Analyze/Like almost everywhere in the world, the elements of Cameroonian culture are immeasurably rich. From the number of tribes estimated at more than six hundred to the number of languages equivalent to the same number although some are no longer practiced, and among other things, without being exhaustive, the living traditions of music and dances, archaeological sites, knowledge and know-how, traditional musical instruments, artefacts, natural parks, traditional festivals, and tourist sites, no one can really know Cameroon if there is not a general inventory of cultural heritage.
We only have partial knowledge of what we are. And even this knowledge that we have of ourselves, that is to say of our Cameroonian cultures, is infested with prejudices and stereotypes which constitute threats to unity because there is a bad conception of symbols or certain characteristic traits of certain local cultures. Furthermore, we know that we have beliefs and that a good number of us are animists, but we do not know much about our religions and even less about our spiritualties.
It is because the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is aware of these shortcomings that it supports its partners and in particular the countries in this long-term cultural effort because they are as important for present and future generations.
Before the recent launching ceremonies of the general inventory of cultural heritage and in particular that of 2001 which was unsuccessful, the first work undertaken with the aim of listing the elements of the culture of Cameroon dates from 1930 and was undertaken by expatriates. Today, in concert with local communities since 2017 for better national integration and therefore better promotion of the Cameroon destination, the work in progress throughout the national Territory will certainly allow Cameroonians to better know who they are because it is by inventorying that we know even better who we are.
Also read : Cultural diversity : factor of inclusion and national cohesion in Cameroon
According to the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage which is a UNESCO treaty adopted by the UNESCO General Conference on October 17, 2003, “identification is a process consisting of describing one or more specific elements of cultural heritage intangible in their context and distinguished them from others. » Indeed, it is work that encourages self-esteem, especially in cultural contexts where we are sometimes tempted to trivialize the culture of others or to establish hierarchies of considerations in total contradiction with the values of integration and of national unity. A local community that is given attention through a focus on what it considers to be truly part of its cultural heritage truly feels like a full member of a Nation.
Culture and the environment
Today, environmental issues have been added to cultural issues. The destruction of fauna and flora has negative impacts on our cultures. Indeed, advocating for the preservation of nature is also advocating for the preservation of our cultures. But to act you must know and respect the culture of others which is certainly practiced in another environment but in a common home, that is to say the same Territory whose compromise of the living environment will affect everyone. “We cannot understand and protect biological diversity without understanding the cultures and societies which created, maintained and managed it, of which language and know-how are the tools and the frame of reference”
The fact that our customs have always been protective of Men's living environment for the sake of preserving a balance is tangible proof not only of their importance for our societies and especially of their contributions to a better appropriation by Men of a common heritage thanks to local knowledge.
By inventorying we not only appropriate our culture but also our history. This research effort allows us to know the history and evolution of neighbourhoods and cities. In addition, we enrich and boost local tourism projects and participate in regional planning and public decision-making. This means that the safeguarding of cultural heritage after an identification exercise is not an abstract exercise but of great utility for the planet, the Territories and their territories.
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