Rabat Hosts the First Exhibition on Fossil Heritage in Africa

Fez – The National Library of Morocco in Rabat is set to make history – and present it – with the inauguration on February 5 of an exhibition on fossil heritage, the first of its kind in Africa. The exhibition shall last one month, offering the public the opportunity to discover a series of fossils, including several from Gabon, showcasing origins of life on Earth that dates back 2.5 billion years.

In a statement to the press, Professor Abderrazak El Albani of the University of Poitiers (France), who initiated the event, explained that it’s purpose is to exhibit part of the exceptional African natural heritage of Morocco, Gabon, Mauritania, Namibia and Libya.

The Franco-Moroccan researcher also praised the contribution of the Mohammed V University (UM5) of Rabat and the Ibn Tofail University of Kenitra in the organization of this exhibition.

“Africa: Cradle of Humankind” shows that the African continent is “an ancestral land with rich geological and biological heritage”, El Albani said in the statement. In this exhibition, Morocco in particular presents fossils dating back 650 million years, collected in the regions of Ouarzazate and Erfoud.

“This captivating story of Africa as the cradle of humankind is a breathtaking natural spectacle that deserves to be celebrated and preserved”, the researcher added.

According to the VP of UM5, Ismail Kassaou, this unique exhibition is also a chance to encourage meetings between the various stakeholders, including international experts, professors and students, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

For his part, Ngomanda Alfred, General Commissioner of the National Council for Scientific Research in Libreville (Gabon), added; “This exhibition also offers the opportunity to strengthen the links of international cooperation between Morocco, France and other African countries in the field of scientific research.”

For the month of February “Africa: Cradle of Mankind” will be open to the public, a fascinating environment for fossil enthusiasts and curious learners alike. The exhibition’s name is based on a phrase from renowned naturalist Charles Darwin who speculated in his book ‘The Descent of Man’ that it was “probable” that Africa was the “cradle of humankind” as it is the living place of our closest relatives – chimpanzees and gorillas.