Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - UNESCO World Heritage Centre has officially inscribed Historic Georgetown on Janjanbureh Island in the Gambia into its Network of Places of History and Memory Linked to Enslavement, the Government of The Gambia announced here Friday.
A statement made available stated that this recognition followed the submission of a nomination filed by the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in February 2025.
“The inscription marks a historic moment for our nation as Janjanbureh becomes one of only 28 sites globally to be honoured within this prestigious network,” the statement noted.
Launched in 2024, this UNESCO initiative is dedicated to identifying and preserving key sites linked to the global history of slavery and its legacies. It aims to deepen understanding, support local development, and build bridges between communities with shared histories.
“Janjanbureh’s inclusion in the network offers not only historical recognition but also opens new avenues for cultural exchange, which are the Janjanbureh Kankurang Festival, community development, and sustainable tourism.
"This accomplishment would not have been possible without the tireless work of the National Centre for Arts and Culture, local community leaders in Janjanbureh, historians, youth groups, and our international partners who supported the nomination,” the statement said.
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