International Day for Monuments and Sites
Today, the 18th April, is the International Day for Monuments and Sites. The ICOMOS theme for 2020 is Shared Cultures, Shared Heritage, Shared Responsibility.
This is seen as particularly important as it is an expression of our global unity in the face of the ongoing worldwide health crisis. Given the current global outbreak of Covid-19 and the containment measures in place around the world, ICOMOS encourages you to celebrate International Day for Monuments and Sites virtually with the power of the internet!
Zambia has one World Heritage site – the majestic Mosi-au-Tunya (or Victoria) Falls which are the world’s greatest sheet of falling water. They are significant worldwide for their exceptional geological and geomorphological features, as well as their outstanding beauty. They are currently closed to the general public during this time.
But did you know that we also have 90 Gazetted National Monuments and 4,000 Listed Heritage Sites? So why not take time today to check out the National Heritage Conservation Commission’s website to discover more on our amazing monuments and heritage sites here in Zambia.
You can take virtual tours of heritage sites on social media. For inspiration check out Google Arts & Culture, which provides free, virtual access to a number of cultural heritage sites worldwide.
You can also visit the ICOMOS website to find out more on how to participate and join in with their online activities and celebrations. You can do this from your own home by sharing your photos, along with local information, to help raise awareness about our unique national heritage sites here in Zambia.