ATHAR Programme Core Regional Course on Conservation of Archaeological Sites resumes

The eight-week course on archaeological conservation resumes (16 January 2006 to 28 January 2006) in Tripoli, Lebanon, after a short break. Participants include archaeologists, architects and conservator-restorers, as well as site managers. Twenty-one professionals have been taking part from the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of the Lebanon and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The first six weeks of the course have focused on understanding and establishing informed conservation for an archaeological site through developing an appreciation of its values and significance and an understanding of the role and nature of archaeological conservation. Participants have reviewed the tools and techniques for documentation and recording and learnt how to manage the information gathered. In addition, they have looked at the diagnosis of decay processes at archaeological sites including condition assessment and structural issues.

Participants have also been introduced to scientific methods for remedial and preventive conservation, including evaluation of consolidation treatments, interventions, mortars/plaster, mural paintings, mosaics and structures.

The course has consisted of interactive, participatory sessions, both theoretical and practical (lectures, discussions and practical exercises at the site of Byblos, modern Jbeil).

During the course, participants were given weekly assignments on the topic covered; they have further developed individual projects relevant to their work in their home country. Such projects will be presented on the last day of the course with the aim of implementing the findings in close collaboration with their institutions/government bodies.

In the final two weeks, they will study the principles and methods of site management and planning, with particular focus on the administrative, legislative-institutional contexts, communication, outreach and presentation of sites, as well as topics covering cultural landscapes, environmental and visual impact assessment, site museums, sheltering and reburial of archaeological sites.

The course is organized by ICCROM together with other ATHAR Programme Partners: UL (Université Libanaise), UNESCO-Beirut Office, DGA (General Directorate of Antiquities, Ministry of Culture, Lebanon), DGAM (General Directorate of Antiquities & Museums, Ministry of Culture, Syria), DoA (Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Jordan), with a special contribution from the Directorate-General of Cooperation for Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy.

Member States Represented: Egypt, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic and United Kingdom, Venezuela, Canada

updated on: 27 January, 2010