Thinking of viable strategies to manage conflicts in diverse contexts

4 October. The first week of the course has been an excellent opportunity for dialogue between participants and the course team. One the first day, the ICCROM team presented the organization, its mandate and explained how the FAC 2012 course aligns with the institutional goals and strategies. In the following days, the course team led the participants in discussions on the concepts of heritage and conflict, conflict analysis, first aid, communication skills and agents of deterioration.

The teaching approach has been engaging for the participants because it incorporates a substantial amount of group work and discussions. At the end of last week, participants presented case studies on conflict and its impact on heritage in their respective countries. A common thread that was clear through the presentations is that most of these conflicts have been developing and taking on different forms for a long period of time. The destruction of cultural heritage is devastating, and this course comes at a time when there is widespread violence around the world. Based on the discussions of the first week, the participants are beginning to think of viable strategies to manage conflicts in their diverse contexts. The course is a wonderful opportunity for international exchange of experiences among the participants and the team.

Gloria Borona and Ali Ould Sidi
FAC 12 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: Australia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mali, Netherlands, Peru, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe

updated on: 4 October, 2012