| Summary: | The IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) is committed to various objectives which include fostering tourism and cultural exchanges in the region. IROA is also committed in promoting cultural heritage and involving the economic potential of heritage including World Heritage properties and sites. The United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has declared many areas as World Heritage sites along the Indian Ocean. The study used a qualitative literature review method to unpack IORA countries and their world heritage sites. The sampling comprised the IORA countries. Purposive sampling was used for the selection of IORA countries. The results show lack of local community involvement in the management of world heritage sites, and thus no benefits accrue to them. The countries
also showed that local communities participation could indeed contribute to sustainability of World Heritage Sites. The researcher recommends that IROA countries should form intense collaborations in order work together to have a common framework for managing World Heritage Sites which could benefit the communities. The researcher also proposes a benefit sharing model which can benefit IORA countries in seeking to achieve the main aim of the effective conservation of heritage and culture.
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