Stakeholder Perspectives on World Heritage and Development in Africa argues that World Heritage Sites (WHS) across the African continent should adopt practical, innovative, creative, and alternative management approaches that bring greater socio-economic benefits to society, whilst protecting their Outstanding Universal Value.

Drawing on empirical evidence gathered in conversation with stakeholders at WHS across Africa, the book explores the challenges involved in implementing conservation and socio-economic development as a stakeholder-driven process. Demonstrating that heritage can no longer be viewed as totally separate from its socio-economic context, Pascall argues that decisions about the management of heritage need to make sense at the local level if they are to be supported by stakeholders. As the book shows, heritage is still viewed and managed through systems, approaches, and strategies inherited from the colonial period, despite the increasing availability of inclusive governance systems. Stakeholders offer alternative, creative, and innovative approaches that capitalize on the potential of World Heritage to contribute to socio-economic development, whilst ensuring that its credibility and integrity are maintained.

Stakeholder Perspectives on World Heritage and Development in Africa offers unique insights into local perspectives on World Heritage and development in Africa. The book will be essential reading for academics, students, development partners, and practitioners around the world who are interested in museums and heritage, conservation, development, and the African continent.

Also, the book will be useful in the preparation of nomination dossiers, management plans, development plans, and in disaster risk management at WHS.

Pascall Taruvinga has a Doctoral degree in Archaeology from the University of Cape Town in South Africa and has over 25 years of experience in heritage management in various leadership and executive positions in the Africa region. Currently, he is Lecturer/Coordinator: Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage Management (Rhodes University, South Africa) and Director and Founder of IRAHA and Consultancy Pvt Ltd. His former positions include Chief Heritage Officer of Robben Island World Heritage Site (South Africa), Senior Consultant (African World Heritage Fund), World Heritage Specialist (National Heritage Council of South Africa), Programme Manager (AFRICOM-Kenya), Director Research and Development (Zimbabwe), and Head of Archaeology Department-Zimbabwe.