Archaeological experts are expressing pressing concerns in the Ivory Coast as some of the significant coastal heritage sites are increasingly being threatened by the effects of rapid urbanisation and the misuse of the country’s soil. Some of these sites are believed to offer significant clues regarding the ancient settlements and civilisations of the region. Nevertheless, despite the significance of these sites to the country’s ancient history and heritage, they are still without formal legal protection.

Experts are expressing pressing concerns that the rapid development of these sites and the misuse of the country’s soil for commercial use are causing irreversible damage to the layers of the earth, which are believed to carry ancient artefacts of the region’s ancient civilisations. During previous excavations conducted at the sites, significant artefacts and clues regarding the ancient history of the region’s coastal population were discovered. However, the project was eventually suspended due to inadequate funding and support.

Now, with the excavation process stalled, the threat has been amplified. The archaeologists are worried that if immediate action is not taken, the priceless history of the past in the Ivory Coast could be completely destroyed before it is fully researched. They are urging the government to intervene in the situation by providing these areas with special heritage status, more resources to continue researching the sites, and more stringent legislation to prevent further damage. If this is not done quickly, the country will lose an irreplaceable part of its history.