Session 3 – Mathe – Conservation of rock art in Tsodilo World Heritage Site

Описание: The COSMO-ART Conference on Rock Art
Rock Art Site Management in Southern Africa: Towards a Cosmopolitan Approach
30 Nov. – 5 Dec. 2025, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, South Africa

Session 3 – 1 December 2025
Lebonetse Lynext Mathe (Botswana National Museum and Monuments) – Conservation of rock art in Tsodilo World Heritage Site

Rock art is a form of painting, engraving or other graphic representation on a fixed rock surface or loose stone, executed by a human and is older than 100 years and helps us to know about our past. Crucial lessons and philosophies can be related via the art. In that way, it expresses regardless of its artistic qualities and purpose, the capability of humans to adapt to all kinds of geographical and environmental conditions. Therefore, it also constitutes one of the most valuable cultural heritage categories of humanity. Conservation and management strategies at Tsodilo include legislations, community involvement programs, visitor management plans, and preventive conservation measures. The basic principle of cultural heritage conservation is that cultural sites are valuable, scarce and non-renewable once rock art is damaged it cannot be replaced. The overall aim of conservation is to provide for the long term in-situ maintenance, protection and retention of the cultural- historical significance of the site and to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the OUV. This paper intends to focus on the threats adversely affecting the paintings in Tsodilo which in the long run may be detrimental leading to their diminishment and also demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based management in the conservation of rock paintings and promoting sustainable tourism practices. The paper also highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to address the long-term challenges of climate change and natural weathering, ultimately contributing to the preservation of rock paintings in Tsodilo for future generations. It will conclude by proposing for the necessary actions to mitigate or remedy the situation. Tsodilo as the first World Heritage Site in Botswana should be used as a model of best practice in terms of how to conserve our rock art sites.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this talk are those of the speakers and are based on their scientific research. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the conference organisers.