These five African heritage sites are in danger due to climate change

Africa is one of the few places in the world with the most iconic and scarce attraction sites. While some of these sites are man-made, the majority of them are natural occurrences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Sadly, most of these attractions are facing serious threats of extinction mainly from continued human activities and changing weather patterns.

A new survey published in the journal, Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa, has highlighted heritage sites and practices across Africa that are at risk.

“Without significant intervention some of Africa’s most important heritage will be lost as a result of the direct and indirect impacts of climate change over the coming decades,” write co-authors Joanne Clarke, Elizabeth Edna Wangui, Grace W. Ngaruiya and Nick Brooks for the Conversation.

The group examined a wide range of case studies from countries in West, East and North Africa, adding that “The next ten years will be a critical period in which research agendas can be developed that will have a practical application for the management of African heritage in the face of climate change.”

Here are the top five sites that are currently under threat.