Protection and promotion of Somaliland’s archaeological heritage

Somaliland possesses an exceptional concentration of archaeological and natural heritage, ranging from prehistoric rock art and burial structures to medieval Islamic towns, caravan routes, and more recent historic and cultural landscapes. 

Its territory preserves evidence of millennia of human occupation, trade and religious life, visible in sites such as rock shelters, fortified settlements, urban ruins, sacred places, and traditional pastoral routes linked to diverse ecosystems.

Together, these prehistoric, medieval, modern and natural heritage assets form a unique record of the Horn of Africa’s history and identity, underpin community memory, and offer significant potential for education, cultural dialogue and sustainable economic development through responsible tourism.

However, Somaliland's cultural and archaeological heritage has been vulnerable to neglect, environmental degradation, and insufficient institutional protection. This is why a project has been set up to responds to an urgent need:

• Establish sustainable protection mechanisms for irreplaceable archaeological sites;
• Build local and national institutional capacity for heritage management and conservation;
• Involve communities as primary stakeholders and beneficiaries of heritage preservation;
• Generate economic opportunities through sustainable heritage tourism;
• Support international scientific collaboration on archaeological research and conservation.

This initiative builds upon previous French development cooperation and positions Somaliland as a regional leader in heritage preservation and cultural diplomacy.

Within this project, Expertise France provides strategic technical support to establish enabling conditions for heritage protection across Somaliland, including:

• Policy and Legal Framework Development: Support for drafting heritage protection regulations, management guidelines, and institutional procedures aligned with international best practices and UNESCO standards
• Capacity Building: Training programs for government officials, museum personnel, site managers, and community leaders in heritage conservation, documentation, and sustainable management
• Documentation and Research: Commissioning of foundational studies on Somaliland's archaeological heritage, including surveys, assessments, and historical research
• Institutional Partnerships: Establishment of collaboration frameworks with regional and international heritage organizations, universities, and research institutions
• Knowledge Management: Development of heritage databases, documentation standards, and information systems for long-term heritage management

The second component of the project is specifically dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the archaeological site of Laas Geel, a true jewel of Somaliland’s heritage and a unique witness to the region’s pastoral and artistic history. This exceptional site, renowned for its rock paintings over 5,000 years old, represents not only a major scientific and cultural asset but also a source of pride for local communities. Activities include:

• Scientific Documentation: Comprehensive archaeological survey and analysis, including 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, and detailed recording of rock art panels
• Conservation Assessment: Professional evaluation of site conditions, threats, and appropriate conservation interventions
• Site Management Measures: Development of, viewing areas, signage, and interpretive facilities that protect the site while enabling public engagement
• Community Stewardship Programs: Training and employment for local community members in site management, guiding, and maintenance
• Heritage Tourism Development: Support for sustainable, low-impact tourism activities that generate economic benefits for local communities while maintaining site integrity
• Educational Outreach: Development of educational materials, school programs, and public exhibitions about Laas Geel and Somaliland's heritage