Le Morne A new dawn for a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Le Morne, cultural landscape which is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 2008 as it is a global symbol of freedom and resistance against slavery, is set to benefit from a series of restoration and preservation measures. Minister of Arts and Culture, Hon. Mahendra Gondeea, OSK, visited the site this week to announce a comprehensive plan aimed at protecting its legacy and restoring its dignity.
“Every step at the foot of this mountain reminds us of the courage, the dignity, and the memory of our ancestors,” said Minister Gondeea, underlining the universal significance of Le Morne. He also noted that, despite its international recognition, the site had been left neglected in recent years and now requires urgent action.
The following measures are already underway:
- Clear signage at the main entrance to better guide visitors.
- Reconstruction of the access path, including proper drainage systems to prevent erosion and degradation.
- Creation of a monitoring committee, bringing together all relevant authorities for regular oversight.
- A large-scale cleaning operation, launched in collaboration with the Black River District Council.
- A full safety assessment of the mountain, conducted by the Special Mobile Force (SMF).
- Improvements to the main entrance, including earthworks for safer access and forthcoming regulations to control visitor flow.
- Complete reconstruction of the Trou Chenille Open Air Museum, a memorial dedicated to the history of runaway slaves, to restore its full historical and cultural value.
This initiative is the result of close a inter-ministerial collaboration, involving the Ministries of Arts and Culture, National Infrastructure, Environment, and Tourism, together with the support of the District Council of Black River.
