In News:

In a landmark achievement for global environmental conservation, Sierra Leone has secured its first UNESCO World Heritage Site with the inscription of the Gola-Tiwai Complex, comprising the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gola Rainforest National Park (GRNP). This milestone is the result of over three decades of environmental activism led by Tommy Garnett, founder of the Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA).

About the Gola-Tiwai World Heritage Site

Location

• Southern Sierra Leone, along the Moa River, near the Liberia border.

Components

1. Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
   • Area: Only 12 sq. km
   • Biodiversity: Home to 11 primate species, including:
     • Western Chimpanzee (endangered)
     • Diana Monkey
     • *King Colobus Monkey
   • Serves as a biodiversity research hub and ecotourism destination in West Africa.
2. Gola Rainforest National Park
   • Sierra Leone’s largest tropical rainforest
   • Biodiversity Highlights:
     • Pygmy Hippopotamus
     • Critically Endangered African Forest Elephant
     • Numerous bird, insect, and plant species
   • Provides critical services such as:
     • Carbon sequestration
     • Climate regulation
     • Genetic biodiversity conservation

Ecological and Global Significance

• Biodiversity Hotspot: The Gola-Tiwai complex is one of the most biologically diverse areas in West Africa.
• Sustainable Development Model:
  • Combines community engagement, scientific research, and eco-tourism.
  • Sets a precedent for post-conflict environmental restoration.
• Global Climate Importance: The rainforest acts as a carbon sink, playing a role in mitigating climate change.
• Cultural-Ecological Linkages: Local communities depend on forests for livelihoods, traditions, and spiritual practices.

Geographical Context: Sierra Leone

Capital: Freetown

• Located on a peninsula with one of the world’s largest natural harbours.

Neighbouring Countries: Guinea (North and East), Liberia (Southeast), Atlantic Ocean (Southwest)

Key Geographical Features:

• Mountains:
  • Mount Bintimani (Loma Mansa) – Highest peak at 1,948 m (6,391 ft)
  • Tingi Hills, Sula Plateau, Kambui Schists
• Rivers:
  • Major rivers: Moa, Sewa, Mano, Rokel
  • Originate in Fouta Djallon highlands in Guinea
• Coastal Plains: Include mangrove swamps, lateritic soils, and seasonally flooded Bolilands
• Climate: Tropical with high rainfall and Harmattan winds in dry seasons

Natural Resources:

• Rich in diamonds, gold, rutile, and bauxite
• Economy based on mining and agriculture

In News:

Lucknow has officially submitted its nomination to be recognised as a “City of Gastronomy” under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), aiming to join Hyderabad as the only other Indian city to hold this title in the gastronomy category.

About the UCCN

• Established: 2004
• Purpose: To promote international cooperation among cities that use creativity as a key element for sustainable urban development.
• Focus Areas: Literature, Music, Crafts & Folk Arts, Design, Film, Media Arts, and Gastronomy.
• Key Goals:
  • Leverage the creative economy for sustainable development.
  • Encourage cultural diversity and resilience against urban challenges like climate change and inequality.
  • Promote collaboration across public, private, and civil society sectors.

UCCN and Sustainable Development

• UCCN supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by positioning culture and creativity at the heart of local development policies and planning.
• Member cities are expected to create innovation hubs, support local artists, and preserve cultural heritage.

India and the UCCN

As of 2023, 10 Indian cities are part of the network:

• Hyderabad – Gastronomy
• Jaipur – Crafts and Folk Arts
• Varanasi – Music
• Chennai – Music
• Mumbai – Film
• Srinagar – Crafts and Folk Arts
• Kozhikode – Literature
• Gwalior – Music (Recent entries include Kozhikode and Gwalior)

Lucknow’s Nomination: Highlights

• Nominated Title: City of Gastronomy
• Coordinated by: Department of Tourism and Culture, Lucknow
• Culinary Heritage: Awadhi cuisine, including dishes like nihari, kebabs, biryani, khasta, kulfi, jalebi, and puri-sabzi.
• Cultural Value: The city’s food is not just a tradition but a living culinary ecosystem, passed down through generations and practiced by diverse communities.
• Dossier Preparation: By renowned heritage conservationist Abha Narain Lambah.
• Verification: A field visit by UNESCO is expected as part of the evaluation process.

Global Cities of Gastronomy (Examples)

• Alba (Italy)
• Arequipa (Peru)
• Bergen (Norway)
• Belem (Brazil)
• Bendigo (Australia)

These cities, like Hyderabad, are recognised for their distinctive and sustainable culinary traditions.

In News:

Recently nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status, Gingee Fort is part of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, which encompasses 12 historical sites, primarily located in Maharashtra, with Gingee being the sole representative from Tamil Nadu. The nomination highlights the fort’s historical importance, unique military architecture, and its integral role in Maratha military history.

Significance of Gingee Fort

Gingee Fort, often referred to as the "Troy of the East," stands as a crucial historical monument in Tamil Nadu. Perched atop three prominent hillocks—Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandragiri—it has served as a significant stronghold for numerous empires throughout Indian history, including the Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Mughals, French, and British. This fortification exemplifies India’s rich and diverse historical legacy.

Unique Features

The fort complex spans 11 acres and boasts an array of significant structures, including:

• Kalyana Mahal: An eight-storey royal residence.
• Durbar Hall: A ceremonial hall for gatherings.
• Stepped Well and Cannon: Examples of advanced engineering and military use.
• Clock Tower and Armory: Reflecting its historical military significance.
• Elephant Tank and Stables: Indicating its use for royal elephants.
• Temples and Mosques: Including the Venkataramana Temple with intricate carvings and the Sadathtulla Mosque.

Additionally, the fort features advanced water supply systems from various historical periods, ensuring adequate resources for its inhabitants.

Historical Timeline

The origins of Gingee Fort trace back to 1200 CE when built by Ananta Kon of the Konar Dynasty. The fort underwent significant renovations under the Vijayanagar Empire. Key historical events include:

• 1677: Captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji, it remained under Maratha control until 1698.
• 1698: Came under Mughal possession, later ruled by the Nawabs of Arcot and briefly by the French.
• 1750-1770: Occupied by the French before falling to the British.

This timeline reflects the fort's strategic and cultural significance across different dynasties.

Nomination Process for UNESCO

The process for securing UNESCO World Heritage Site status involves rigorous evaluation. Experts from UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) assess the site's historical significance, conservation state, and management strategies. A visit to Gingee Fort is scheduled as part of this evaluation, with a recommendation expected for the 2025 World Heritage designation.

Preparation of the Nomination Dossier

The Development and Research Organisation for Nature, Arts and Heritage (DRONAH) prepared the nomination dossier, aligning with UNESCO’s operational guidelines. This comprehensive document details the fort's historical context, conservation status, and management strategies, aimed at demonstrating its outstanding value for humanity.

Why is it in the News?

The World Crafts Council International (WCCI), a Kuwait-based organization working on the recognition and preservation of traditional crafts across the globe, has picked Srinagar for mapping its craft clusters before its final nomination as the World Craft City (WCC) from India this year. 

About World Crafts Council:

• World Crafts Council AISBL is an international non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the preservation, promotion, and advancement of global craftsmanship and traditional crafts.
• It was founded by Ms. Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Ms. Margaret M. Patch, and Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay at the 1st World Crafts Council General Assembly in New York on June 12, 1964.
• Since its inception, the World Crafts Council AISBL has been affiliated with  UNESCO under Consultative Status for many years.
• Its mission is to empower artisans, celebrate cultural diversity, and contribute to sustainable development by supporting the rich tapestry of global craftsmanship and preserving languishing crafts from extinction.
• Headquarters: The current headquarters for the term (2021-2024) is located in Kuwait.

Objectives:

• The main objective of the World Crafts Council AISBL is to strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life.
• The Council aims to promote fellowship among craftspersons by offering them encouragement, help, and advice.
• It fosters and assists cultural exchange through conferences, international visits, research studies, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities.
• The WCC also seeks to foster wider knowledge and recognition of the craftspeople's work with due regard to the diversified cultural and national backgrounds and traditions of its members.
• In carrying out these principles, the Council shall consult with governments, national and international institutions, societies, and individuals.?

India has only 3 cities designated as World Craft City:

• Mysuru (Kinnal paintings, Sandalwood carvings, Rosewood Inlay, etc.)
• Mamallapuram (Stone Carving continuing since the Pallava dynasty (275 CE to 897 CE)
• Jaipur (Kundan Jadai (Gem setting), Meenakari Jewellery, Lac-based craft, Gotta Patti Work, etc.)

About the World Craft City Programme:

• The World Craft City Programme, initiated in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), recognizes the significance of local authorities, artisans, and communities in global cultural, economic, and social advancement.
• By establishing a vibrant network of craft cities worldwide, it embraces the ideals of the creative economy and acknowledges the valuable contributions of local entities to comprehensive development.
• Notably, Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), and Mysore have already been designated as craft cities under this initiative in India.

Why is it in the News?

In a significant boost to its rich cultural and historical legacy, 6 new sites from Madhya Pradesh have found a place in the tentative UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites (WHS).

Six New Sites From MP In the UNESCO Tentative List:

• The sites included in the tentative list are Gwalior Fort, the Historical Group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur, and God Memorial of Ramnagar, Mandla.
• The UNESCO tentative list includes those that provide a forecast of the properties that a State Party may decide to submit for inscription in the next five to ten years.
• Gwalior Fort: An imposing fortress atop a hill, featuring impenetrable walls, exquisite sculptures, and stunning architecture.
  • Built-in the 6th century AD by Rajput warrior Suraj Sen and expanded by Tomar ruler Maan Singh in 1398.
• Dhamnar Caves: Rock-cut temple site in Mandsaur district, constructed in the 7th century AD.
  • It comprises 51 caves, stupas, chaityas, and dwellings, with a colossal Gautam Buddha statue.
• Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple: Located near Bhopal, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a huge Linga carved from a single stone.
  • Built between 1010 and 1053 AD by Raja Bhoj but was never completed.
• Chambal Valley Rock Art Sites: The world's largest concentration of rock art sites across MP, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, depicting ancient daily life, rituals, and hunting scenes.
• Khooni Bhandara: A unique water supply system built in Burhanpur in 1615 by ruler Abdurrahim Khankhana, still operational today.
• Gond Statue, Mandla: Moti Mahal, a five-storied palace built in Mandla in 1667 by Gond king Hriday Shah, showcasing the strong willpower of the king despite limited resources.

What is UNESCO’s Tentative List?

• A World Heritage Site is a site with outstanding universal value.
• It also denotes cultural and natural significance that transcends national boundaries and is of common importance for current and future generations of all humanity.
• According to UNESCO, a tentative list lists the properties each State Party intends to consider for nomination.
• The government of any nation must have a nomination document ready for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to review once as soon as UNESCO includes it in a location on the Tentative List.
• After this, a UNESCO representative will evaluate the situation and inspect it.

What is the Tentative List Process?

• The States Parties are encouraged to submit their Tentative Lists of properties that they consider cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value and, therefore, suitable for inscription on the World Heritage List.
• The States Parties are encouraged to prepare their Tentative Lists with the participation of stakeholders such as site managers, local and regional governments, local communities, NGOs, and other interested parties and partners.
• The States Parties should submit the Tentative Lists to the World Heritage Centre at least one year before submitting any nomination.
  • The list should not be exhaustive.
• The States Parties can re-examine and re-submit their list at least every ten years.
• The States Parties are also requested to submit their lists using a submission format (English or French) that should contain the name of the properties, geographical location, a brief description of the properties, and why the property is of outstanding universal value.
• Nomination will only be considered once the property is added to the State Party's Tentative List.

Why is it in the News?

INTACH is striving to obtain UNESCO recognition for the yearly 'Paruveta' festival, emphasising its cultural significance.

About the Paruveta Festival:

• Paruveta Festival, also known as the 'mock hunting festival', is a celebrated tradition at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh.
• It stands out as a symbol of communal harmony, where devotees from various religious backgrounds, including Muslims, come together to offer prayers.

Origin and Significance:

• According to folklore, the festival commemorates Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Narasimha, who married Chenchulakshmi, a tribal girl, symbolising unity across different communities.
• The festival's rituals, typically observed during Vijayadashami or Sankranti, extend for a 'mandala' period of forty days in Ahobilam.

Activities and Customs:

• During the festival, the temple deity is carried to the 32 Chenchu tribal villages surrounding Ahobilam for forty days.
• The journey begins with a symbolic act where tribals shoot arrows at the deity's palanquin, signifying protection and reverence.
• Chenchus participated by undertaking 'Narasimha Deeksha', wearing yellow robes and Tulasi Mala, while observing celibacy.
• The temple staff reside in these villages throughout the festival, showcasing the tradition of a casteless society with no traces of untouchability.

Key Points about Chenchu Tribes:

• Geographic Distribution: Chenchu tribes primarily inhabit the hills of southern India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Additionally, Chenchu communities can be found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Orissa.
• Language and Communication: Their native language, known as Chenchu, belongs to the Dravidian language family.
  • While many Chenchu individuals speak Telugu, their traditional language holds cultural significance.
• Livelihood and Occupation: Historically, Chenchu people pursued a nomadic lifestyle, relying on food gathering.
  • However, due to factors such as agricultural expansion, many have transitioned to working as farmers or forest labourers.
• Housing and Settlements: Chenchu dwellings are typically hive-shaped structures constructed from wattle thatch, composed of interwoven poles, twigs, reeds, or branches.
  • These houses reflect their traditional architectural style and are adapted to their environment.
• Social Structure: Chenchu society is organised into clans, which are extended family units, as well as local groups and individual families.
  • They adhere to exogamous marriage practices, prohibiting unions within the same clan.
  • Additionally, Chenchu kinship is patrilineal, tracing descent through male lineage.

Why is it in the News?

'Maratha Military Landscapes' representing extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers will be India's nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle, the Culture Ministry said on January 29.

About Maratha Military Landscapes:

• Developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, the nomination comprises the 12 components of Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
• These components are strategically distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions, highlighting the military prowess of the Maratha rule.
• The landscapes showcase the integration of landscape, terrain, and physiographic characteristics distinctive to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, the Deccan Plateau, and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian Peninsula.
• Out of the more than 390 forts in Maharashtra, only 12 have been chosen under the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India'.
• The inception of the Maratha Military ideology dates back to the 17th century during the reign of the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, continuing through subsequent rules until the Peshwa rule of 1818 CE.

UNESCO Nomination Criteria:

• There are two categories of nomination- cultural and natural criteria.
• The Maratha Military Landscapes is nominated under cultural criteria.
• To fulfil this criterion, a site should bear unique testimony to cultural tradition, it should be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape that illustrates significant stage(s) in human history and it should be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, ideas or beliefs, artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.

World Heritage Sites In India:

• India presently boasts 42 World Heritage sites, with 34 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and 1 mixed site.
• Maharashtra alone has six World Heritage Sites including:
  • The Ajanta Caves
  • Ellora Caves
  • Elephanta Caves
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
  • Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, and
  • The Western Ghats (a natural site)

Tentative List Recognition:

• The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, included in the Tentative List of World Heritage sites in 2021, is the sixth cultural property nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage List from Maharashtra.