Ouagadougou: Student Issouf Kabor© defended his Master’s thesis at Joseph KI-Zerbo University, focusing on the defense and conservation of sacred natural sites in the context of a mining project in Kalwaka, Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Kabor©’s research highlights the success of the Kalwaka village community in preserving these sacred sites by utilizing both internal and external institutional resources.
Kabor© stressed the importance of Kalwaka’s sacred natural sites, which are integral to the community’s spiritual, cultural, social, and environmental structure. He pointed out that these sites face threats from within and outside the village. The success in safeguarding these sites is attributed to the authority of customary institutions and their capacity to garner external support.
In his analysis, Kabor© illustrated the tensions caused by mining projects in the Soaw commune, especially those near traditional sites. The Kalwaka community has developed mechanisms of resistance, negotiation, and advocacy to uphold their customary and spiritual rights.
Kabor© concluded by advocating for a shift in perception, urging that sacred natural sites be viewed not as relics but as vibrant spaces with symbolic, ecological, and political significance. The defense was commended by the jury, acknowledging the relevance of the subject amidst national conflicts between economic development and cultural heritage preservation. Kabor© was awarded his Master’s degree with distinction, reflecting the high quality of his work.