HerMaP Gambia project concludes

BANJUL, Gambia - March 17, 2025 - PRLog -- The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) and its partners recently marked the 60^th anniversary of The Gambia's Independence and the conclusion of HerMaP Gambia, an initiative co-funded by the European Union. Realised in partnership with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the program has played a pivotal role in supporting and promoting The Gambia's heritage sector.

Two key events were organized: a Certificate Ceremony and Art Exhibition, part of The Gambia's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, and a Stakeholder Lunch and Discussion, which marked the official closure of the HerMaP Gambia program.

On 17 February 2025, the first event took place in Banjul, with over 100 Gambian trainees honored at a Certificate Award Ceremony. The event gathered key stakeholders, including Honourable Members of the National Assembly, representatives from the NCAC and the European Union, and cultural professionals. It was accompanied by an arts exhibition.

On 24 February 2025, HerMaP Gambia officially concluded with a Stakeholder Lunch and Closing Event that provided a platform to reflect on the project's successes and discuss opportunities for future collaboration in heritage management.

Attendees included representatives from the EU, the National Assembly, local communities, and heritage organizations.

The Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister for Tourism & Culture, pointed out that "The Gambia's cultural heritage is a cornerstone of our identity and an important driver of our national development."

While Enrica Pellacani, Head of Co-operation for the Representation of the EU in The Gambia said that "this will encourage growth other related areas such as the production of local artisanal souvenirs, the hospitality industry, the tour guide sector, a whole ecosystem that can benefit from culture."

A Lasting Legacy: The Impact of HerMaP Gambia

"The future of HerMaP Gambia is for all of you to shape. Government, civil society, and the private sector must work together to safeguard The Gambia's cultural heritage and transform it into a pillar of national pride and prosperity," said Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis, HERITΛGE Director.

Since its launch in 2020, HerMaP Gambia has empowered over 250 individuals through capacity-building initiatives in 18 workshops, trained more than 30 trainers and supported 10 key cultural heritage initiatives, including the enhancement of the Fort Bullen Visitor Center,  the creation of the Fulani Mud House Museum, and the revitalization of Juffureh Village Museum.

As the project concludes, its impact will continue to inspire future generations of heritage managers and cultural entrepreneurs, ensuring The Gambia's rich heritage is preserved and serves as a catalyst for sustainable growth.

More information on HerMaP Gambia: https://shorturl.at/vGT08

Photos: Ceremony https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC4ngYLunch https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC51wa Please credit HERITΛGE

Media Contacts: For more information email Maria press@heritagemangement.org