6 October. The establishment of a Training Institute for Architectural Conservation in Jerusalem took a step closer to fruition today with the start of a pilot course in Jerusalem on Architectural Conservation. The course is the result of a collaboration between ICCROM's ATHAR Programme and the Welfare Association's Old City of Jerusalem Revitalisation Programme.

The eighteen participants include architects and engineers, both new graduates and experienced, as well as contractors working in the field of heritage conservation in Jerusalem. Fifteen local and international experts from eight different countries are providing training and assistance.

The course is part of a three-year project to establish a training institute. The purpose of the institute will be to serve as a technical platform for the professional training of practitioners of architectural restoration in Jerusalem, facilitated through the Old City of Jerusalem Revitalization Programme of Welfare Association.

The course is being held with the financial support of the European Commission, in partnership with the World Heritage Centre of UNESCO.

updated on: 27 January, 2010