Iconic Tiébélé Houses in Burkina Faso Facing Disintegration Amid Climate Change

As of August 2025, the iconic wavy-walled houses of Tiébélé in Burkina Faso, a UNESCO World Heritage site established in the 16th century, are showing signs of disintegration due to the impact of climate change on weather patterns. The unique geometric paintings on the walls, which represent the thoughts, culture, and religion of the Kassena people, are at risk of being lost.

Tiébélé, once a famous tourist destination, is now on the brink of extinction. The unpredictable rainfall and erratic weather patterns have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the delicate structures. Additionally, the jihadist violence that has been affecting Burkina Faso and its neighbors since 2015 has deterred visitors, leading to a decline in the local tourism industry.

The Kassena people, who have used natural materials to protect themselves from intense heat and heavy rain for centuries, are now facing new challenges. The availability of traditional building materials, such as straw, has become scarce, and the houses no longer last as long as they used to. The threat of climate change is felt acutely in this region, where temperatures have risen 1.5 times faster than the global average, and 80% of the population relies on agriculture and land-based work.

Despite the recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the people of Tiébélé are in need of help to preserve their cultural heritage. The knowledge and skills required to maintain the unique painted lines and the meanings behind the walls and shapes of the houses reside in the hands of a few octogenarians, who are working to pass on this legacy to the next generation.