Kenya marked a proud moment at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference as the Wazee wa Mazingira, the Council of Elders from northern Kenya, were awarded the 2025 UNESCO–Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes.
Supported by UNESCO and the Government of Greece, the Prize honours outstanding contributions to the protection of cultural landscapes—spaces where nature and culture coexist in harmony. This year’s award recognizes the Elders’ exemplary leadership in safeguarding the Mount Kulal Biosphere Reserve, one of Kenya’s most unique ecological and cultural heritage sites.
Cultural Landscapes: A Bridge Between People and Nature
Cultural landscapes reflect the deep interconnection between communities and their environment, embodying values of coexistence, resilience, and sustainability. Through this Prize, UNESCO reinforces its mission to build peace through culture, education, and science—upholding the belief that protecting heritage strengthens societies and drives sustainable development.
As noted by UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, Mr. Ernesto Ottone, the Prize highlights how cultural landscapes contribute to human well-being and the diversity of cultural, agricultural, and ecological practices worldwide. He emphasized that sustainable development must be rooted in a relationship of mutual support and balance between nature and culture.
Honouring a 30-Year Legacy of Global Heritage Protection
Established three decades ago with the generous support of the Government of Greece, the Melina Mercouri Prize carries forward the legacy of Melina Mercouri—the renowned Greek actress, politician, and former Minister of Culture who championed global cultural heritage protection.
Dr. Lina Mendon, Minister of Culture of Greece, praised the Wazee wa Mazingira for demonstrating that “local wisdom, when empowered and respected, can be the cornerstone of sustainability.”
Mount Kulal: A Model of Human–Nature Harmony
Located in northern Kenya, Mount Kulal spans over 2.8 million hectares of volcanic highlands and semi-arid lands. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1978, the site hosts rich biodiversity, including rare species such as the Kulal Chameleon.
Biosphere reserves promote conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research while fostering resilient communities. Mount Kulal stands as a living example of sustainable coexistence between people and nature.
Community Stewardship Led by Indigenous Elders
The 2025 Prize, which includes a US$30,000 award, was presented to Mr. Taita Christopher Adimosele, Chairman of the Mount Kulal Community Forest Association, on behalf of the Wazee wa Mazingira.
For generations, the Elders have protected Mount Kulal’s forests, water sources, and biodiversity using customary laws, Indigenous knowledge, and community governance structures. Their conservation methods blend traditional practices—such as rotational paddocking and water-harvesting swales—with modern ecological techniques.
Their work supports sustainable livelihoods including:
- Eco-tourism
- Beekeeping
- Sustainable grazing
- Use of medicinal plants
- Environmental education
Amid increasing climate pressures and development challenges, their stewardship ensures Mount Kulal’s ecological, cultural, and spiritual legacy continues for future generations.
As the Elders expressed:
“Our forefathers and mothers managed and passed on this unique landscape to us. As Elders, we have a duty to safeguard this landscape, its resources and connected culture, as those before us did, and pass it on to the next generations in a state they will be proud of.”
A Testament to UNESCO’s Commitment to Community-led Heritage Protection
The recognition of the Wazee wa Mazingira reflects UNESCO’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities as custodians of their natural and cultural heritage. The Melina Mercouri Prize highlights the vital role of local knowledge, cultural values, and community-led conservation in achieving sustainable development.
UNESCO also acknowledges the steadfast partnership of the Government of Greece, whose long-standing support continues to advance global heritage protection.
As UNESCO emphasized, the Prize serves as a reminder that each cultural landscape represents both a memory of the past and a promise for the future. By preserving these landscapes, we safeguard the essence of human identity, resilience, and creativity.
