A rusted cannon on the beach of Kunta Kinteh Island, formerly James Island, in the Gambia River. <br /><br />The island was a longtime hub of the Atlantic slave trade, and famous rebel slave Kunta Kinte was once held there.
Staring down the barrel —
A rusted cannon on the beach of Kunta Kinteh Island, formerly James Island, in the Gambia River.

The island was a longtime hub of the Atlantic slave trade, and famous rebel slave Kunta Kinte was once held there.
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The name was changed to Kunteh Kinteh Island in 2011 in tribute to its most famous son, who inspired the popular novel 'Roots' and the TV series of the same name. <br /><br />The island is one of Gambia's most popular tourist attractions, and hosts part of <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Frootsgambia.gm%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">'The International Roots Festival</a>.' <br />
Dark history —
The name was changed to Kunteh Kinteh Island in 2011 in tribute to its most famous son, who inspired the popular novel 'Roots' and the TV series of the same name.

The island is one of Gambia's most popular tourist attractions, and hosts part of 'The International Roots Festival.'
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The island and related sites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 as a "unique memorial to the Atlantic Slave Trade."
World Heritage —
The island and related sites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 as a "unique memorial to the Atlantic Slave Trade."
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But many of the island's buildings have been damaged by the elements, including a fierce storm in 2016.
Exposed —
But many of the island's buildings have been damaged by the elements, including a fierce storm in 2016.
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Coastal erosion is also a major threat. By some estimates, one-sixth of the island has been reclaimed by the sea, including parts of historic buildings.
Slipping away —
Coastal erosion is also a major threat. By some estimates, one-sixth of the island has been reclaimed by the sea, including parts of historic buildings.
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UNESCO and Gambia's government have attempted to protect the site through measures including 70 meters of sea defense off the most vulnerable areas.
Sea defense —
UNESCO and Gambia's government have attempted to protect the site through measures including 70 meters of sea defense off the most vulnerable areas.
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The government has implemented a public education program to emphasize the importance of conservation to visitors.
Awareness campaign —
The government has implemented a public education program to emphasize the importance of conservation to visitors.
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Gambia's government has called for international co-operation to maintain this unique memorial to the slave trade.
Uncertain future —
Gambia's government has called for international co-operation to maintain this unique memorial to the slave trade.
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