Climate Change meets Heritage: Matobo Hills

Is there a meaningful connection between heritage sites and climate change? In this episode, the hosts explore this question through a grounded discussion centred on the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site. They are joined by Charity and Tafadzwa, practitioners working directly within the site, alongside Fred Sato, a climate change and heritage researcher from the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI). Drawing on recent research conducted in Matobo Hills, the conversation examines observed climate impacts on the landscape and its cultural significance. The episode unpacks key findings from the study, reflecting on how climate change is being experienced on the ground and interpreted by those closest to the site. It also considers whether practitioners and the broader public perceive a tangible link between heritage conservation and climate dynamics. The discussion extends into the role of climate literacy in shaping adaptation responses, highlighting how knowledge production influences decision-making, local practices, and long-term resilience strategies in heritage contexts.