World Heritage Preservation and the Habitability of Historic Cities Under Discussion in Marrakech

Marrakech – The challenges of preserving World Heritage and the issue of the habitability of historic cities were at the heart of a meeting held Tuesday in Marrakech, as part of the 18th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC).

This session brought together a host of international speakers who discussed ways to ensure the effective management of urban heritage, while emphasizing the need to pay particular attention to issues related to the habitability of historic cities in public policy.

In this regard, they highlighted the importance of reconciling the development of urban policies with raising awareness among stakeholders about the challenges facing World Heritage cities, including climate change, the costs of repairs, and the difficulties in ensuring the sustainability of heritage sites.

Participants also called for placing residents and their quality of life at the heart of heritage preservation policies, taking into account the diversity of cities and their socioeconomic realities.

In this regard, they emphasized the importance of achieving a balance between heritage conservation, tourism development, and the well-being of residents, particularly in the face of climate challenges and extreme heat.

The speakers also advocated for the preservation of inhabited, inclusive, and dynamic heritage cities, while protecting their outstanding universal value and meeting the needs of their inhabitants.

Cities share similar challenges, particularly regarding housing, congestion, waste management, and climate change, they noted, highlighting the importance of strengthening cooperation to exchange information and develop joint solutions.

Furthermore, participants indicated that the New Urban Project (NUP), which constitutes the strategic framework of the World Heritage Observatory (WHO), calls for moving beyond a vision of heritage limited to the conservation of buildings and monuments, in order to make heritage cities vibrant, inclusive, resilient, and pleasant places to live.

In this context, they cited the challenges faced by African World Heritage cities, particularly the needs for housing, mobility, infrastructure, public spaces, employment, and services.

Organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, by the WHO and the Municipality of Marrakech, this international congress, themed “The New Urban Project: Towards the Habitability of Historic Centers,” offers a unique platform for exchanging experiences, sharing best practices, and discussing current challenges related to the management and preservation of urban heritage.

The program for this event, which runs until October 29, includes a range of conferences, workshops and technical visits, highlighting the cultural and historical richness of the Ochre City, while addressing themes relevant to the future of world heritage cities.