Promotion du patrimoine de Kilwa en Tanzanie pour renforcer le développement socio-économique

The project to identify, protect and promote Kilwa's heritage resources in southern Tanzania continues. The first half of 2015 saw the construction of the information center designed to promote the sites inventoried in 2014. Ideally located on Kilwa's market square, where buses drop off visitors, the center will also be a point for the sale of culinary products (salt, honey, pastries...) and crafts (sculpture, sewing, basketry...). The center will be managed by the town's team of tourist guides, under the supervision of the local administration. Two members of this administration benefited from training in France at the beginning of September 2015, provided by the Communauté d'agglomération Rochefort Océan, a partner in the project. Architecturally, the building is a showcase for the city's resources and know-how. Designed by architect Arnaud Misse, it was built by 25 people in 7 weeks, under the supervision of architect Nuria Sánchez Muñoz. The main materials used were stone for the walls, masoned with lime made by local craftsmen, earth for the rendering, wood for the openings and framework, bamboo and palm leaves. Through this project, we wanted to demonstrate that building techniques that have been used locally for over 1,000 years can produce contemporary architecture. The building cost 26 million shillings, or 13,500 euros. This money benefited the local population almost entirely, either in the form of labor or in the form of local production of materials (stone-cutting, weaving of mats for the ceilings, for example). Only a few imported steel bars were integrated into a low chain-link, all other materials coming from Kilwa.

Another result of the first half-year was the design of a leaflet presenting Kilwa, which will be distributed by the Tanzania Tourist Board at international tourism fairs in Africa, Europe and Asia. The brochure, in three languages (English, Kiswahili and French), was produced by the Communauté d'agglomération Rochefort Océan and the Fouras tourist office.

The project is due to run until September 2016. The final year will be devoted to developing certain tourist sites, producing an exhibition, designing promotional material and improving guest rooms in villages in the district's interior.

Latest news on the project:

This three-year project, which began in September 2013, has just come to an end. This adventure touched several hundred people in the Kilwa district and gave a major boost to tourism development in their area. The project was led by CRAterre, supported by two Tanzanian partners: Kilwa District Council and Kilwa Masoko Township Authority and a French partner: Rochefort Océan. Funding was provided by the European Union and the French government.
The aim of the program was to raise Kilwa's profile by promoting its little-known natural and cultural resources. Indeed, although Kilwa holds a key place in the history of East Africa, it lacks the appeal of the great sites of northern Tanzania. The World Heritage status of the two islands has not attracted enough visitors to sustain the local economy. The project therefore set out to identify and promote other available resources to encourage visitors to stay longer, so that local populations could benefit more fully from the economic spin-offs of tourism. The project was structured around 7 activities:

Heritage resource management, which took the form of around a hundred meetings and workshops on various heritage resources. This activity was continuous over the 3 years.
The inventory of available cultural and natural resources, carried out in 2014. The results of this inventory are published in a downloadable catalog on the CRAterre website.
Promoting these resources locally, nationally and internationally in 2015 and 2016, and equipping the sites to enhance the visitor experience.
The construction of two blocks of guest rooms in two inland villages in 2016. Both structures are made of earth, using the cob technique, like the other houses in the village.
The construction of a tourist information center in 2015, also using local materials including stone, earth, wood, bamboo and a palm leaf roof.
Promoting local architectural and urban values, in 2015 and 2016 with the publication of a book promoting sustainable building techniques and materials in Kilwa.

Documentation in 2016 of a Kivinje monument in preparation for its conservation.

This project is funded by the European Union and the French government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture and Communication).

As part of the European heritage enhancement project dedicated to the Kilwa region in Tanzania, a short 7-minute video inviting you on a journey was prepared by the teams from 2-pieces films (France)et True Vision (Tanzanie).

These fascinating images will help you discover a little-known territory!