Two Southern African sites added to UNESCO World Heritage List: Maputo National Park (Mozambique) & Mount Mulanje (Malawi)!

During its 47th session in Paris, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has added two new sites in Southern Africa to the prestigious World Heritage List: Maputo National Park in Mozambique and the Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape in Malawi. This recognition marks a significant milestone for both countries and underscores the region's outstanding natural and cultural heritage.

Maputo National Park – Mozambique’s coastal jewel

Located in southern Mozambique, Maputo National Park is a breathtaking mosaic of coastal lakes, wetlands, sand dunes, and savanna. Formerly known as the Maputo Special Reserve, this conservation area is part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area, which spans across Mozambique, South Africa, and Eswatini. The park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, antelope species, and more than 400 bird species.
Maputo National Park's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site acknowledges not only its ecological significance but also the successful cross-border conservation efforts that have restored biodiversity and promoted community-led ecotourism. This designation is expected to bolster sustainable tourism in Mozambique, drawing global attention to the country’s protected natural areas.

Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape – Malawi’s sacred mountain

Rising dramatically above the plains of southern Malawi, Mount Mulanje is more than just a mountain – it is a cultural and spiritual heartland. Known locally as the “Island in the Sky,” the massif holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for local communities, who have passed down oral traditions, rituals, and sacred beliefs tied to the landscape for generations.
The Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape combines rich biodiversity with cultural heritage, including sacred forests, ceremonial sites, and traditional knowledge systems related to forest management and conservation. Its addition to the World Heritage List highlights the importance of preserving intangible heritage and recognizes the harmonious relationship between people and nature.

The inclusion of these two sites reflects a growing recognition of Southern Africa’s ecological and cultural wealth on the global stage. It also opens new opportunities for sustainable tourism development, job creation, and community empowerment in both Mozambique and Malawi.
As part of the UNESCO World Heritage family, Maputo National Park and Mount Mulanje will benefit from international support for conservation, increased visibility, and heightened protection against environmental threats.