7 October. This week’s lectures, activities and discussions encapsulate the context in which heritage workers find themselves while assisting in disaster and conflict zones. On the first day, we discussed the various types of effects that conflict can have on cultural heritage through the presentation of images from the national or regional context of each participant. It was interesting to see how we immediately got into how conflict also affects intangible elements of cultural heritage.

After these intense discussions, we discovered “conflict analysis”, which is a technique used to map conflicts based on their direct and indirect effects on heritage. In small groups, we analyzed four different conflicts and presented them to the other participants. This led quite nicely into the following sessions, in which we learned to identify the main agents of deterioration that affect movable and immovable cultural heritage in conflict situations.

A presentation followed by the Director-General of ICCROM, who gave us unique insight into the reaction, role, and limitations of the international community, particularly UNESCO, when cultural heritage is targeted intentionally.

The week ended with an introduction of what it means to deliver “first aid” to cultural heritage, focusing on when first aid ends and conservation begins. We look forward to seeing how this course will unfold in the upcoming weeks and how international heritage laws can play a role to support "First Aiders". Although we are just starting to develop tools for first aid in cultural emergencies, we have enjoyed the vibrant discussions and resources put forward for working in such a context.

Sada Mire and Ouafa Belgacem
FAC 11 participants

Inspired by what they learned in the first course on First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Conflict in 2010, three former participants created an accessible and open blog to promote dialogue and cooperation between cultural heritage professionals and other actors and stakeholders involved in conflict areas. It is hoped that it will become a tool for researchers and professionals to share information and resources, as well as a platform for enhancing awareness in heritage protection issues.

Member States represented: Afghanistan, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Colombia, Egypt, Italy, Kenya, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Senegal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Turkey.

updated on: 7 October, 2011