By Yunus S. Saliu
As the bushfire season continues, Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), has highlighted the growing threat these fires pose to both communities and heritage sites across the country.
According to DG Ceesay, the impact of bushfires this time of year is not just limited to homes and farmlands; it also jeopardizes the integrity of critical cultural heritage sites.
In a recent interview, Hassoum Ceesay noted that a recent wildfire had spread across a section of the quarry at the WassuStones Circle in the Central River Region (CRR) North. This site, which is on The Gambia’s UNESCO Tentative List, is poised to move forward in the application process to potentially be added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
The Director General expressed his gratitude to the residents of the surrounding community, the local tour guides, and the NCAC staff for their swift action in extinguishing the fire. He acknowledged that the blaze had already affected part of the quarry site, burning vegetation and blackening portions of the stone formation.
Despite this damage, he stressed that addressing the broader issue of bushfires requires a comprehensive approach. “Bushfires should be addressed holistically, with a focus on ensuring both individual and property safety,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for the local community’s response and reaffirmed the NCAC’s commitment to collaborating with both the community and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Their joint efforts will focus on mitigating the damage caused by the fire and preventing future occurrences. He emphasized the importance of protecting heritage sites as integral parts of the environment, which deserve attention and care.
Looking ahead, the NCAC boss outlined plans to work with relevant partners, including the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, to implement emergency measures for site rehabilitation. He also underscored the need for greater community involvement in fire prevention efforts, with a focus on education and sustainable practices to safeguard these irreplaceable cultural landmarks.