Cultural Heritage for Coastal Tourism and Climate Action in the Indian Ocean Region
A Research and Capacity Building Project in the African Diaspora
This project, funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) through the South African Indian Ocean Rim Association Group (SA IORAG) programme and hosted by SAEON, aims to advance cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and climate action across the Indian Ocean region.
Through collaborative research and capacity building, the project connects coastal communities in South Africa, Kenya, and Seychelles, focusing on intangible heritage, small-scale livelihoods, and climate resilience. Activities include anthropological fieldwork, audiovisual documentation, policy engagement, and the development of cultural-ecological tourism initiatives.
A special funding mechanism has been established between SAEON and Nelson Mandela University to support the project’s implementation and deliverables, fostering new networks, knowledge exchange, and sustainable growth in the region.