10th Meeting of Observatory of Architectural and Urban Heritage Begins in Lebanon

Beirut: The 10th Meeting of the Observatory of Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab Countries commenced at the Lebanese National Library. The three-day event is set to explore ways to enhance joint Arab cooperation aimed at preserving cultural heritage, while addressing challenges such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, urban expansion, and neglect. According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting will also evaluate sites proposed by Arab countries for inclusion in the Arab Architectural and Urban Heritage Register. The goal is to bolster protection, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and attract technical and financial support. Lebanese Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salameh emphasized the importance of preserving architectural and urban heritage in the Arab world. He stated that the challenge lies not only in preserving structures but also in revitalizing them, allowing them to be naturally repopulated and integrated into people's daily lives as active elements rather than mere museum pieces. Dire ctor-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, highlighted the increasing threats faced by Arab architectural heritage due to uncontrolled expansion, economic pressures, and ineffective policies. He stressed the observatory's role in documentation, planning, and launching community-based protection initiatives. He also expressed ALECSO's readiness to support Arab countries in preparing new World Heritage nomination files and enhancing the capacities of professionals in the field. The meeting will conclude on Wednesday with the announcement of the sites to be inscribed on the architectural and urban heritage list, a register managed by the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States.