Since 2004, three courses have been organized on archaeological conservation in Serbia, attended by conservation professionals from many countries in Southeast Europe. There has been a visible positive effect amongst the conservation professionals involved, including the use of the methods and approaches presented in the courses for interventions at other archaeological sites and museum storage areas. At a Directors’ Seminar held at the end of the 2006 course, there was an expression of interest in continuing the development of activities in the region.

During 2008–9, two more training courses and a Directors’ Seminar will be held with the aims of continuing to build capacity in the region and of developing a more concrete long-term programme for the region. Further work will include: the establishment of partnerships for the development and implementation; the setting of the long-term goals, objectives, and activities; and the development of a fund-raising strategy. The formulation of a long-term programme will need to take in consideration existing initiatives in the region, collaborate with national institutions where possible, and avoid duplication. A further consideration will be to ensure links with ICCROM’s work on risk/emergency management for museums in the same region.

updated on: 13 April, 2010