Ar a b R egion l Centre for World Herit a ge (A R C-WH) – Bah r a in Annu a l R eport 2017

Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH) – Bahrain Annual Report 2017 Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH) – Bahrain Annual Report 2017 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from Forward from preface the President the director arc-wh team 05 07 09 background OBJECTIVES OUR PROGRAMMES 10 12 13 the 5 ‘C’s Culture and nature Community programmes: Engagement Capacity Building and and Outreach Training 14 16 26 stories from Information and external socotra documentation relations 30 34 36 highlights of World Heritage turning the tides: 2017 List Activities and evaluation and Involvement renewal Strategic plan 42 46 development 60 EPILOGUE STATISTICS AND OUR MAIN PARTNERS FIGURES 63 64 65 ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 5 “ARC-WH witnessed many milestones and accomplishments PReSIDENT’S in 2017 as it continued to carry out its core missions as Sheikha Mai per its mandate under the 2010 agreement signed by the FOREWORD bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa Government of Bahrain and UNESCO.”

It is with great pleasure to begin the ARC-WH invited professionals and At the end of 2017, the Kingdom of 2017 Annual Report for ARC-WH by technical heritage experts in the field of Bahrain continued to show its support expressing my sincerest gratitude and conservation to attend and participate to ARC-WH’s work, particularly appreciation to the Government of in capacity building workshops, panel following Bahrain’s re-election as Bahrain for its decisions to host the discussions and meetings. member of the World Heritage Centre for the next upcoming six years. Committee, and in light of the fact These specialized workshops and I would also like to take this opportunity that Bahrain will be chairing the 42nd seminars enhanced the knowledge and to thank UNESCO for renewing its World Heritage Committee in 2018. skillsets of participants and provided confidence in ARC-WH and enabling them with the necessary tools needed We look forward to more successes and the Centre to continue its efforts and to effectively implement and apply achievements in the coming years. position in the Arab region as facilitator the provisions and policies of the 1972 of the 1972 World Heritage Convention. Convention, with the participation ARC-WH witnessed many milestones of the Centre’s key partners from and accomplishments in 2017 as it UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and continued to carry out its core missions Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa UNESCO’s Advisory Bodies, ICOMOS, as per its mandate under the 2010 ICCROM and IUCN. Chairperson of the Governing Board agreement signed by the Government of of the Arab Regional Centre Bahrain and UNESCO With the turning point of ARC-WH, the for World Heritage Centre embarked upon developing its Over the past year, the Centre communication and media channels, intensified and strengthened its efforts documentation and information in earnest to provide Arab States dissemination, and preparation of Parties and regional and international studies and research to support stakeholders with the utmost technical its technical activities to increase and financial support in order to the awareness of heritage and its preserve the unique natural and importance in the region. cultural sites inscribed on the World Heritage List. To respond to the many challenges and changes faced by Arab region,

Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 7 “By the end of the year 2017; ARC-WH was already looking Forward forward to building on its previous accomplishments and Dr. shadia touqan achievements and embarked on the preparation of its new from Action Plan for 2018.” the Director

It is my pleasure to report on the ARC-WH Team started the year in Development strategy to further the year 2017, a year of major challenges, earnest aiming to develop the existing Centre’s financial resources. high expectations and significant library into an Information Hub, providing With the ongoing devastating achievements for ARC-WH. updated information and digital reading consequences of the military and materials and data about World Heritage As I started my first year working at political conflicts in the region, as sites in the region and providing links the Centre with an outstanding team well as natural disasters, ARC-WH to other international digital libraries who are extremely qualified and highly pursued activities and projects in in cooperation with our partners and trained professionals, dedicated to various areas by developing a dynamic associates in the field, thereby offering the protection of heritage in the Arab approach based on the priorities professionals, scholars, researchers and Region, threats and disasters continued within the possible accessibility which students in the field of cultural and to ravish many Arab cities and sites varied in complexity in each area, and natural heritage, valuable and reliable causing, in many cases, irreparable allowed for more inclusion despite the sources of information. damage to sites that have been restrictions. Moreover, the Team, with its inscribed on the World Heritage List. While the Team’s workload increased accumulated experience and knowledge and the Centre’s interventions of the regions needs and priorities, Furthermore, due to the prevailing expanded, the structural organization identified gaps and shortages in the conditions in the region, many of and administrative and management methods and mechanisms available in these threatened sites continue systems needed to be reviewed and the region for implementation of its to be inaccessible to international refocused to facilitate more efficient mandate as a Category 2 Centre and organizations to enable assessment implementation to enable the team embarked upon discussions with its main of the conditions and ability to offer to enhance its performance, meet the partners and Advisory Bodies to address technical and humanitarian assistance. new challenges and fulfil its steadily these issues. However, ARC-WH team endeavoured increasing obligations. By the end of the year 2017; ARC-WH to implement its Action Plan for the Therefore, as ARC-WH was getting was already looking forward to building year, where and when possible, as it ready for a new phase, it was recognized on its previous accomplishments and was endorsed by the Governing Board early in the year that a new strategy achievements and embarked on the in February 2017, and in line with for the Centre needed to be developed preparation of its new Action Plan its mandate. The Plan focused on to encompass the cultural strategy and for 2018; responding to the changing offering training and capacity building revise its natural strategy, while taking and challenging conditions in the for professionals of State Parties in the into consideration and responding to region through a realistic and dynamic Arab region and assisting them in the the evolving linkages between the approach. implementation of the 1972 Convention. natural and cultural heritage. Thus two It is worthy to note that ARC-WH From helping with revising Tentative Lists separate workshops were organized would not have been able to achieve to providing support in the understanding and conducted to discuss and develop its objectives, develop its abilities of technical and complex issues needed a general Strategy for the Centre, and fulfil its obligations without the for preparation of nomination files, or followed by more focused workshop for continued guidance and encouragement post inscription management plans the Centre’s cultural heritage strategy. of the Arab Regional Centre from H.E. and state of conservation reports, the The strategies were developed with the Sheikha Mai Al- Khalifa, the Chairperson team expanded and consolidated its participation of ARC-WH main partners, of the Governing Board. I would also intervention to cover wider geographical WHC, ICOMOS, ICCROM and IUCN in like to express our appreciation to the area in the region and promote addition to a number of regional and support of our partners, WHC and all the cooperation with more stakeholders in international experts. members of our Governing Board. various Arab countries. Over the past year, the Centre The year 2017 was also the year when strengthened its professional networks, ARC-WH focused on the development developed new partnerships, extended and expansion of the Centre’s visibility existing agreements and participated in Dr. Shadia Touqan through its enhanced communication a number of international events and policy including creating a new ARC-WH meetings that dealt with the current Director of the Arab Regional Centre brand, launching of a revamped and challenges and needs of Cultural and for World Heritage modernized website, while intensifying Natural Heritage Sites in the region, the use of social media. ARC-WH also initiated a Resource Medina of Tunis © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 9 PREFACE ARC-WH TEAM

We aim to be a leading organisation concerning cultural and natural heritage protection, for the benefit of both the Arab States and the wider world, providing the knowledge and technical assistance to effectively implement the World Heritage Convention in the Arab region.

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata, Mauritania © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 11

To strengthen the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in the BACKGROUND Arab States by providing information, knowledge, and advice to Member States and facilitating coordination and cooperation among stakeholders at the international, national and local levels of the World Heritage system, for the benefit of World Heritage sites in the region.

The World Heritage Convention stipulates in its Article 5, that in order: “To ensure that effective and active measures are taken for the protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage situated on its territory, each State Party to this Convention shall endeavour, in so far as possible, and as appropriate for each country to foster the establishment or development of national or regional centres for training in the protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage and to encourage scientific research in this field.”

Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy © BACA ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 13 OBJECTIVES OUR PROGRAMMES

The Arab Regional Centre for World The main objective of the ARC-WH is Our Programmes Cultural Heritage Programme TABE’A- The Regional Heritage (ARC-WH) is a Category 2 to support efforts of Member States Programme For Arab Natural Centre under the auspices of UNESCO. to achieve a credible and balanced World Heritage It was established by the Kingdom representation of the region’s cultural ARC-WH programmes are The Cultural Heritage Programme of Bahrain as an autonomous and and natural heritage on the World implemented on different levels (2018-2022) builds on ARC-WH’s independent legal entity at the service Heritage List, promote better protection including: regional, national and local Strategic Plan for the same period and TABE’A programme (TABE’A – which of Arab Member States to strengthen and management of such World levels. The programme is designed is therefore designed to implement means nature in Arabic) is the regional the implementation of the World Heritage properties, mobilise regional to meet the region needs which has its overall strategic objectives and programme for natural World Heritage Heritage Convention in the region. and international financial support for been previously defined through respond to the particular needs of the for the Arab States Region. The these purposes, and raise awareness of the second periodic cycle reporting cultural heritage field. The programme programme was launched by IUCN World Heritage in the region. of the Arab Region, and in lined lays out the main outcomes that the in 2008 in response to the pressing with the strategic objectives of the ARC-WH seek to achieve across three regional need to enhance the Natural World Heritage Convention Five Cs ( programme components: Heritage conservation in the Arab Community, Credibility, Conservation, Region which is under-represented on Communication and Capacity • Strengthening capacity to identify, the World Heritage List. building). protect and manage World Heritage properties in the region The programme was managed by the IUCN World Heritage Programme until • Responding more systematically 2013, IUCN signed a new cooperation to the specific needs of protecting agreement with the UNESCO Arab cultural heritage in the region, by Regional Centre for World Heritage in focusing in particular on certain Bahrain (ARC-WH). The programme is priority areas; currently hosted in the ARC-WH and is implemented in close coordination • Building expertise to protect and with IUCN World Heritage Programme. manage cultural World Heritage. The TABE’A programme, as a tailored regional initiative, was very successful in triggering such motivation and using it in achieving global targets represented by the establishment of a representative and sustained World Heritage Network from the region which contributes to the global map while at the same time working to ensure that such a network of regional World Heritage sites is effectively managed and continuously monitored through sound regional capacities and progressing collaboration frameworks. ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 15 the Five “Cs” Strategic Objectives of the World Heritage Convention

Credibility To strengthen the credibility of the World Heritage List, as a representative and geographically balanced testimony Credibility of cultural and natural properties of outstanding universal value.

Conservation Conservation To ensure the effective conservation of World Heritage properties.

Capacity-building To promote the development of Capacity-building capacity-building measures, including assistance for preparing the nomination of properties, implementation of the World Heritage Convention and related Communication instruments.

Communication To increase public awareness, Communities involvement and support for World Heritage through communication.

Communities To enhance the role of communities in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih) © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 17

ARC-WH’s implementation strategy and objectives are focused on facilitating Capacity- capacity-building workshops and training, both at the Centre and across the Arab region, to support the management of properties and assist Arab States Building and Members upon their request. Training

Wintering water birds in the Supporting the nomination Kingdom of Bahrain file of “the City of Babylon” Date: 13-14 January 2017 Date: 22-26 January 2017 Location: Bahrain Location: Bahrain Leading Programme: Nature Leading Programme: Culture Strategic Objective: Capacity Strategic Objective: Capacity Building Building, Communication.

The World Monuments Fund organized The International Waterbird Census IWC, SCE and ARC-WH acquired a a workshop held from 22-26 January (IWC) is a monitoring programme that better understanding of wintering 2017 at ARC-WH in Manama, Bahrain operates in 143 countries collecting water birds in Bahrain following the on the preparation of the nomination valuable information on water birds study, and observed a total of 49 file for the ancient site of Babylon. living in wetlands across the globe. waterbird species with an estimated There are four separate regional total of 24,330 individual birds. The During the workshop, participants schemes of IWC that represent major most frequent water birds seen were examined and analyzed potential flyways of the world: Africa-Eurasia, the smaller waders commonly found outstanding and universal values of Asia-Pacific, Caribbean, and the along shallow waters and mud flats of the site to correctly identify criteria Neotropical realm. the wetlands. Flamingoes and herons to bolster the nomination file. were also seen wading through the Participants engaged in activities to During mid-January 2017, IWC deeper waters of the areas studied. further their understanding of the conducted the first waterbird requirements of both UNESCO and counts on four key wetland sites ICOMOS to ensure the correct values in Bahrain with support from the and criteria were included once the Supreme Council for Environment file was presented. (SCE), and ARC-WH. The wetlands study included sites of international Comprehensive case studies of importance (Ramsar), while others previous nomination files were belonged to Important Bird Area (IBA) also provided to participants for sites, both of which support significant comparative analysis, such as the Aflaj populations of water birds. (Oman), Battir (Palestine) and Mada’in Saleh (Saudi Arabia). Field visits to two of Bahrain’s World Heritage sites were included as part of the workshop. Participants were able to observe challenges the sites faced and how they were addressed by local heritage authorities and stakeholders. Ancient City of Aleppo, Syria © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 19 Capacity- Building and Training

International Conference Third Meeting of Signatories Field visit to Ras Sanad Supporting the upstream 6th National Geoparks on the Safeguarding of to the Dugong MOU and wetlands in Tubli Bay process for Babylon workshop in Tunisia Cultural Heritage in Liberated the Seagrass and Dugong Date: 4 April 2017 Date: 24-25 April 2017 Date: 5-8 May 2017 Areas of Iraq Technical Workshop Location: Tubli, Bahrain Location: Babylon, Iraq Location: Tataouine, Tunisia Date: February 27-28, 2017 Date: 13-16 March 2017 Leading Programme: Culture Leading Programme: Nature Leading Programme: Nature Location: Paris, France Location: Abu Dhabi, Strategic Objective: Capacity Strategic Objective: Communication Strategic Objective: Communication Leading Programme: Culture United Arab Emirates Building, Communication Strategic Objective: Capacity Leading Programme: Nature Building, Communication, Strategic Objective: Community, Together with Babylon University, the ARC-WH had the opportunity to ARC-WH was invited to attend the Conservation, Communication Nestled within Tubli Bay, located in Local Government of Babylon organized meet with stakeholders such as the 6th National Geoparks Forum held Bahrain, are the Mangroves of Ras a two-day conference from 24-25 April Governor of Babylon and experts from in Tataouine, Tunisia from 5-8 May Sanad. ARC-WH and the Supreme 2017, designated Scientific Conference Leicester University who expressed 2017. Regional researchers, geologists, To address and increase coordination ARC-WH attended the Third Meeting Council of Environment (SCE) of for History, Culture and Antiquities under an interest in funding potential national stakeholders and scientists met efforts between the national and of Signatories (MOS3) to the Bahrain organized a joint field visit to the slogan «Babylon is a World Heritage”, projects that would contribute to the together to exchange ideas towards the international initiatives towards the Memorandum of Understanding on the site to examine the status of the and held at Murdoch Hall in the support of better management of the establishment of the first Geoparks in gradual rehabilitation of the cultural the Conservation and Management of wetland environment and determine Babylon Historical Complex of Babylon Babylon Archaeological site. ARC-WH Tunisia. The workshop included technical heritage in Iraq, a two-day conference Dugongs and their Habits throughout what areas of conservation needed to Governorate. Scientific discussions of shared its past experiences relating lectures and scientific intervention was held on 27 February 2017, their Range (Dugong MOU), which be improved. papers presented on scopes of work to when it assisted Iraq during the sessions that discussed the relevance of the proposed Geoparks for southern bringing together 80 international was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab conducted by the range of invitees were development of the Ahwar nomination ARC-WH and SCE observed a total Tunisia, as well as the requirements experts in heritage, including ARC- Emirates from 13-16 March 2017. the focal point of the conference. ARC- file, highlighting lessons learned from of 18 bird species, some hatchery needing fulfillment to establish the park. WH, and Iraqi government officials, WH was invited as a key stakeholder to this nomination process. The aim of the meeting was to at UNESCO’s Headquarters in Paris, and other migratory. After the field this event due to both its mandate and increase the understanding and Field visits were arranged to various France. Action plans to protect and visit, the team agreed to a follow-up its knowledge on cultural and natural relationship of the World Heritage sites located within the boundaries that preserve Iraq’s diverse heritage, meeting to discuss their findings and heritage of the Arab region. demonstrated the diversity and uniqueness including its museums, archaeological Convention and dugong populations in observations, to increase preservation of the proposed area. Attendees sites, historic and religious heritage the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. efforts of the region’s natural During the opening session, the observed dinosaur and plant fossils, monuments and properties, were heritage, and to map out ways in Babylon Governor expressed an The event was attended by various intricate geological patterns and damming discussed and examined by the which the area could be sustainably interest in inscribing Babylon onto signatories of the Dugong MoU to systems that were once used by ancient participants. developed into a reserve for eco- the World Heritage List, offering discuss the implementation of the inhabitants who managed the basin to tourism. support required for this aspiration. Dugong MoU and agreement in each gain access to a reliable water source. The conference was attended by a country. The meeting was followed spectrum of participants including by a technical training workshop Findings from the site visits that have representatives from governmental that included a range of surveying thus far been made have added to the institutions, universities, experts and techniques and practices focused on importance of establishing a Geoparks professionals, and NGOs. conservation of dugongs and their area, all of which will be mentioned in the nomination profile of the boundaries. habitats. Following the forum, further technical support was provided to initiate the project proposal on national and regional levels. ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 21 Capacity- Building and Training

Linking Nature and Culture Annual ALECSO meeting in 41st Session of the World National Workshop for Regional Workshop on the in World Heritage Site Kuwait, prior to the World Heritage Committee Moroccan State Party World Heritage Nomination Heritage Management – LNC17 Date: 2-12 July 2017 Date: 6-7 September 2017 Process Date: 10-16 June 2017 Committee Meeting of Arab Location: Krakow, Poland Location: Rabat, Morocco Date: 11-15 September 2017 Location: Røros, Norway Experts on World Cultural Leading Programme: Nature Location: Djerba, Tunisia Leading Programme: Nature and Natural Heritage Strategic Objectives: Conservation, Leading Programme: Culture Strategic Objective: Communication, Mission: Kuwait City, Kuwait ARC-WH attended and actively Capacity Building Strategic Objective: Capacity Community, Conservation, Credibility, Date: 19-20 June participated in the 41st Session of the Building, and Capacity building Leading Programme: Culture World Heritage Committee meeting Strategic Objective: Communication held in Krakow, Poland from 2 until 12 ARC-WH participated in a National July 2017. During the session, 21 new Workshop held from 6-7 September As part of the Arab Regional Centre’s ARC-WH participated in the training sites were inscribed on the UNESCO 2017 in Rabat, Morocco to provide mission to support and educate course organized by the advisory In preparation for the upcoming World Heritage list, including one site technical assistance to the National regional stakeholders, whether bodies IUCN and ICCROM, entitled 41st World Heritage Committee in the Arab region, Hebron/Khalil Old Team of Morocco to review and study they be government bodies or Linking Nature and Culture in that took place in Krakow, Poland Town, Palestine (Cultural). the 13 sites on the Tentative list of local communities, towards the World Heritage Site Management – in July in 2017, the Director of Morocco, four of which are natural and implementation of the World Heritage LNC17 held in Røros, Norway. The ARC-WH participated alongside a have been on the list since 1998. The Convention, ARCWH participated and course enhanced the participants’ panel of experts invited by ALECSO workshop also examined other sites that presented case studies of sites located understanding and skills to address who convened in Kuwait to discuss may have potential of being added to in the Arab region that are under cultural and natural interlinkages by Cultural and Natural World heritage the Tentative list. threat during workshops organized including local communities as an in the Arab region. Arab nomination During the workshop, attended by by the World Heritage Centre (WHC), integral component to improving files to be presented to the World 18 participants, knowledge of the Institut National du Patrimoine (INP) site management processes at World Heritage Committee were reviewed implementation of the World Heritage located in Tunisia, and the Arab Heritage sites. and discussed by the participants Convention was shared, as well as the League Educational Cultural and who were also joined, via Skype, by procedures for submitting a nomination Scientific Organization (ALECSO), held ambassadors of the Arab group at for natural sites and drafting an on the Island of Djerba, Tunisia, from UNESCO in Paris, France. Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) 11 until 15 September 2017. statement. As it progressed, the workshop revealed that the description To enhance the knowledge of of the natural environment lacked experts from Maghreb countries with information and details. An exercise to respect to the implementation of the identify the potential OUV of the sites Convention, as well as the complex was therefore undertaken. preparation of nomination dossiers, participants attended workshops Following the first workshop held in and participated in excursions across September, a final workshop was held Djerba. from 19-20 December 2017. Between the two workshops, field visits were organized from 2-11 October 2017 to the four natural sites. ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 23

Total number of World Heritage Nature Properties in THE ARAB 05REGION

Total number of Cultural World Heritage Properties IN THE ARAB 74REGION

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 25 Capacity- Building and Training

Promoting People-Centred Management of Cultural International Conference on Training workshop on Approaches to Conservation Heritage sites after Preserving Cultural Heritage the requirements of the inscription on the World Operational Guidelines for the Date: 9-21 October 2017 of the Islamic World Heritage List justification of Outstanding Location: Rome, and other various Date: 1-2 November 2017 Universal Value, Sharjah, locations in Italy Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Location: Istanbul, Turkey United Arab Emirates Leading Programme: Nature Date: 25-27 October 2017 Leading Programme: Culture and Culture Leading Programme: Culture Date: 10-11 December 2017 Strategic Building: Capacity Building, Strategic Objective: Capacity Building Location: Sharjah, UAE ARC-WH attended the International Communication, Credibility Leading Programme: Culture Conference on Preserving Cultural Strategic Objective: Capacity Building A two-day technical workshop in Participants shared experiences, Heritage of the Islamic World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, held practical examples and case studies to ARC-WH participated in the third The People Centered Approach focuses organized by the Research Center from the 25 -27 October 2017, was increase the understanding and range From 10-11 December 2017, ARC- edition of Promoting People-Centered on engaging communities as a crucial for Islamic History, Art and Culture organized by the Ministry of Culture of challenges many World Heritage sites WH, together with the Management Approaches: Engaging Communities element in the sustainable management (IRCICA), and the Islamic Educational and Knowledge Development in face in the region. Participants were Office responsible for the preparation in the Conservation of Nature and of natural and cultural heritage on the Scientific and Cultural Organization the UAE. Experts from various invited to envisage risk preparedness of the Nomination files for Sharjah, Culture (PCA-ICCROM). This course promotion between nature and culture (ISESCO) that took place on the 1 departments specializing in cultural strategies for the preparation of UAE, organized a training workshop was implemented by ICCROM and driven communities with regards to the until 2 November 2017, in Istanbul, heritage of the Seven Emirates were potential nomination files. on the World Heritage Convention. IUCN, in collaboration with ICOMOS management of sites. Turkey. The conference aimed towards and WHC as part of the World Heritage invited to examine threatened sites in exchanging methods, knowledge and The workshop presented the concepts Leadership Programme that examines the region, the role of the Ministry in experiences in ways of protecting, of integrity, authenticity, and the the growing divide between cultural the safeguarding of cultural heritage in preserving and rebuilding Islamic criteria for evaluating the Outstanding and natural heritage, when in fact, in UAE, the World Heritage mechanisms cultural heritage. Universal Value (OUV) of cultural accordance with the World Heritage following inscription and the properties. ARC-WH introduced and presented its Convention, the management and management and monitoring of sites. objectives and areas of intervention During the two-day workshop, preservation of nature and culture ARC-WH was invited to clarify the in Heritage sites. A paper prepared by requirements of management should instead, be a implemented concepts of the World Heritage ARC-WH Director entitled “Challenges systems, protection, and monitoring together. Twenty participants attended Convention and its role in the Arab of our Times; Safeguarding our of cultural heritage sites were the international course held in Rome. region. ARC-WH also presented an Heritage, Protecting our Identity” will also discussed and presented. The course included site visits to overview of its responsibilities and be included in the final publications. Participants examined case studies important surrounding areas, lectures activities, including current and potential and examples to increase their and practical exercises to improve the assistance it may provide to the Arab understanding of the requirements of understanding of the promotion of States with regards to the implementation the Operational Guidelines with regard cultural and natural heritage. of the World Heritage Convention for to the submission of nomination cultural heritage sites inscribed. files, including the promotion and presentation of said files to the public. ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 27

ARC-WH has engaged with local communities, inviting the public to attend Community educational lectures and events. The Centre has also worked closely with various local communities in safeguarding sites and properties, particularly Engagement since the use of local knowledge has been a driving force in providing unique and Outreach understanding in the monitoring and management of properties.

Launch of the first Regional Screening of ‘A Plastic Ocean’ Visit of IUCN Chief Scientist Red List Assessment of Bahrain Documentary to ARC-WH Date: 9th January 2017 Date: 15 March 2017 Date: 12 November 2017 Location: ARC-WH Headquarters, Location: ARC-WH Headquarters, Location: Manama, Bahrain Manama, Bahrain Manama, Bahrain Leading Programme: Nature Leading Programme: Nature Leading Programme: Nature Strategic Objective: Communication, Strategic Objective: Community, Strategic Objective: Communication, Conservation Conservation, Communication Community, Conservation

Dr. Thomas Brooks, IUCN Chief The Regional Assessment of the To raise awareness of the dangers Scientist, held a public discussion Kingdom of Bahrain was launched on faced by natural heritage sites, such entitled “Does Conservation Work?” the 9th of January and was considered as climate change and pollution, on 12 November 2017 at ARC- the first attempt of its kind to assess ARC-WH featured the documentary A WH. Dr. Thomas presented tools to the current status of selected species Plastic Ocean on 15 March 2017 at its analyze the efficiency of conservation using the guidelines and techniques headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. efforts and showcased varying facets adopted by the International Union of the successes and failures of for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A The documentary follows an nature conservation approaches. He panel of national experts compiled international team of researchers and concluded that, although it may seem a list of 29 priority species, some experts who travel across the globe that some species may be in decline, freshwater and others marine, which to visit various locations over a span conservation efforts have actually they believed should be the first of four years to explore diverse and successfully maintained the existence group of species to be evaluated, delicate marine ecosystems. The of a significant number of threatened according to the IUCN Red List. The devastating effects of pollution and species on a global level. species selected faced, and continue plastic are revealed, as are potential to face, a number of threats deriving solutions to saving our oceans. During his visit to Bahrain, he from ongoing urban development and conducted a field trip to the The screening of the documentary encroachment that cause tremendous Archipelago of Hawar, organized with was organized cooperatively between damaging effects to natural coastlines the Supreme Council of Environment, ARC-WH, the Supreme Council for and wetlands, where a number of where he observed the rich natural Environment, the German Embassy freshwater and marine animals live heritage of the island. and Clean up Bahrain. and breed.

The Regional Assessment focused on selected species in order to develop the first regional evaluation on a national level to reveal their current status and the various threats these Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel, Egypt selected species face. © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 29 Community Engagement and Outreach

World Heritage Volunteers: World Arabic Language Day Heritage in our hands Date: 18 December 2017 Total number of Date: 20 November 2017 Location: Manama, Bahrain Location: ARC-WH, Manama, Bahrain Leading Programme: Culture World Heritage Leading Programme: ARC-WH Strategic Objective: Communication, Properties Programme Community IN THE ARAB REGION Strategic Objective: Capacity Building, Communication World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18 This year marks the 10th anniversary Volunteers conducted site visits to December, marking its official of the World Heritage Volunteers Bahrain’s two UNESCO World Heritage adoption as the 6th working (WHV) programme, which has sites – the Pearling Path of Bahrain, language of UNESCO by the General continued to grow as the interest for and Qal’at al-Bahrain – where they Assembly of the United Nations on 18 protection and preservation of World observed shorebirds that exist in both December 1973. This auspicious day Heritage sites becomes increasingly of these costal locations. They then commemorates the diversity, history popular. During this significant year, visited the Arab Regional Centre for and great significance of a language volunteers participated in 51 youth World Heritage (ARC-WH), where they spoken by over 290 million people. action projects at 50 World Heritage became familiarized with the 1972 properties and sites inscribed on the World Heritage Convention, as well as ARC-WH and the Bahrain Authority Tentative Lists. the main functions of ARC-WH and its for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) role as a Category 2 UNESCO Centre. celebrate this year’s theme of The World Heritage Volunteers arrived The volunteers engaged in site World Arabic Language Day, chosen in Bahrain on 17 November 2017 work, visits, and a range of activities by UNESCO, “Arabic Language to participate in the Bahrain Fort that enriched their knowledge and and Modern Technologies”, by Camp program, which lasted until 27 understanding in the promotion and showcasing the use and importance November 2017. The volunteers toured preservation of World Heritage. of technologies in safeguarding this various sites located across Bahrain, historical city of Jerusalem. attended lectures by experts regarding archaeological sites in Bahrain, and were trained in systematic monitoring of natural values of World Heritage properties through courses such as bird-watching count techniques. ARC- WH provided technical and financial support to the organisation of this program which gathered volunteers from around the world. Medina of Tunis © Mudhafar Salim ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31

Since joining ARC-WH in 2013, Ismael Salem of Socotra has played a key Stories contributing role in the Centre’s involvement with the local community and study of Socotra. ARC-WH had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Ismael from about activities undertaken in the safeguarding of Socotra, and to discuss the importance of the local Socotrans’ symbiotic bond with the archipelago’s Socotra iconic natural heritage.

ARC-WH: What makes Socotra the support from ARC-WH and other of Samha surveying the destructive unique? partners. These projects include a impacts of Chapala and Meg cyclones, When we talk about Socotra, we have solar energy installment project, and to implement a project with to considerate it as a group of six restoration and rehabilitation projects Friends of Socotra (FoS) to repair Yemeni islands located around 12,000 of damaged Kareefs, restoration boats damaged by the cyclones. The km2 in the Indian Ocean, being of other locations damaged by sea turned rough and I got stuck in Socotra, ‘Abd al-Kuri, Samha, Darsa, construction and unsustainable Samha for two weeks. Ka’l Far’un, and Sil. Inhabited by development projects, and a project During the evenings, the island’s around 60,000 people who speak an funded by UNESCO of impacts caused residents would gather in a yard unwritten language that possesses a by the cyclones on endemic and to watch the one television on the rich literary and cultural heritage. And threatened plants of Socotra. island. We were watching one of the [there is] high biodiversity of flora and Turkish series dubbed in Arabic but fauna. This is what makes Socotra we were unable to hear a thing sine such a special place. ARC-WH: Do you believe that the electrical generator was so loud working with the local and was only two meters away. This community will have an was the source of my inspiration and effect on the conservation of ARC-WH: How has the Centre [realization] that something needed to Socotran heritage? assisted Socotra’s nature and be done. I managed to get donations Of course. If we look into the history local communities these past from Al Acacia Foundation (with of human existence in Socotra and its few years? support from H.E Abdulrahman Al rich biodiversity, you will notice that Since December 2013, ARC-WH has Iriani, former minister of Water and Socotrans are instinctual conservers of supported the Socotran Archipelago Environment). We received solar panels nature and have always lived in harmony by focusing on nature, the Socotran along with the required equipment, and with nature. They have also developed people and their heritage. Some of ARC-WH paid the remaining expenses a deep understanding of knowledge and these achievements are: for the installments. traditional practices. Subsequently, the Strategic planning framework for the Tabea’a Programme utilizes this local Environment Protection Authority in knowhow and assists the people of Socotra. Socotra to maintain this delicate balance ARC-WH: How have the solar as new developments occur. panels changed the lives of Emergency response plan to the the people on the Island of natural disasters and civil war’s Samha in the long term? Will impacts on nature and people there be more projects like ARC-WH: Can you tell us what this in the future? Responding to the needs of the inspired you to create the As I mentioned earlier, our intentions solar panel project last year local community and nature through were to provide the people of Samha on the Island of Samha? sustainably eco-friendly projects with electrical energy in hopes of which have been implemented with In November 2015, I was on the Island improving their standard of living. Socotra Archipelago, Yemen © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 33 Stories from Socotra

What we didn’t know was that the ARC-WH: The threatened Heritage and History was created, and ARC-WH: Socotra honey is one Samhans planned on using the Socotri language does not I was responsible for cultural heritage of the most distinct sources village’s lights as a lighthouse to guide have a written form or protection of Socotra. of honey in the World. Would fisherman to the island and lead alphabet, and it is crucial to you say this has mostly to do Three years later another source of with the archipelago’s unique them home back from the seas at share and pass down cultural practices and traditions. inspiration came from the poetry species of flora? Can you night. Some fisherman would get lost Can you name some of the competition that takes place in UAE share some of local Socotran in the vastness of the Indian Ocean initiatives that have been called «Million›s Poet», which is a knowledge about honey? and would sadly never return. It also undertaken to preserve the popular television show. In 2008 the There is no doubt that the richness helped students by allowing them to Socotri language? association initiated its first poetry of the plants in Socotra (over 800 study at night, and provided energy The survival of Socotri Heritage competition called “Competition of species) is the reason bees make about to the long-wave radio station, which depends on documenting and writing the poets of Socotra”. The event was four different kinds of honey. The is the only source of communication the language, which is difficult since attended by thousands of Socotrans production of honey spreads over an with [the] main island of Socotra. it does not have a written alphabet. from the islands and outside. entire year. Part of Socotra’s geology Some languages did not have a written includes caves and mountains, offering form in the ancient times, and some It has been implemented for the past safe environments for the bees to ARC-WH: Have you seen still don’t, the Socotri language being five years in the city of Hadibo, the produce good quality honey. noticeable changes to one of them. The problem is that there capital of the island, and lasts for one Socotra’s natural landscapes is not enough awareness about the week. A poetry competition ranks Geographic isolation and limited in recent years? disappearance of Socotri language. Socotran poets, and helps them to food sources have shaped Socotran I was helping a team of geologists identify their language and skills. knowledge, linked by the strong during their research when they Let’s start with a story of inspiration: bond and understanding between The other goal we had was the revival of noticed that stalactites and In January 2004 the German writer them and their natural environment, local heritage. We wanted to document stalagmites in several caves had Gunter Grass, winner of the Nobel spanning over thousands of years. The the Socotri language, literature and stopped growing. This raised a serious Laureate, visited the island with other local bee keepers developed [their] folklore to promote the fragile Socotri question as to what could be causing people from the Yemeni literature knowledge about bee breeding, and heritage and the importance and need these issues. Part of the project and writers Union. We selected three time of honey production, types of to preserve it. The search for local and was to share research results with of the best poets of Socotra to meet honey, the best time for harvesting international partners to preserve the the local people. The older people the famous German writer under the and so on. heritage of Socotra continues. informed us that the climate had shade of the dragoon blood trees in Lastly, Socotran honey was known noticeably changed in the last few the highland of the eastern plateau. The festival stopped for [a] few years, and promoted by Arab visitors decades and that rain has lessened in I had the extremely difficult job of so ARC-WH decided to revive the who would buy it for its medicinal some places. translating the poem from Socotran to initiative this year (2017). We worked purposes. But we still need to do Arabic, and then finally into English. with local partners, in addition to more work to add it to the list of However, translation can only go so other international partners like Freire local economic sources to help the far, and the context can sometimes University and Royal Botanical Garden, preservation of the island and the change from the original language. A in a project funded by the British improvement of people’s life. year later, the Socotri Association for Council to continue the initiative. Socotra Archipelago, Yemen © Editions Gelbart © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 35

On both a regional and international scale, the provision and dissemination EUROPE & N. AMERICA 46% Information of valuable information concerning the implementation of the World Heritage Convention – its policies and processes of management and conservation – and comprise an integral component of the Centre’s function in maintaining its Documentation strategic objectives, and especially communication. This includes providing publications translated into Arabic and an Arabic language website to assist LATIN AMERICA + CARRIBEAN 16% Arab States and regional stakeholders.

AFRICA 10% ARAB STATES 7% Asia and South Pacific 21%

% OF world heritage sites in danger by region https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/stat#s9

Publication of TABEA II Report Relaunch of ARC-WH website in Arabic and brand development Date: 6 June 2017 Date: December 2017- Ongoing Location: ARC-WH Headquarters Leading Programme: Culture and Manama, Bahrain Nature Leading Programme: Nature Strategic Objective: Communication, Strategic Objective: Communication, Capacity Building, Community, Capacity Building, Conservation Credibility, Conservation

On 6 June 2017 ARCWH launched the The Arab region has faced a prolonged As a Category 2 Centre, ARC-WH TABEA II Report in Arabic. The report period of conflicts and natural functions include: developing an aims at promoting and fostering disasters, leaving World Heritage Arabic language website (including Natural Heritage in the Arab region, sites and properties across the region English and French); providing as well as increasing the capacity- vulnerable. Providing information and extensive information relating to building efforts of those involved weaving an extensive network of the World Heritage Convention in protection of sites. The event specialists to enhance stakeholders’ and its implementation; providing was attended the Supreme Council understanding of the implementation technical assistance and logistical for the Environment of Bahrain, of the 1972 World Heritage Convention and financial support; and thereby the International Union for the are imperative tasks. securing the promotion and protection Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and of cultural and natural heritage in ARC-WH’s role in cultural preservation the Embassy of the Federal Republic the Arab region. The website and and natural conservation via of Germany, as well as a number of brand development aim to reflect communication, disseminating researchers and experts. the aforementioned purposes of information, and assisting Arab the Centre in a way that is as ARC-WH collaborated with IUCN and States parties in the utilization of the authoritative and dynamic as possible. the German Embassy in Bahrain for Convention as a tool of rehabilitation the completion of the report, which and recovery has prompted ARC- provides recommendations towards WH to relaunch its website, making the promotion and preservation of it more navigable, accessible, natural sites located to the Arab comprehensive, and informative region. The TABEA III Report is compared to its digital predecessor. scheduled to be published in 2018 to continue the dissemination of valuable knowledge concerning natural sites in the Arab world.

Ancient City of Bosra, Syria © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 37

This year, ARC-WH focused on diversifying its resource development and External external relations. Working closely with partners and donors, it also forged new partnerships for the sake of regional and international cooperation. Relations In addition, ARC-WH has taken action to increase its involvement in the promotion of education and protection of cultural and natural World Heritage sites in the Arab region.

Reaching out to Schools and ARC-WH and CSS-Ebla launch promoting careers in cultural partnerships and joint heritage projects in cultural heritage Date: 8 March 2017 and economic development Location: Muharraq, Bahrain Date: 3-4 May 2017 Leading Programme: Culture Location: Turin, Italy Strategic Objective: Community, Leading Programme: Culture Communication Strategic Objective: Capacity Building, Communication, Credibility

The External Relations and Partnership Specialists of ARC-WH was invited by the Following a visit in May 2017 to Turin, This symbiotic relationship between the French School of Bahrain Lycée Français Italy, the Arab Regional Center for two agencies is especially important on 8 March 2017 to attend the school’s World Heritage partnered with Centro during this critical period, particularly with Annual Student’s Job Fair. Professionals Studi Silvia Santagata (CSS-EBLA), the need to provide intellectual studies from various fields from engineering to a non-profit research center and and research to experts and stakeholders government participated. Students aged UNESCO Category 2 Centre specializing in the field of sustainable World 14-17 had the opportunity to question in Cultural Heritage and Economic Heritage Site management and urban ARC-WH and its functions, objectives and Development. During the visit, both regeneration. In July 2017, the two role in the region is. Professional and agencies worked closely together, Centres had the opportunity co-organize educational advice was given by ARC-WH mapping potential joint activities a panel during the 41st UNESCO World to students interested in possibly pursuing such as exhibitions, workshops and Heritage Committee that took place in an career in cultural heritage. panel discussions aimed at promoting Krakow, Poland. The panel focused on educational practices towards the role of protecting and restoring World sustainable World Heritage. ARC-WH Heritage Sites with the goal of long-term and CSS-EBLA agreed to draft and economic sustainability in mind. sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), clarifying the role of each institution towards their joint-efforts in culture World Heritage and economic development throughout the year.

Historic Cairo, Egypt © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 39

Total number of MIXED World Heritage Properties in 03the Arab Region

Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia © Mazen Felemban ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 41 External Relations

World Heritage and Economic Second Coordination Meeting Development: Urban with Category 2 Centres Regeneration in Historic Cities Date: 23-24 November 2017 Date: 9 July 2017 Location: UNESCO HQ Paris, France Location: Krakow, Poland Leading Programme: Culture Leading Programme: Culture Strategic Objective: Communication, Strategic Objective: Communication Capacity Building

During the 41st UNESCO World Heritage ARC-WH participated in the Second A new online tool, “Network of Committee, ARC-WH and CSS-Elba coordination meeting of Category 2 UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs and C2Cs organized a joint seminar entitled Panel Centres (C2Cs), UNESCO Chairs and related to Culture”, was launched Discussion on World Heritage and UNITWIN Networks related to the during the two-day event to enhance Economic Development: Comparative UNESCO Culture Sector, held from communication efforts among these Analysis of Urban Regeneration in 23-24 November 2017 at UNESCO cultural institutions by creating a platform Historic Cities. The panel examined the Headquarters in Paris, France. where information can be shared and role of protecting and restoring World exchanged more effectively. Heritage Sites with the goal of long-term The meeting promoted discussions economic sustainability in mind. The regarding the challenges and Participants left with a better seminar drew parallels between the two opportunities of how Category 2 understanding of how to improve establishments and their critical roles institutes, UNESCO and UNITWIN Chairs networking and partnership, and to with respect to the UN’s Sustainable could contribute to UNESCO’s mission enhance communication strategies, Development Goals (SDG). towards the implementation of the 2030 amongst the above-mentioned institutes. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Case studies on urban regeneration by using culture as the instrument to projects in World Heritage cities accomplish this objective. located in the Arab region and other countries were presented by experts On one afternoon break-up sessions from ARC-WH, CSS- Elba and the were divided into four thematic Bahrain Authority of Culture and groups that focused on Cultural and Authority. These studies focused on Natural Heritage, Intangible Heritage, locations such as Old Jerusalem and Creativity, and Culture in Emergencies. the Pearling Path of Bahrain that This allowed for the participants illustrate the positive impacts of urban to share knowledge and exchange regeneration of timeless cities. experiences and ideas regarding various thematic subjects covered.

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, Egypt © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 43

Between working with and building the capacities of Arab States Parties and Highlights stakeholders, ARC-WH participated in a number of activities, some that took of 2017 the Centre abroad, while others were held at the premises of ARC-WH.

UNESCO Director General visits The 30th Session of the Opening Ceremony of the 1st the Arab Regional Centre for General Assembly of ICCROM Saudi Archaeology Convention World Heritage Date: 28 November-1 December 2017 Date: 7-9 November 2017 Date: 18 May 2017 Location: Rome, Italy Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Location: ARC-WH Headquarters, Strategic Objective: Communication Manama, Bahrain ARC-WH was invited to attend the ARC-WH participated in the 2nd opening ceremony of the 1st Saudi On 18 May 2017, Director-General Consultative Board Meeting of the Archaeology Convention from 7 to 9 Irina Bokova visited the Arab Regional International Centre for the Study November 2017 held in the National Centre for World Heritage, where she of the Preservation and Restoration Museum of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. was greeted by the Chairperson of the of Cultural Property (ICCROM) at its The Convention, Custodian of the Governing Board of ARC-WH, Sheikha Regional Conservation Centre, located Two Holy Mosques’ Cultural Heritage Mai Al-Khalifa, Director of ARC-WH, in Sharjah, UAE. The meeting gathered Initiative, is an initiative highlighting Dr. Shadia Touqan, and ARC-WH staff. representatives of Arab States in the the efforts and interventions During the visit, the Chairperson of areas of cultural conservation and undertaken by government agencies the Governing Board affirmed that the highlighted the important role played and individuals working towards the Centre will continue to strengthen its by ICCROM ATHAR in the region. ARC- documentation and preservation of relations with UNESCO and the World WH expressed its continued support for the country’s antiquities and historical Heritage Center, located in Paris, the strategic partnership between the cultural heritage. France, to serve and protect cultural two institutions. and natural heritage in the Arab region. In line with ARC-WH’s close partnership with the Advisory Bodies, the Centre also attended the 30th Session of the General Assembly of ICCROM as an observer. A thematic session was held during the assembly which discussed “Post- Conflict Reconstruction-Recovery and Community Involvement”, and showcased the importance of coordination among institutions with regard to reconstruction, while also engaging the local community to ensure cultural diversity during the delicate process of restoration. Countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Japan, Lebanon and Syria were used as case studies to emphasize the significance of Hatra, Iraq culture during the stages of recovery. © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 45 Highlights Number of World of 2017 Heritage Properties by region

Europe and N. America

Asia & Pacific

Africa The General Assembly of Technical Meeting to evaluate States Parties to the World Manama’s potential as a Heritage Convention World Heritage site Date: 14–15 November 2017 Date: 10 December 2017 Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Location: Manama, Bahrain 506 Paris, France Leading Programme: Culture During the 39th session of the General ARC-WH is providing technical Conference of UNESCO, from 14 assistance to the Kingdom of Bahrain through 15 November 2017, the 21st by assessing the urban fabric of 253 General Assembly of States Parties Manama and evaluating its potential to the World Heritage Convention as a World Heritage site. If the latter 82 was held at UNESCO Headquarters potential is confirmed, ARC-WH in Paris, France. With the attendance will continue to assist Bahrain as it of ARC-WH Twelve new countries explores ways that could lead to a were elected to the World Heritage successful nomination file. As part 93 Committee, thereby replacing the of its efforts, ARC-WH organized twelve outgoing members. a meeting with local experts and researchers to discuss the value 139 Bahrain, as one of the newly elected and state of conservation of various Arab States members, won an astonishing components located within the 121 votes during the first round historic core of the city of Manama. of voting, and, alongside the new Committee, will be responsible for the implementation of the 1972 World Latin America & the Caribbean Heritage Convention and provide technical assistance to States Parties. The following day, 15 November 2017, it was announced that Bahrain would be hosting the 42nd World Heritage Committee set to take place from 24 June through 4 July 2018.

Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel, Egypt © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 47

Working closely with Arab States Parties to assist them in the implementation World Heritage of the World Heritage Convention, its procedures, guidelines, management and monitoring of properties is the fundamental driving force of ARC-WH’s List of Activities mandate and mission in the Arab region. and Involvement

Sustainability Project International Conference on between Socotra and ARC-WH the Safeguarding of Cultural Date: January 2017 Heritage in Liberated Areas Location: Socotra (Arabian Sea of Iraq archipelago) Date: February 27-28, 2017 Leading Programme: Nature Location: Paris, France Strategic Objective: Community, Leading Programme: Culture Capacity Building, Communication Strategic Objective: Capacity Building, Communication, Conservation, A sustainability project was initiated between ARC-WH and FoS to save threatened Socotran plants by utilizing To address and increase coordination and involving the local community to efforts between the national and replant and regenerate endangered international initiatives towards the species through deliberately planting gradual rehabilitation of the cultural them in areas impacted by road heritage in Iraq, a two-day conference construction. This not only ensured was held on 27 February 2017, bringing the return of local vegetation, but together 80 international experts in was also intended to rehabilitate heritage, including ARC-WH, and Iraqi extraction areas. Initially created in government officials, at UNESCO’s response to the destructive impacts Headquarters in Paris, France. of a hurricane in November 2015 Action plans to protect and preserve that devastated rare and endeared Iraq’s diverse heritage, including its endemic species of flora found only museums, archaeological sites, historic in Socotra, this project proved to be and religious heritage monuments highly effective. and properties, were discussed and examined by the participants. Today, the rehabilitated area is blossoming! It has been fenced off to protect it from goats, and 19 plant species have since returned to the protected site thanks to the know- how and knowledge of the local community.

Medina of Fez, Morocco © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 49 World Heritage List of Activities and Involvement

First International Workshop on the Management Inventorying and Analyzing Coordination Meeting for the Coordination Meeting for the of Natural Heritage in threats of the Integrity natural World Heritage Site recovery of Aleppo’s heritage Palestine of the Natural Values of Sanganeb Marine National the Ahwar World Heritage Date: March 2-3, 2017 Date: 10-11 April 2017 Park and Dungonab Bay Property, Southern Iraq Location: Beirut, Lebanon Location: Ramallah and Battir, Date: 9-10 May 2017 Leading Programme: Culture Palestine Date: 25 – 27 April 2017 Location: Manama, Bahrain Strategic Objective: Capacity Leading Programme: Nature Location: Basra, Iraq Leading Programme: Nature Building, Conservation, Community, Strategic Objective: Capacity Leading Programme: Nature Strategic Objective: Capacity Communication Building, Community, Conservation and Culture Building Strategic Objective: Capacity Building, Conservation In response to the ongoing loss and Over 2-3 March 2017 the First ARC-WH participated in a workshop To offer the upmost support to destruction of Syrian cultural heritage International Coordination Meeting held in Ramallah and Battir, Palestine the State Party of Sudan, ARC-WH sites, and to adequately prepare the for the recovery of Aleppo’s heritage from 10-11 April 2017. Designed as The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge The workshop was divided into a organized a Coordination Meeting post-conflict management of Syria, was held in Beirut and attended by an introductory training course on of Biodiversity and the Relict class session and a practical session. for the natural World Heritage Site on 1 March 2014 an operational the Director of ARC-WH. Discussions the World Heritage Convention, with Landscape of the Sumerian Cities Trainees were first introduced to Sanganeb Marine National Park approach, funded by the European covered technical and scientific a focus on natural World Heritage, is a mixed site comprised of seven systematic monitoring intended to and Dungonab Bay from 9-10 May Union and aided by the Flemish documentation strategies regarding the training included general World components, three archaeological improve the management of the 2017, in Manama, Bahrain. The aim Government and the Austrian safeguarding and damage assessment Heritage concepts and processes. sites and four delicate wetland natural components of the Ahwar. was to bring stakeholders together Government, and designated the of Aleppo’s cultural heritage, including Global and regional examples were marshes. To ensure effectual The practical session took place in to discuss the current status of the ‘Emergency Safeguarding of the the mapping of properties and sites, used to illustrate the concepts conservation and management efforts East Hammar Marsh to apply the World Heritage site and its state Syrian Cultural Heritage’, had been first aid-measures, revitalization and mentioned. Special attention was are implemented to preserve natural knowledge acquired. Samples from of conservation and management. established restoration works to sites of the citadel, given to the approach of value-based values of the property, ARC-WH held different areas of the wetland area The meeting was also intended Madrasa Al-Sultaniya, grand serial and management of World Heritage sites. a training workshop in Basra, Iraq were collected for inventory and to assist participants in preparing Based at the UNESCO Office in the souk of the Ancient City of Aleppo, from 25-27 April aimed at upgrading analysis to better determine threats an action plan in response to Beirut, a Project Management Unit is an iconic World Heritage Site inscribed the inventorying and technical to the Ahwar property. Systematic the World Heritage Committee’s now implementing a ‘three-pronged in 1986, and included in UNESCO’s List capacities of the staff responsible for sampling also provides useful results recommendations. approach’ to evaluate the extent of World Heritage in Danger since 2013. regular monitoring of the Ahwar’s and suggests specific actions needed, of damages to sites as well as sites natural values and threats to them. and prioritizes conservation for the The two-day coordination meeting lost. The approach is a coordinated An action plan to continue efforts Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of proved beneficial to the Sudanese effort among various international and towards the restoration of Aleppo Using the latest monitoring the marshes. Authorities, and brought relevant national experts to discuss, assess and was finalized during a follow-up methodology, Smart Management Plan stakeholders together who were document the damages sustained to meeting in Aleppo on 15 March 2017 (SMP), trainees were able to replace able to familiarize themselves with cultural sites in Syria, and to increase by Syrian stakeholders. It was agreed outdated information regarding the site one another, and allowed for the the capacity and technical knowledge that UNESCO would establish a unit with data obtained from the SMP. This discussion of roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. in Aleppo that would provide further methodology greatly contributes to in order to respond to the needs of evaluation regarding the damage the understanding and identification of the concerned State Party. [Source: UNESCO] assessment of the ancient city. threats faced by the marshes. ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 51

Total number of World Heritage SITES IN DANGER WORLDWIDE

Ancient City of Damscus, Syria © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 53 World Heritage List of Activities and Involvement

Exploring Ichkeul National Socotra Solar Panel Project Needs assessment for the ARC-WH also visited another site A meeting was held with the head of Park Date: 6 June 2017 State of Palestine belonging to Palestine that was the Ministry of the Environment Quality Date: 9 May 2017 Location: Socotra Location: Palestine inscribed in 2017, Palestine: Land of Authority (EQA), Eng. Adalah Attiri, Location: Ichkeul National Park, Leading Programme: Nature Date: 14- 15 August 2017 Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape who agreed on the importance of Tunisia Strategic Objective: Community, Leading Programme: Culture and of Southern Jerusalem, Battir. The reviewing and updating the Tentative Leading Programme: Nature Capacity Building, Communication Nature team met with the Mayor of Battir List of Palestine. EQA is currently Strategic Objective: Conservation Strategic Objective: Conservation, Municipality to explore possible undertaking a biodiversity survey for Capacity Building, Communication, collaboration with ARC-WH and Palestine to support this process. The Acacia Foundation and ARC- Located southwest from the main Community, Credibility discuss how the Centre can provide They also requested assistance for Lake Ichkeul, located in the National Island of Socotra is the island of WH rose to the challenge of lighting input and assistance. ARC-WH conducting a Red List Assessment Park of Ichkeul, in northern Tunisia, Samha. Measuring just 40 kilometres by building and implementing a stressed the importance of the vital to facilitate the selection of sites for is the last remaining freshwater lake in area, it is considered the smallest sustainable solar power project Palestine’s Minister of Tourism and roles played by the local people identification from the Tentative List. of a chain that once stretched across of the three inhabited islands of the that would provide Samha with Antiquities, H.E. Rola Ma’ayah, of Battir, as well as encouraging EQA is also conducting a biodiversity the northern areas of the vast African Socotran Archipelago. Upon this environmentally friendly source of welcomed the ARC-WH team to discuss the return of people to farm the study of Battir with regard to the study continent. On 9 May 2017 ARC- remote island is the village of Khayisat electricity without effecting the methods of collaboration. The need for agricultural properties of this area. of management and conservation WH visited the park, inscribed as a al Shaikh, home to approximately outstanding value of Socotra’s updating the Tentative List of Palestine, measures for biodiversity of the World UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980, 270 people who, until recently, lived biodiversity and delicate ecosystem. and the importance of building and Following the visit to Battir, ARC- Heritage site of Battir. to study the lake as a crucial stopover without access to electricity or solid fostering the nation’s capacities in WH met with the UNESCO Ramallah Both institutions worked closely point for migratory birds (waders and infrastructure. various fields, such as preparation and were joined by the head of the with the local community to ensure waterfowl) who feed and nest in the with regard to the Tentative List, were culture department of the UNESCO the village was not left in isolated area. ARC-WH studied several areas Except for isolated locations lit only by discussed. Together with the Mayor Office, and the head of the UNESCO darkness again by teaching the of the park, as well as the surrounding the faint flickering of oil lamps, much of Bethlehem Municipality, ARC-WH National Committee in Palestine, as people of Samha how to maintain the areas of the lake, to assess the park’s of the island of Samha remained visited Palestine’s first World Heritage well as other relevant representatives, solar panels, thereby implementing current environmental status. in total darkness once the sun set. site, inscribed in 2012 as Birthplace to discuss joint efforts to serve a sustainable solution that ensured Elementary school students were of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and Palestinian Culture and Natural prolonged use of eco-friendly power. unable to study; fisherman faced the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem. Heritage such as capacity building, great difficulty finding the island on Conservation and restoration activities national registry for cultural and their way home from fishing trips, and being done to the roof and intricate natural heritage, management and were sometimes lost at sea. Samha’s mosaics within and outside of the conservation of World Heritage sites. communication system was also Church were examined. All these Gaza was also discussed during limited. The village relied on a single remedial measures and examinations the visit to UNESCO Ramallah. It long-wave radio powered by a small of the site are included among the was agreed that ARC-WH would solar panel, which often ran out of Palestinian Authority’s efforts to participate in supporting the national power, leaving the Samha population enhance its conservation status and to inventories in Gaza. helpless, unable to communicate with achieve the eventual removal of the site passing ships or with the main Island from the World Heritage List in Danger. of Socotra.

Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir © Haifaa Abdulhalim ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 55 World Heritage List of Activities and Involvement

The Poetic Recitals of Preparation of the First State Workshop on the preparation Socotran Heritage: Poetry of Conservation (SOC) report of the State of Conservation Festival, The Socotri on the natural Components Report to the World Heritage Association of Heritage and for the Ahwar World Heritage Committee for the UNESCO History & ARC-WH Property, Southern Iraq World Heritage site Wadi Rum Protected Area Date: 22 August 2017 Date: 3-4 October 2017 Location: Socotra, Yemen Location: Baghdad, Iraq Date: 7-9 October 2017 Leading Programme: Cultural Leading Programme: Nature Location: Wadi Rum Protected Area, Strategic Objective: Community, Strategic Objective: Conservation, Jordan Communication, Conservation Capacity Building, Communication Leading Programme: Nature and Culture Strategic Objective: Capacity The archipelago of Socotra is local culture’s intangible heritage, and Following an official invitation by Iraq’s Building, Conservation, Community increasingly frequented by tourists and how the language has assisted in the Ministry of Environment requesting researchers and impacted by urban understanding of Socotran Cultural ARC-WH’s technical guidance for the development and other influences and Natural heritage as it was passed preparation of the State of Conservation From the 7 until 9 October 2017, The report will be an update of the from the outside world, such as down from generation to generation (SoC) report of the natural components ARC-WH, in collaboration with Wadi State of Conservation of the Wadi mobile phones and the Internet. As a over the centuries. of the Ahwar World Heritage property, a Rum Protected Area and Department Rum Protected Area to be submitted result, its cultural and natural heritage two-day workshop was organized from of Antiquities in Jordan, organized a by the State Party of Jordan before is being compromised. A significant The event provided an opportunity 3-4 October 2017. workshop on the preparation of the the 1st of December 2017 for impact is the fading appreciation and to establish an outreach programme State of Conservation Report to the discussion during the 42nd World Since this was the First State of awareness of the Socotran language amongst the Socotran society, World Heritage Committee for the Heritage Committee in 2018. Conservation Report by the Ministry of highlighting the importance of UNESCO World Heritage site Wadi and cultural practices amongst the Environment, ARC-WH provided training salvaging and maintaining their Rum Protected Area on the premises Following a brief field visit to local inhabitants. for staff from the national team chosen vibrant culture and ancient traditions Petra, ARC-WH then evaluated to prepare the report regarding the of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone To raise awareness amongst the and stories, which have been passed the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Ahwar property, before its submittal in the city of Aqaba, Hashemite inhabitants of Socotra and the from generation to generation Challenges within the World Heritage to UNESCO and IUCN. The workshop Kingdom of Jordan. international community, and possibly Property were noted, such as illegal through poetry and recitation, thus improved the technical capacity of the attracting local and global partners to The aforementioned workshop aimed campsites, routes used by vehicles safeguarding traditions through echoing national team to correctly prepare its to conduct a coordination meeting in undesignated areas to assess the assist in the preservation of the fading the words of their ancestors that still first SoC report to meet UNESCO’s between numerous stakeholders to effects on the Outstanding Universal Socotran language, oral literature resonate today. Hopefully, they will requirements and standards. and lore, a ceremony was jointly continue to do so in the future. prepare a collective national response Value of the property. organized by the Socotri Association The “threats” table of the site was to the World Heritage Committee of Heritage and History and ARC- updated in terms of management Decision 40 COM 7B.65 which was WH. Recitals were recorded during planning, and a technical report was adopted in 2016, as well as related the event to preserve the Socotri produced providing a detailed inventory of Advisory Bodies reports in the language, which does not have an threats faced by the Ahwar. The national previous years. alphabet or form of writing. Socotri team also produced an analysis of the represents the living expression of the four natural components of the World Heritage property. ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 57 World Heritage List of Activities and Involvement

16th Conference and Annual Assistance of the A Vision for sustainable Needs Assessment for Wadi General Meeting of the implementation of the World ecotourism in the Ahwar in Rum and Petra Heritage Convention and Friends of Socotra southern Iraq Date: 1–11 December 2017 preparation of the State of Date: 27-29 October 2017 Date: 7 December 2017 Location: Wadi Rum and Petra, Conservation (SoC) report of Location: Bern, Switzerland Location: Baghdad, Iraq the Banc d’Arguin National Jordan Leading Programme: Nature Leading Programme: Nature Park, Mauritania Leading Programme: Nature Programme Strategic Objective: Capacity Strategic Objective: Community, Date: 24-29 November 2017 Strategic Objective: Communication, Building, Communication, Conservation, Capacity Building Location: Mauritania Community Conservation Leading Programme: Nature Strategic Objective: Capacity ARC-WH visited two of Jordan’s World ARC-WH participated the 16th 1. Solar Panel installment in Samha Building, Conservation The World Heritage site of the Ahwar Heritage sites – Wadi Rum and Petra Conference and Annual General Island in Socotra (2016). of southern Iraq is a mix of seven – to meet with site management Meeting of the Friends of Socotra components, four of which are teams, government representatives 2. Vegetation cover rehabilitation ARC-WH together with IUCN The second activity took place at the held in Bern, Switzerland from 27- wetland areas that sustain diverse and and other stakeholders with the project (2017). Mauritania, the IUCN World Heritage Headquarters of the Banc d’Arguin 29 October. During the conference, delicate ecosystems. A conference aim of assessing the needs and programme office for Central and National Park in Chami, and consisted ARC-WH revealed their findings via a was organized by the Ministry of implementation of the World Heritage 3. Kareefs restoration project (kareefs Western Africa, and the Mauritanian of the State of Conservation (SoC) two-part presentation, “Socotra is an Culture of Iraq and representatives Convention in these sites. are water collecting points) (2016). Directorate of Heritage Conservation, inspiration for TABE’A Programme”. report preparation process for the from local governments of Basra, organized two activities between Banc d’Arguin World Heritage site 4. Socotri Language Poetry Festival Thi-Qar and Missan, to discuss the Field visits to several sites of both The first half of the presentation 24-29 of November in Nouakchott which will be presented during the (2017). development of cultural and eco- properties enabled the team to and the new headquarters of the demonstrated the strategic inputs upcoming 42nd World Heritage tourism opportunities in the Ahwar evaluate the current status of the World Heritage site of Banc d’Arguin invested in the World Heritage FoS and ARC-WH affirmed their Committee meeting, which will take to encourage communal participation Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of National Park in Chami, Mauritania. sites of Socotra, and covered the mutual desire to continue their place in Manama, Bahrain. and reduce pressures on the natural the sites. results of the input of the TABE’A partnership, and shared future plans The first activity, held in Nouakchott, resources of the area. Programme implemented in Socotra, for potential projects as they continue The team will prepare a detailed was a training workshop for a national a strategic planning framework for the to work together to protect and ARC-WH highlighted the distribution report for the State Part of Jordan committee of representatives responsible Environment Protection Authority, the salvage the delicate ecosystems of of the Outstanding Universal Values of the needs for both sites, including for the protection of cultural and natural Emergency Response Plan following the both Socotra’s environment and its (OUV) attributes of four natural areas conservation, human resources, and heritage and the implementation of destruction from two cyclones in 2015, ancient heritage through sustainable of the World Heritage site. ARC-WH legal and institutional concerns. the World Heritage Convention. This as well as capacity-building activities. and innovative methods. also informed the participants of training aimed towards enhancing the the standards of tourism adopted by capacity of the Mauritanian stakeholders The second half of the presentation the World Heritage Convention, and by examining the procedures for the consisted mainly of a description presented case studies to further implementation of the Convention, the of activities involving the local illustrate the current and potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of community: impacts and pressures of eco-tourism the natural World Heritage site of Banc upon the natural components of the d’Arguin in Mauritania, and the World Ahwar. Heritage nomination process. ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 59

WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN DANGER in 22the Arab Region

Total number of WORLD HERITAGE SITES 28INSCRIBED IN 2017

Oid City of Sanaá © Editions Gelbart© Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 61

Following the decision made by UNESCO’s Executive Board, the agreement Turning between the Kingdom of Bahrain and UNESCO has been renewed. As a Category 2 Centre (C2C), ARC-WH will to continue to consult Arab States Parties in the Tide: the implementation of the Convention, and assist UNESCO with its strategic Five Years programme objectives. To ensure the safeguarding of Arab heritage, ARC-WH is Forward taking calculated steps towards increasing its impact across the region.

Evaluation of the Arab Development of Strategic Plan Regional Centre for World — Planning Workshop Heritage Date: 22 –26 October 2017 April 2017 Location: Manama, Bahrain Leading Programme: ARC-WH Programme Six years have passed since the Strategic Objective: Capacity corresponding agreement between Building, Communication, Community, UNESCO and the Kingdom of Bahrain Credibility, Conservation was signed on 5 February 2010 (it came into force on 23 December 201l), thereby establishing the Arab Following the evaluation and renewal The workshop invited participants Region Centre for World Heritage for of ARC-WH conducted by UNESCO, to examine the Centre’s current role a six-year period. the Centre initiated a strategic plan and effectiveness, assess its mandate to revise its former Draft Strategy and mission, and identify which In the spring 2017, UNESCO (2014-2019) to achieve a better areas needed to be refined and made evaluated the Centre’s mandate, sense of direction with regard to its clearer to establish a comprehensive impact, performance and contribution mandate and its responsibilities as strategy. The workshop provided an to UNESCO’s Strategic Objectives the facilitator of the World Heritage opportunity for reexamination, and and Comprehensive Strategy for the Convention in the region. assisted ARC-WH in determining its Category 2 Institutes and Centres. objectives and strategy for the next The evaluation which was presented In order to develop the Centre’s five years. to UNESCO executive committee, strategic plan and set a course for the concluded that ARC-WH continues to upcoming five years, ARC-WH held be a key partner, effectively assisting a Development of Strategic Plan — Arab States in the understanding and Planning Workshop at its headquarters implementation of the World Heritage located in Manama, Bahrain from 23- Convention. 25 October 2017.

Key partners and experts in the fields of natural and cultural heritage were invited to assist ARC-WH as it reoriented its mandate for the long term, and ascertained what steps it needs to take in order to achieve its envisioned goals.

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata, Mauritania © Editions Gelbart ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 63 Turning Epilogue the Tide: Five Years Forward

Development of Cultural The year 2017 was a period of exceptional various Arab countries— that brought the design and launch of its new website, Heritage Programme change and milestones for the Arab together and educated stakeholders and which is expected to be completed in Date: 13-14 December 2017 Regional Centre for World Heritage. Member States in the implementation early 2018. Providing an Arabic language Location: Manama, Bahrain and processes of the Convention. website (including English and French) In accordance with the Agreement is part of its main functions, thereby Leading Programme: Culture between UNESCO and the Government New partnerships and fundraising providing accessible information relating Strategic Objective: Capacity of Bahrain, under Article XXI, the activities were established in 2017 to to the World Heritage Convention to its Building, Communication duration of the Centre would be valid reinforce the bridges of the Centre’s Member States of the Arab region as a for a total of six years. And as the sixth external relations, and increase its key tool in increasing their knowledge year came to an end, the renewal of influence across the region and beyond, With the initial step completed in of the implementation and processes, the Centre was initiated successfully, enabling the exchange and sharing of policies and concepts of the Convention. October during the Development of thereby establishing another six years information with entities that wish to Strategic Plan — Planning Workshop, for the Centre. contribute to the fostering of cultural and The website facilitates the sharing of it was time for ARC-WH to develop its natural heritage. information between the Centre and Cultural Heritage Programme (2018- As the Centre enters the next phase Arab States, as well as national and 2023). From 13-14 December 2017, of its existence in the Arab region, The Centre also engaged with local international stakeholders, experts, participants were invited to join ARC- the development of a new Strategic communities both in Bahrain and across universities and education programmes, WH to gather vital input as it initiated Plan has been undertaken to increase the region. It provided electricity and to catalyze the sharing of vital the next step for its strategic plan. the Centre’s capabilities as an agency light to the Island of Samha in Socotra, information. Website visitors will have to reinforce the implementation and saved the lives of fishermen who access to original publications, translated During the Development of Cultural of the World Heritage Convention, might otherwise be lost in the darkness publications, essential documents Heritage Programme-Planning thereby bolstering the organization’s at sea. and information regarding relevant Meeting, participants identified achievement of its mandate, mission, conservation programmes and activities. During the 41st World Heritage potential interventions and results function and objectives. With the The website, brand development and Convention, Hebron/Al- Khalil Old Town, necessary for the Centre to achieve challenges faced by the Arab region, social media outlets have expedited the located in Palestine, was inscribed as the programme’s medium and long- this step was especially crucial. achievement of the Centre’s ongoing a UNESCO World Heritage site. ARC- term goals. Participants discussed aspiration to increase its outreach and Alongside the development of the WH has worked tirelessly this year to particular challenges faced by visibility for the benefit of the region. Strategic Plan, the Centre also developed increase the representation and capacity the Centre, including conflict and a Cultural Heritage Programme of Arab States Members to ensure political instability in the region, and It is the Centre’s wish that the tide of providing the framework for a more that inscribed or potential sites are change continues to turn, enhancing conservation and development. concrete programme that would further continuously monitored and managed ARC-WH’s capability as a Category 2 assist Arab Member States in the correctly. It is the Centre’s desire that Similar to the ARC-WH strategic Centre charged with responsibility for the implementation of the World Heritage more sites located in the Arab region planning workshop, the meetings region’s rich cultural and natural heritage, Convention along with its processes, will become inscribed, and that the offered a more detailed and concrete where some of the earliest civilizations concepts and rules. representation of this extraordinarily framework, specifying how the Centre came to be, leaving their stories behind heritage-rich region is increased. as relics to be cherished today, and can transform its strategic objectives ARC-WH engaged in a number of hopefully for many generations to come. into tangible results and interventions. coordination meetings, workshops, In keeping with the spirit of change and technical training—some held on the renewal, ARC-WH established a new ARC-WH 2017. premises of the Centre and others in brand strategy and concept, and initiated ARC-WH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 65 STATISTICS AND MAIN PARTNERS FIGURES

Number of World Heritage Properties by region

Cultural 434 Natural

Mixed

177

96 74 64 62 51 37 38 12 10 5 5 3 5 UNESCO/ World Heritage Centre

Africa Arab States Asia & Pacific Europe & North Latin America & America the Caribbean list of world heritage sites in danger by region

Cultural African World Heritage Fund

Natural

Mixed

22

International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and 11 Restoration of Cultural Property

4 4 5 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Africa Arab States Asia & Pacific Europe & North Latin America & America the Caribbean International Council of monuments and sites World heritage sites inscribed in 2017

18

Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities

3

4

2

0 0 0 International Union for Conservation of Nature Cultural Natural Mixed Forests Marine & Cities Cultural Coastal Landscapes