Two cities in Lebanon and Georgia Develop Management Models to Protect World Heritage Cities from Risks of War
Despite the fact that WHL sites have a significant impact on the image of countries and local economies, few measures are put in place to safeguard them due to lack of awareness both of civil and military concerned authorities (and even less concern is shown by attacking forces) of the provisions of 1954 Hague Convention and its two Protocols. This is largely due to the lack of structures, guidelines, and capacity to develop appropriate policies, and prepare and implement risk management plans. This fact has threatened many of the most valuable WHL Cities.
In this context, new guidelines were prepared in 2007 for the implementation of the second protocol of the Hague Convention. This calls for certain preconditions to be met before a WHL city can be classified as a Heritage Site under Enhanced Protection. The preparation of an application and related Risk Preparedness Plans requires the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders and highly qualified technicians (policy makers, local authorities, the military, urban planners) with full public backing.
With the support of partners in Turkey and Italy, this project aims to prepare two Enhanced Protection applications and related plans to serve as models for other cities. It will also to increase the support of local and international communities for preserving our cultural heritage.
Objectives
- To establish good practices for Urban and Site Management in cities threatened by armed conflicts
- To promote widespread awareness of the risks facing WHL cities at threat of conflict
- To prepare candidacy applications for Byblos and Mtskheta for enhanced protection from UNESCO
Expected results
- Risk preparedness plans for two WHL cities
- Candidacy for enhanced protection for two WHL cities;
- Widespread awareness of risks to WHL cities
- Risk mitigation policies in place
- Set of good practices for implementation of The Hague Convention guidelines