The notion of heritage and its preservation dates back to antiquity, particularly in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, where certain architectural works and objects were preserved for their religious, political or symbolic value. For example, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Parthenon in Greece and the Aksum Steles in Ethiopia were all considered requiring maintenance.  At the same time, several civilisations in sub-Saharan Africa left behind a remarkable heritage, such as the Sungbo Wall in Nigeria and the Djenné-Djenno sites in Mali.

The Renaissance in Europe (15th-16th centuries) was marked by a renewed interest in rediscovering the past, reflected in the emergence of a renewed interest in Greek and Roman civilisations.  Ancient ruins were studied and sometimes restored, and works of art and ancient buildings were maintained by the artistic patronage of wealthy bourgeois families.

During the Enlightenment (18th century), the concept of heritage was strengthened as intellectuals began to recognise the importance of preserving the traces of the past for future generations. This was part of a reflection on history and cultural heritage, but it was the French Revolution of 1789 that marked a real turning point in awareness of the scale of the destruction and looting of both religious and noble property. In response, initiatives were launched to save certain monuments and works of art: protective laws, inventories and dedicated museums.

The nineteenth century, the era of the Industrial Revolution and Romanticism, confirmed the rise of modern conservation through the idea that historic monuments were symbols of identity that needed to be preserved. The development of restoration principles designed to restore monuments to their original splendour is an illustration of this, following the example of the first renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris by the architect Viollet-le-Duc.

Over time, the concept and implementation of heritage, long associated with ancient or religious monuments and objects, has evolved into a more inclusive notion of heritage. First of all, the initiatives to preserve property that followed the French Revolution led to the conscious and methodical conservation, following an inventory, of the so-called tangible heritage made up of sites, buildings, works and objects.  From the 20th century onwards, the notion of heritage was extended to include intangible heritage (cultural practices, know-how, traditions) and natural heritage (landscapes, biodiversity). The creation of UNESCO in 1945 was a major turning point in the worldwide protection of cultural and natural heritage.

Globalisation accentuates the importance of world heritage in a number of ways. It provides a collective memory that enables us to understand the history and evolution of societies, distinguishes cultural identities while reinforcing the feeling of belonging to a community, generates a tourism economy thanks to the attraction of visitors to heritage sites, and ensures transmission and a link between generations through cultural continuity.

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UNESCO's promotion of world heritage has facilitated several editions and exhibitions dedicated to heritage. As far as Cameroon is concerned, we would like to mention the STAAD Cameroon exhibition. It is being hosted by the National Museum from 30 October 2024 to 28 February 2025 and is devoted to the heritage built in Cameroon by the Germans during their period of colonisation from 1884 to 1916. The imprint left by the Germans is marked by an administrative and residential architecture characterised by a hybrid style, combining European influences and adaptations to local climatic conditions (sloping roofs, large verandas). Infrastructure such as the Douala-Nkongsamba railway and farms (cocoa, rubber, bananas, etc.) are part of the same heritage.

We would also like to mention the exhibition presented as part of Architecture Week at the Yaoundé Hilton Hotel from 25 to 29 November 2024. This was an invitation to travel through our heritage, with a mix of projects by ESSACA students on the theme of ‘Architecture and Heritage’ and the travelling exhibition ‘On the Route of the Chieftaincies of Cameroon’.

Finally, in terms of culture, we are very proud to have the Nguon of the Bamoun people and the Ngondo, the traditional festival of the Sawas people of Cameroon, listed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, underlining the importance Cameroonians attach to the intangible aspect of heritage.

At a time when bits and pieces of our heritage are being sent into space to meet extraterrestrial civilisations, every country, nation, people or community should be aware of the value of its heritage, whatever its nature, and take care to preserve it.

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