ALECSO Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World
On 9 September 2020, ARC-WH was invited to participate in an online Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World that was organised by ALECSO to discuss the state of conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List in Danger in the Arab region. Discussions also included the current situation unfolding in Beirut following the tragic blast that damaged many areas of the city and its valuable cultural heritage in August. The meeting was attended by a number of Arab States directors of cultural heritage departments, a group of international experts, as well as representatives from ICCROM-ATHAR, ICOM, ICESCO, Arab Towns Organization and UNESCO Rabat ll.
Presentations on Lebanon, Libya Yemen, Iraq and Sudan were carried out during the meeting and were followed by discussions on the need for further cooperation efforts to resolve issues regarding cultural and natural heritage protection and conservation. Participants also talked about the need for better management of disasters to enhance risk preparedness for World Heritage properties and other heritage sites.
During the meeting, ARC-WH presented an overview of the current situation of World Heritage sites and properties in the Arab, as well as the main challenges that need to be addressed to enhance the state of conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List in Danger. Moreover, ARC-WH proposed a set of recommendations that could be used to address the challenges faced by inscribed properties, and ways in which organizations and institutions could provide further assistance for the State of Lebanon during the recovery and rehabilitation of Beirut. ARC-WH emphasized the need for further coordination efforts amongst regional organizations that would reinforce the protection of cultural and natural heritage in the Arab region.
ARC-WH is working in close cooperation with UNESCO and the Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA) in Lebanon, as well as other partners for technical and financial support, for the rehabilitation of the National Museum of Lebanon and the recovery of urban heritage of Beirut following the decision of H.E Sheikha Mai Bint Mohamed Al Khalifa, Chairperson of ARC-WH Governing Board.
