Preserving Cultural Heritage.

Since 1993, Sango Wildlife Conservancy (SWC) has actively worked to identify and protect the cultural heritage embedded within its landscape. To date, approximately 24 historical sites have been identified at Sango, with new discoveries being made regularly. These cultural relics, silent witnesses to the area’s deep human history, represent an invaluable asset not only for academic interest but also for community engagement and ecotourism.

In 2024, SWC strengthened its commitment to cultural site conservation through a structured four-step management approach under the guidance of the Ecology Department. The implementation of this plan includes systematically collecting data on each site—including photographs, site descriptions, and interpretive information—and consolidating this into a comprehensive portfolio and mapped record. A key step in this process was the field survey led by Rob Burret of the Natural History Museum Zimbabwe, who also registered these sites with the National Museum, in accordance with the National Museum and Monuments Act 25:11. Additional data are also integrated into SWC’s Earthranger system to enable annual site monitoring and detect potential degradation over time.

SWC aims to enhance the data gathering through Earthranger, interpretation and accessibility of this cultural heritage by developing tailored information materials for guides and tourism personnel, ensuring accurate and engaging communication with visitors. A dedicated monitoring plan, following scientific litterature’s recommendations such as those proposed by Jopela (2010), will also be implemented to systematically assess the condition of the rock art over time and ensure its preservation. Together, these actions not only safeguard irreplaceable cultural values but also contribute to a broader vision of inclusive conservation that celebrates both natural and human histories.