The island of Dejrba was finally registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Good news for Tunisia which sees another site join this world heritage. But now, what will change? And how will Djerba benefit from this decision?
When a country signs the World Heritage Convention and sees some of its property listed on the World Heritage List, it results in an additional prestige which often helps citizens and governments to become aware of the importance of preserving this heritage.
Better awareness generally leads to an increase in the level of protection and conservation of the goods in question.
The country can also receive financial and technical assistance from the World Heritage Committee to support preservation activities.
The former director general of the National Heritage Institute, Faouzi Mahfoudh gives more details. He specifies that global recognition of Djerba’s exception will benefit the island in different aspects. This global recognition label will contribute to the increase in the number of tourists by 30 to 40%, he said.
And to specify that the State will now be responsible for the preservation of the various aspects linked to unique urban planning and architecture of the island. As a result, renovation work on houses, mosques and various components of the urban landscape will be subject to very specific criteria.
He also said that the international community will be liable to the protection of these sites and must make technical and financial assistance available to Tunisia.
