Intergenerational Dialogue: “The protection of Gorée Island: From beliefs and traditions to contemporary challenges”

As part of the implementation of the project: “Emergency measures for the consolidation and protection of Gorée Island: Fighting coastal erosion implementation”, within the framework of the World Heritage Convention, the UNESCO Dakar Office is organizing an intergenerational dialogue on Gorée Island on 15 July 2017.

This meeting is the first in a series of 4 dialogues and aims to share experience between Gorean people and transmit knowledge to the next generation about the means of protecting the island.
This activity is a part of the 3rd objective of the project “Emergency measures for the consolidation and protection of Gorée Island: Fighting coastal erosion” and consists of a communication and information campaign to enhance the heritage value of Gorée and mobilize resources. It is important to sensitize partners but also local people on the broad challenges posed by coastal erosion to the site’s conservation and integrity. Thus, the dialogue is a way to ensure the transmission of know-how on conservation practices and traditional ways of fighting marine erosion, but also to highlight innovative good practices.

About 40 participants will take part in the dialogue, elders and young people from different social backgrounds. A storyteller will open up this meeting, relating traditional stories about beliefs and the guardian spirit Coumba Castel. Furthermore, 8 people have been identified to share their memories, experiences and other inspirational stories about the island’s protection, and time will be provided for sharing, discussion and debate. Two moderators will facilitate the group discussion.