This presentation specifically examines the tangible heritage of Somaliland and the effects of climate change on it. It calls for urgent action to protect one of the most important country's identity landmarks, the Dooxa Hargeysa (Hargeysa seasonal river-bed). The discussion aims to analyse the impact of climate change on this major landmark symbol and proposes emergency solutions, as well as future actions for its protection. Find the Teams link to this event here.
Preserving cultural heritage has become a pressing priority, especially in the context of Africa and the Republic of Somaliland, where ecological and livelihood diversity are under threat from climate change. However, the strategies employed so far have been misguided. Climate change mitigation, adaptation, and management are global issues, but they are being addressed in a one-size-fits-all manner, without considering the unique local contexts and consequences. Instead, localized solutions that draw heavily on indigenous knowledge should be the focus.
The presenter
Dr Jama Musse Jama is an ethno-mathematician with a PhD in African Studies specialising in Computational Linguistics of African Languages. His current research focuses on the role of heritage, art and culture in the development and state formation, including settlements and cities expansion in Somaliland. Founder and yearly organizer of the influential Hargeysa International Book Fair, and currently Director of the Hargeysa Cultural Centre in Somaliland, Dr. Jama has also a Senior Associate Researcher position at Italian's National Research Council at Istituto di Linguistica Computazionale “Antonio Zampolli” (CNR-ILC), and a Lead Researcher at Somaliland Centre for African Studies. A fellow of RVI, and the founder of Ponte Invisibile Ed, publishing arm of the Redsea Cultural Foundation in Italy and in Somaliland, and he can be reached @JamaMusse on X and other social media platforms.
Image: Badly eroded Hargeysa riverbanks. Photo (2020), Dooxa Hargeysa / Kamal Farah.