.
A system regulating entry was set up, and publications were produced and then distributed or sold.
Partners
Les populations locales et leurs représentants, Direction du Patrimoine et des musées du Togo, Ministère de la Culture du Togo, Dominique Sewane, anthropologue, AFRICA 2009 (UNESCO/CPM-ICCROM-CRATerre-Institutions Africaines), UNESCO - World Heritage Centre
