The Involvement of Practitioners in World Heritage Management in Burkina Faso

This chapter examines the involvement of owners, practitioners and local communities in the management of cultural properties inscribed on the World Heritage List in Burkina Faso. Through the analysis of archaeological sites (ancient iron metallurgy sites in Burkina Faso and the Loropéni Ruins) and the Royal Court of Tiébélé, it highlights the complementarity between tangible and intangible cultural heritage, in particular sacred representations, know-how and endogenous conservation practices. The study shows that the identity of blacksmiths, the sacred nature of the sites and the structuring of practitioners into local management committees promote sustainable conservation/safeguarding of the heritage. However, reconciling international standards, administrative requirements, and local practices remains a major challenge.