A partnership agreement was signed in Yaounde on Thursday, March 28, 2013.Traditional chiefdoms throughout the national territory have been urged to play their role in the protection and promotion of the rich and diverse cultural heritage. A partnership agreement to the effect was signed in Yaounde on Thursday March 28, 2013

between the Ministry of Arts and Culture represented by Minister Ama Tutu Muna and the National Council of Traditional Chiefs (CNCC) led by its President, His Majesty Alim Hayatou, the Lamido of Garoua.

The agreement concerns the realisation of a general inventory of the material and immaterial heritage, financial and technical assistance for the rehabilitation of the cultural heritage, technical assistance for the training of personnel in museums of traditional palaces and production of audio-visual material on oral traditions, amongst others.

Speaking during the occasion, Culture and Arts Minister, Ama Tutu Muna, said the terms of the agreement fall in line with certain international conventions ratified by the State of Cameroon to protect cultural heritage. "I wish that this agreement will galvanise traditional chiefs in the process of preserving cultural heritage and sensitise local communities," she said.

While thanking MINAC for constant support in the rehabilitation of historical sites and monuments, His Majesty Alim Hayatou expressed CNCC's commitment to respect the terms of the agreement and said CNCC expects to play its role as a privileged partner of MINAC.

The ceremony was witnessed by the President of the National Committee of UNESCO, Basic Education Minister Youssouf Hadidja Alim and other officials of UNESCO's national and sub-regional offices.