Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains

Brief synthesis The Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains is located in the Far North Region of Cameroon. It is organised, in the form of terraces, around a group of sixteen archaeological ruins, or Diy-Gid-Biy, spread across seven villages associated with agricultural terraces. These dry-stone architectural structures were probably built between the 12th and 17th centuries. While the identity of their builders remains unknown, the property is currently mainly occupied by the Mafa people, who settled in the region between the 15th and 17th centuries. The expression “Diy Gid Biy” literally means “Ruin of the Chief’s Residence” in the Mafa language. Today, the Diy-Gid-Biy are used by the communities as religious sites. On the slopes and at the base of the mountain there are agricultural terraces, residential buildings, tombs, places of worship and many artisan activities. Criterion (iii): The Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains is a unique testament to a now-vanished civilisation, which created a remarkable dry-stone architecture, organised into terraces, that is very rare in sub-Saharan Africa. Although little is known about this civilisation, it shaped the landscape over a period of more than five centuries (from the 12th to the 17th century). These sixteen Diy-Gid-Biy ruins are characterised by their atypical dry-stone architecture, their location in a remote mountainous region, their designation as chiefs’ residences and the pottery they contain, which was originally used for ritual purposes. The Mafa who now live in the area play a significant role in perpetuating the landscape by continuing to use the structures as sacrificial and ritual sites. Integrity The integrity of the property lies in the archaeological structures and terraces, which are fully integrated into the Mandara Mountains area. All the attributes necessary to convey in a substantial manner the Outstanding Universal Value of the property are included within the boundaries of the property. However, the integrity of the property is very vulnerable, due to the degraded condition of the structures, combined with challenges related to political insecurity, the growing effects of climate change and environmental degradation. Authenticity The property presents a high degree of authenticity, due to the richness of its built structures. The Diy-Gid-Biy, fully integrated into the cultural and worship practices that shape the daily lives of the Mafa people, are thus being actively preserved. Extensive scientific research should provide insights into the origins, techniques and construction processes of the Diy-Gid-Biy, their previous functions and, ultimately, the civilisation of the people who built them. Protection and management requirements The Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains has been listed as a National Heritage Site by Ministerial Order No. 0002/MINAC/SG of 28 February 2019. It is also protected under the Law of 18 April 2013 governing the cultural heritage of Cameroon, which protects listed sites. The property is also subject to a set of traditional protections and taboos prohibiting access to the Diy-Gid-Biy ruins outside of rituals. Careful monitoring and land-use planning instruments are essential complements to legal protection for the long-term protection, conservation and transmission to future generations of the property and its Outstanding Universal Value. The management of the property, which falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Arts and Culture (MINAC) in collaboration with local communities and decentralised local units, is carried out by three separate committees: a ministerial committee, a technical committee and a management committee. This system is reinforced at the traditional level by the appointment, in each village, of a guardian who serves as a sacrificer during rituals. A management plan has been developed for the period 2024-2028, and a curator has been appointed to oversee the management of all the Diy-Gid-Biy ruins, acting as an intermediary between the State, the guides and the guardians/sacrificers. However, representatives from municipal subdivisions are lacking in this management system, which would benefit from being restructured on the basis of an inter-village approach. Participatory management is crucial, and management methods should be focused on efficiency and the achievement of long-term goals, with the support of sufficient staff. Conservation and research strategies are crucial to safeguard the attributes of the property and shed light on the people who built it. Tourist access should be carefully studied and planned, in order to preserve the authenticity of the property. Appropriate risk management should be integrated into management strategies and instruments to address natural and anthropogenic threats.