Case 2 - Stone Town, Zanzibar
Host organisations
Karume Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)
Supporting organisations
UNESCO, Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Society (ZSTHS), local authorities & community
Location
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Theme
Cultural Heritage Conservation
The Stone Town, a UNESCO heritage site, is situated in Zanzibar City on Unguja Island. The historic site is situated next to the modern city centre, known as Ng’ambo, which means "the other side" in Swahili. Stone Town is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, which reflects a fusion of architectural and urban influences from Arab, African, Indian, and European civilizations. It holds significant historical value, particularly as a former slave-trading port. However, Stone Town faces numerous challenges that threaten its integrity.
Rapid urbanisation in Zanzibar City has led to gentrification, displacing local communities and altering the social fabric of the area. Climate change is another major concern, with rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion putting both the environment and the town’s historic buildings at risk. The locally sourced materials used in Stone Town’s construction are particularly vulnerable to these changes. Additionally, while tourism has brought economic benefits, it has also led to the mismanagement of heritage resources, further endangering the authenticity of the site.
The aim is to develop sustainable strategies that address the challenges while preserving Stone Town’s cultural and architectural integrity. The task involves researching key buildings within Stone Town, focusing on their historical and cultural significance, architectural features, and vulnerabilities due to urbanization and climate change. Participants will propose actionable solutions to safeguard Stone Town’s built heritage, ensuring its long-term preservation for future generations.
Case partners
KIST
Karume Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is a parastatal organization under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. It is entrusted with the responsibility of preserving, enhancing, transmitting, and disseminating knowledge in science and technology by teaching, conducting research, and consultancy in various fields in Zanzibar.
UNESCO
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication.
ZSTHS
The Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Society (ZSTHS) was created following Stone Town's anointment as a World Heritage Site to promote the conservation of Zanzibar Stone Town's heritage and the environmental and cultural welfare of its inhabitants.
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