One of the world’s most outstanding regions of cultural and natural heritage is set to receive increased international attention, it was recently announced (1 March 2022). Following a successful nomination by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) in collaboration with Soqotri, Yemeni and global partners, the Soqotra Archipelago has been selected for the World Monuments Watch 2022.

RBGE’s Centre for Middle Eastern Plants (CMEP) acting on behalf of and working closely with Soqotri and international partners, recommended Soqotra to the World Monuments Fund biennial Watch of 25 global heritage sites that are facing challenges and present opportunities from such a call to action. Since inscription on the World Heritage List in 2008, for its outstanding natural heritage, Soqotra has undergone significant changes. Its cultural heritage has received significantly less attention that its natural heritage despite the fact that the two are interlinked and have formed the basis of life on the islands for millennia.

The distinctive cultural and natural heritage of the region was recognised by the prestigious World Monuments Watch as one of the world’s most priceless cultural and natural assets, and inclusion on the list will raise awareness and provide new opportunities for long-term and sustainable conservation of the region’s heritage.

Simon Milne, Regius Keeper of RBGE said: “The Soqotra Archipelago is an area of outstanding biological diversity where an incredible 37% of plant species can be found nowhere else on Earth

This astonishing biodiversity is part of a rich cultural heritage, unique to the region, where nature and the environment are inextricably linked with the culture, language and traditions of the Soqotran people. Sadly, they are now under threat from conflict, development and climate change.

“I am delighted that Soqotra has now been recognised by the WMF, an important step in the protection of this globally significant heritage.”

Dr Julian Jansen van Rensburg, Soqotra Heritage Project and Research Associate at RBGE said:

“Highlighting the rich cultural history and traditions of Soqotra is an important step forward that will help the Soqotra Heritage Project foster a greater sense of awareness of a culture that has long been overlooked - allowing this unique heritage to be protected, preserved and shared with the world. The impacts of climate change and conflict have already had a significant effect on Soqotra’s heritage and we welcome this nomination.”

RBGE’S relationship with Soqotra began over 140 years ago when the first major botanical expedition took place. Those first researchers, working on the island in 1880, identified over 200 plant species that were previously unknown to science. Significant field work resulted in publication of the “Ethnoflora of the Soqotra Archipelago” and more recently, CMEP teams, working hand-in-hand with local partners in Soqotra and global heritage experts, have implemented the Soqotra Heritage Project - an initiative that is working to document, conserve and raise awareness worldwide of the archipelago’s cultural and natural heritage and develop solutions to the threats that these face.

This timely recognition by the World Monuments Watch will help to raise awareness and identify and develop programmes that will place heritage conservation at the heart of Soqotri society and livelihoods, conserving its distinctive heritage for local and global benefits.