There are currently plans to transform Failaka Island into a major tourism resort, which sounds great—except Failaka is also a significant archaeological and historical site. That’s why I’m glad to hear that initial steps are being taken to protect it.
The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and the World Monuments Fund signed a memorandum of understanding a few days ago to enlist Failaka Island in the UNESCO’s world heritage list. Dating back 4,200 years, the island has witnessed five different civilizations and was last inhabited 34 years ago, before the 1990 invasion.
There are several benefits to designating Failaka as a World Heritage site. It would boost tourism, attract funding from international bodies, NGOs, and governments, and provide access to UNESCO’s technical expertise for conservation. Most importantly, it would also raise awareness and encourage the government and authorities to prioritize protecting the island’s cultural, historical, and natural value. This includes not only archaeological sites, but also other significant historical buildings on the island.
The first step now is to study the island, identify key heritage sites, and determine how they can be utilized for cultural tourism. Once the study is complete, the file will be submitted to UNESCO.
I can’t stress enough how important this step is for preserving the island for future generations. Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen. @kw_nccal
2 replies on “Saving Failaka for Future Generations”
Tourism lol 😀 You cant even make visit visa easily for people who work here.
First, they need a build a bridge to there.