Knowledge Under Threat in War-Torn Mali 29 Aug 12 The
destruction of mausoleums and shrines in Timbuktu by Islamic
militias caused international outrage and drew attention to a
war that has destroyed not only monuments but also many human
lives. Mali’s cultural heritage is under threat, and so is its
heritage of traditional knowledge linked to agriculture and
food. Before the conflict exploded, Slow Food was working with
the FAO and the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Italian
Development Cooperation) to promote traditional products from
the country, and from Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Senegal.
This project led to the creation of the Timbuktu and Gao Katta
Pasta Presidium. The towns of Timbuktu and Gao are in the
northern Azawad region, where the Tuareg and the MNLA (Mouvement
National pour la Liberation de l'Azawad) are demanding
independence. Katta pasta is shaped by women from a dough made
with local wheat flour, and recalls the shape of Italian trofie.
Dried and toasted, it is usually eaten cook