1 Project Summary Training in Action was developed in collaboration with the Insitut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie and the Department of Antiquities of Libya. It has trained 72 Tunisian and Libyan archaeologists (see Appendix 1: list of trainees over the duration of the project) in fast and reliable documentation techniques for objects and buildings, site conservation and management, museum object recording for the creation of a National Museum database and outreach activities to increase awareness among local populations of the importance of their heritage, its protection and preservation. The training was conducted principally at the site of Iunca, located approximately 45 km south of Sfax and 12 Km south of the city of Mahrès, with some exercises on monuments and mosaics at the site of Thyna. It has focused on surveying the site of Iunca with GPS (Global Positioning System) for the definition of the buffer zone, producing prioritised condition and risk assessments of the fort for protection and management, using GIS (Geographical Information System) to integrate and manage all the data, and engaging local stakeholders and communities. It has also rolled out a system created by Durham University to record archaeological materials (HeDAP), which has taken place in the Archaeological Museum of Sfax (Institut National de Patrimoine de Tunisie – Department de Sfax), the storerooms at the site of Thyna (archaeological site located around 12 km south of Sfax) and several other museums across Libya and Tunisia with the final aim to create a National Museum database.
The site of IUnca
The capacity building was organised in stages with the best trainees selected for further training, developing more specialised knowledge in recording, data processing and assessment analysis. Those selected were responsible for running ‘mini projects’ in their own territories (see belowMini Projects), collaborating with other trainees and colleagues, and practicing one, some or all of the skills learnt during their time at Iunca. These mini projects were developed in phases, in parallel with the more advanced training, which gave the trainees the opportunity to test the methodologies in practice and gather new data for the protection of their own heritage.
2 The organisation of the training has resulted in a significant increase in activities in country, with trainees leading on new projects, producing and analysing their own new data and training other archaeologists so that they can carry out the work together and ensure the long-term sustainability of the capacity building. The aim of this report is to highlight the main outcomes of the project but it also provides evidence of the various impacts which have resulted and can be both directly and indirectly connected to it.
The Funders The project has been generously funded by the Cultural Protection Fund, managed by the British Council on behalf of the Department of Digital Culture, Media and Sport from April 2017 to December 2019. The total received is £956, 135.
2017-18 2018-19 2019-2020 Total grant
£332,110 £324,966 £299,059 £956,135
The work on Church 3 at Iunca, which was not originally part of the project, was started in June 2018 with the specific aim of rescuing the building. This was supported with funds from the Cultural Protection Funds andfrom the Ruddock Foundation for the Arts (£15,000) from summer 2019, which enabled the project to employ conservators for the training in first aid on-site conservation and a specialised topographer who supported the training in site documentation.
Project Partners The project’s partners are the Department of Antiquities of Libya (DoA), the Institut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie (INP), Durham University in collaboration with King’s College London and University College London (until March 2019), the French Mission of Libya, and the Society for Libyan Studies (Until March 2019).
Insititut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie Main partner in the training programme – (INP) institution responsible for the sites where the training took place Department of Antiquities of Libya (DoA) Main partner in the training programme Durham University (Anna Leone) (DU) Main Grant holder (PI) King’s College London (Will Wootton) (KCL) Co-I - Responsible for the training on Heritage Management and Public Engagement University College London (Corisande Co-I until March 2019 - Responsible for the Fenwick) (UCL) photogrammetry and drone training French Mission of Libya (FML) Partner – collaborating on the Museum collection training Society for Libyan Studies (SLS) Supporting Institution
The Team Ammar Othman (Institut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie) is responsible for the training carried out at the site of Iunca and is co-director of the research there with Anna Leone (Durham University).
Training in Survey, GIS, Geophysics, Drones (Durham University) Anna Leone Overall director of the training Marco Nebbia Survey and GIS Victoria Leitch Administration and Organization Consultants Patricia Voke Geophysics, photogrammetry and drones (from April 2019)
3 Tom Fitton Survey Nadia Khalaf Survey Paola Stradella On-site and first aid conservation Maurizio Marinato Site documentation Michel Bonifay (guest from the University of Pottery classification and analysis Aix-Marseilles) Training in Museum object recording and the fight against illicit traffic (Durham University in collaboration with the French Mission of Libya) Anna Leone Overall director of the training Consultants Morgan Belzic (Durham University, French Training on antiquities and illicit trafficking Mission of Libya) John Layt (Durham University) HeDAP – development of the app and the Museum Database Training in Heritage Management: condition/risk assessment, values and significance, public engagement (King’s College London) Will Wootton Overall director of the training Hiba Alkhalaf Heritage Management Consultants John Stewart Heritage Management (condition – risk assessment) Alaa El-Abashi Heritage Management (condition – risk assessment, significance and values) Hafed Walda Heritage Management (condition – risk assessment) Lisa Mol (guest from the University of the West Condition – risk assessment (deterioration, of England) conflict damage) Photogrammetry – drones (University College London – until March 2019) Corisande Fenwick Overall director of the training Gai Jorayev Photogrammetry and drones Consultants Nathalie Gonzalez Photogrammetry Guy Hopkinson Photogrammetry Chris Curtis Photogrammetry Susan Chandler Photogrammetry
4 General Introduction
The project was planned and designed in collaboration with our partners, the DoA and INP. The team had a long-standing history of cooperation with both institutions, running projects that resulted in the co-identification of their institutional needs. There were five main areas to address: the rapid recording of archaeological sites, through field survey and geophysical survey and associated monuments to define buffer zones for their protection and support restoration (Durham University); photogrammetry (University College London, until March 2019); the assessment of the conditions of and risks to buildings for their long-term management and maintenance (King’s college London); the use of GIS as a tool for the development of an integrated and efficient system for managing and protecting heritage (Durham University); the creation of a digital museum catalogue centralised at National level, to include objects on open sites and in museum storerooms (Durham University); and the development of a systematic approach to engaging local communities, from children to adults, and stakeholders to disseminate knowledge about the sites, strengthen people’s bonds to them and highlight the value of protecting cultural heritage (King’s College London). The training purposefully targeted archaeologists and heritage professionals with permanent contracts at their respective institutions (DoA and INP). This included both women and men, selected on the basis of their commitment, abilities and leadership qualities. The project has trained a total of 72 Libyan and Tunisian professional archaeologists in all the techniques – survey, site and monument documentation, management and HeDAP – and 27, from this group, were trained at a more advanced level. The latter have also supported the Training in Action (TiA) team in the delivery of some of the training, sharing the expertise gained from the programme in Year 1 with the new participants and thereby developing their own skills as trainers. The aim of the project is to develop skilled leaders in the recording and protection of archaeological heritage and support the creation of units with these within the partner organisations in Libya and Tunisia. Over the project’s duration, we have carried out seven training sessions, one evaluation workshop and one conference, where the trainees presented the results of their work. We have also held events in Iunca to engage the local community and organised stakeholder workshops in Mahrès . The structure of the training is innovative in both its methodology and organisation. It was agreed by all project partners based on previous collaborative projects which identified the specific needs to be addressed. The training is based on an holistic approach, building capacity in an integrated set of skills resulting in trainees being able to manage sites and buildings from the primary phase of documentation – including survey using GPS and geophysics, pottery identification and analysis and recording with drones and photogrammetry – through the storage and management of the data – using GIS as a tool for analysing, prioritising and maintaining all the records – and onto condition and risk assessments, prioritised conservation and action planning, appraisal of significance and value, as well as engaging local communities and stakeholders. This combined training on all aspects of heritage management offers, in our view, a unique opportunity to produce leaders who have a complete knowledge and understanding of the different methods of recording and managing heritage, so that they can improve the quality and the effectiveness of its protection in the short, medium and long term. The original structure of the training results from previous research and training carried out by Durham University (Professor Anna Leone), King’s College London (Dr Will Wootton) and University College London (Dr Corisande Fenwick). Leone’s collaboration with the Deutsches Archaeologisches Institut – Dr Ralf Bockmann in the Rome Department – on a GIS and Landscape management project, from 2014-17. The DoA Libya in collaboration with Durham University identified that a demonstrable need for continuing professional development opportunities that could facilitate the development of skills alongside additional advanced training. This kind of delivery could enhance the effectiveness of the training and substantially enhance the trainee’s learning experience and its success. As a result, Leone and Bockmann developed a system where the training was based on materials directly relevant to the trainee’s role and area of responsibility and was organised in stages. Trainees went into the field to collect data from the regions in their jurisdiction, and brought the data back to the training sessions so that they could work on their own materials and advance their understanding of the archaeology and heritage in their care. This also enabled them to continue to
5 work on their own relevant data in between the different training phases. The programme of training and the methodology are outlined in a recent publication: Nebbia, M., Leone, A., Bockmann, R., Hddad, M., Abdouli, H., Masoud, A. M., Elkendi, N., Hamoud, H., Adam, S. & Khatab, M. (2016). Developing a Collaborative Strategy to Manage and Preserve Cultural Heritage During the Libyan Conflict. The Case of the Gebel Nāfusa. Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory 23(4): 971-988. In parallel, Wootton’s research resulted in him developing and leading a project focused on providing guidance to the DoA on the documentation, conservation and management of mosaics on archaeological sites in Libya. This project, funded by the Getty Foundation, worked with the DoA from 2012 to build capacity in the documentation, conservation and management of Libya’s mosaic heritage. It built understanding of these issues amongst the wider community through public presentations before delivering focused workshops for around 50 staff members, from senior and middle management to site controllers and technicians, giving them the confidence to make decisions on site management and basic preventive conservation. The methodology combined work in the classroom and on site, building the connection between the theoretical and practical. The methodology and outcomes of the project have been published (Wootton, W., El-Habashi, A., Stewart, J., & Walda, H. (2015). Conserving and managing mosaics in Libya (CaMMiL): The final project review. Libyan Studies, 46, 103-113). Fenwick has significant experience of working in Libyan and Tunisia. In 2011, she was part of a training programme in field survey and site documentation at the UNESCO site of Ghadames within the framework of the Trans-Saharan project (ERC funded under the direction of Prof. David Mattingly), prior to the revolution (BP/University of Leicester project 2011). In 2014 she established a joint Tunisian-UK rescue excavation and training project at the heritage site of Bulla Regia. The ongoing project has been documenting and conserving structures at risk from looting; training young Tunisian researchers in archaeological, GIS and conservation methodologies; and improving the touristic itineraries. When applying for the grant from the British Council, it was decided to combine these different projects and experiences, all of which had their own significant impact, tested and published methodologies based on prior research, and outcomes which identified further need and the necessary ways forward. By bringing them together, they created a truly integrated and holistic approach.
The Training in Action Project
The Training in Action project was developed in response to the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) which targets the protection of cultural heritage in twelve MENA countries where heritage and people are at risk due to recent and on-going conflict. Durham University in collaboration with King’s College London and University College London (until March 2019), and the French Mission of Libya, wanted to contribute to the CPF aims, building on our long-term research relationships with the local partners in Libya and Tunisia, as well as more recent experiences of capacity building carried out by Durham University since 2014 and King’s College London since 2012. In collaboration with the DoA and INP, the following threats to their cultural heritage were identified the following that need to be addressed as priorities:
1. The cultural landscapes of both countries are under significant threat from the uncontrolled expansion of urban settlements, illegal development and the occupation of heritage sites; other unrestrained economic activities such as farming and quarrying; the impact of environmental factors like coastal erosion. 2. Historical monuments are at risk of damage or destruction from armed conflicts, deliberate destruction and vandalism. 3. Objects on sites and in museums are under threat from lack of basic conservation as well as theft and vandalism. Inadequate storage, lack of inventories and poor management strategies exacerbate the risk of theft, loss and damage.
6 The approach to the training, the topics covered and its organisation were directed towards these issues, with the specific aim of integrating, for the first time, archaeological recording with conservation and heritage management. The awareness of the need for these skilled professional archaeologists stems primarily from Leone’s published research on early Christian and early Islamic built and below ground heritage in Libya and Tunisia (Changing Townscapes in North Africa from Late Antiquity to the Arab Conquest, 2007 and The End of the Pagan City, 2013), as well as from Wootton’s published research on the value and significance of ancient mosaics in Libya and the problems associated with their safeguard. From Leone’s work, it was clear that these types of archaeology had been long overlooked and were subject to extensive risk in terms of recording and protection. The number of excavations and of sites exposed during the colonial period has made site management very difficult, mostly due to the costs and personnel required to carry it out efficiently. Similarly Wootton’s work has demonstrated the lack of skills in heritage documentation, conservation and management, and the need for more integrated approaches which combine archaeological competencies with knowledge of preventive conservation and the ability to understand the condition of and risk to archaeological monuments as part of site-wide planning for protection in the short, medium and long term. The need for a fast, effective and well organised heritage management system in order to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance quality is a priority. The Training in Action Project has been designed to fill these gaps.
Training in Action: Organisation of the Training Programme
Our project responded to these priorities with a training programme that integrates archaeological recording with conservation and site planning, and was organised in steps, taking the participants from basic, general concepts and applications in each identified area to a more advanced level where there is an understanding of the value of integrating the different methodologies into an holistic approach to heritage management. The first training (Phase 1: general, basic level) included 30 Libyan and Tunisian trainees and covered all aspects of the training, i.e. field survey and GPS, geophysical survey, pottery classification (with the support of the basic GIS application, importing data from survey into the system), photogrammetry, understanding condition and risk assessments as well as the values and significance associated with heritage sites, public engagement, and the recording archaeological objects with the HeDAP. Trainees were assessed at the end of the training in terms of the knowledge and skills they had acquired and reports were submitted to the DoA and INP. On this basis, the best trainees were invited to continue onto the advanced training course, which integrated documentation and management methods and theories with a particular focus on combining the practical with the digital, especially using GIS as way of integrating and analysing the data from the surveys with remote sensing and archives, and the data from photogrammetry with condition and risk assessments. In addition to the training in Tunisia, an important component of the project was the development and completion of “mini projects” by each of the participants on their own relevant data in the interval between each training event. These were selected with their national institutions based on current priorities, then mentored remotely by the project team and reviewed in person during the training sessions. Participants built teams and managed colleagues during the mini projects while applying the skills they had learnt during the training. This embedded the knowledge more deeply, because the work was completed on familiar materials, while also transferring skills to those who were unable to attend. Overall 27 individuals were selected for the advanced training on the basis of several criteria. They needed to demonstrate a good understanding of the new concepts and skills and, crucially, an active interest in applying the new methods and approaches in their daily work in their heritage organisations and in becoming trainers and leaders who could establish and supervise new working teams in different aspects of heritage documentation and management within the DoA and INP, both during and after the end of the training. These qualities were fundamental in guaranteeing sustainability in terms of training and knowledge well beyond the financial and temporal scope of the project.
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Training in Action: third-party sharing of techniques and skills
The advanced trainees, who were selected during the first year, became facilitators in the second. They supported the training of the new participants, thus gaining valuable experience of teaching and mentoring, while at the same time developing their own skills further through continued practice. This was an important aspect of the project’s organisation because it resulted in some individuals with new skills sets and others with the same skills but also the capability to transfer their knowledge to other colleagues in Libya and Tunisia. At the end of the project a community of newly skilled archaeologists and heritage professionals are now in place and in a position to exchange their knowledge with colleagues in Libya and Tunisia. (For details on the trainees see Appendix 1) The project’s activities were based in Tunisia, but both Libyan and Tunisian heritage professionals took part and shared their knowledge. Another important aspect of the project was the facilitation of professional relationships between the two institutions, which has resulted, for instance, in the development of co-organised events between the two countries and contributed to further collaboration (see below). The value of a joined-up approach across national boundaries is also an important outcome.
Some examples of joint activities spinning off from the training: Signed agreement between the Department of Joint Training of professional archaeologists on Antiquities of Libya and the Institut National du excavation techniques at sites in Tunisia (El Patrimoine de Tunisie Jem) and Libya (Lepcis Magna) Joint museum outreach activities with schools Carried out at the museums of Jerba and Cyrene Joint outreach activities Carried out at the sites of El Jem and Lepcis Magna Joint outreach activities in Southern Libya Carried out in Fezzan at Germa, Acacus, Ghat and Awinat
The joint training also favoured the establishment of the use of the same type of documentation across the two neighbouring countries facilitating the exchange of data and strengthening relationships during the sharing and mentoring.
Some examples of joint recording systems used in both countries as a result of the training:
Developing GIS units for the management of The database for the structure of the GIS sites and monuments, to monitor threats and adopted by the two countries is the same, with priorities (Durham University) the same value for threats, the same set of information and vocabulary. The structure of the database has been developed in collaboration between Durham University and the Department of Antiquities of Libya and the Insistut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie Creation of a list/vocabulary of sites and This vocabulary/list of definitions for surveys typologies of sites in both English and Arabic have now been adopted by both institutions, INP and DoA Creation of units using the HeDAP and the The HeDAP app and the database have been associated database and managing centrally the developed in strict collaboration with the National Museum database (Durham Department of Antiquities of Libya and the University) Institut National du Patrimoine to create a tool which could respond to all the needs of the two countries. The use of the same system by the two countries facilitates exchange of information and a joint relationship with the international police.
8 Our condition Assessment form is now used by The condition assessment form has been both countries when assessing the condition of developed by King’s College London in monuments and their deterioration, mapping out collaboration with Department of Antiquities of threats and prioritising possible interventions Libya and the Institut National du Patrimoine (King’s College London) de Tunisie. This from was then digitised using GIS and formed a unified tool to be used by the trainees from the two countries. Adoption of the Statement of Significance tool, King’s College London introduced this tool which assesses the value of a structure, which was tested at the site of Iunca. The monument, area or landscape in order to trainees from Department of Antiquities of understanding it importance as an aggregate of Libya and the Institut National du Patrimoine those values in relation to the local community de Tunisie.have used it to assess both tangible and stakeholder groups (King’s College and intangible values of buildings and sites to London) inform their decisions about what to document and protect, as well as how to engage with the public.
Training in Action: Training Programme
Training at Iunca, Tunisia (July 2017 to September 2019) The programme comprised a number of training sessions throughout the two and half years of the project, and the development of mini-projects by the trainees, undertaken between training sessions, in order to practice and strengthen their newly-acquired skills.
The training started on 1st July 2017 and was completed on 26th September 2019. A total of 26 weeks of training took place during that period, comprising activities in the classroom and in the field. The training sessions were organised as follows (for names and institutions of participants see Appendix 1):
Year 1
1. General training (4 weeks in July 2017) for 36 trainees o Training in field survey, GIS and geophysics (DU), photogrammetry (UCL), site conservation and heritage management (KCL), use of the HeDAP system (DU), and classification of objects (FML). 2. Advanced training (2 weeks in January-February 2018) for 13 selected trainees o Integrated training in specialised aspects of documentation and GIS (DU), photogrammetry and drones (UCL), and condition assessment and site management (KCL). 3. Evaluation workshop (1 week in April-May 2018) for 13 selected trainees o Evaluating the results of the mini-projects (DU, KCL and UCL) and organisation of the Festival of Iunca (public engagement and outreach activities by KCL). 4. Training on recording of archaeological objects, organisation of the illicit traffic, use of the HeDAP for object recording.
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Group year 1 field survey training
Year 2
5. General training (2 weeks in June 2018) for 18 new trainees, supported by 13 advanced trainees from Year 1 acting as facilitators o Training in GIS (DU), photogrammetry (UCL), and site conservation and heritage management (KCL) and practical public engagement through a stakeholder workshop with local civil society groups (KCL), 6. General training (3 weeks in September 2018) for 20 new trainees, supported by 13 advanced trainees from Year 1 acting as facilitators o Training in field survey (GPS), GIS, geophysics and HeDAP and the national Museum database (DU). The training also focused on first aid of monuments using Church 2, building documentation in support of its conservation, including mosaic and walls (DU). 7. Advanced training (10 days in October-November 2018) for 13 selected trainees from Year 2 only o Integrated training in specialised aspects of documentation and GIS (DU), photogrammetry (UCL), condition assessment and site management (KCL), and engagement with civil society and outreach activities (KCL). 8. Evaluation workshop (2 days in January 2019) for all 26 advanced trainees from Years 1 and 2 o All trainees presented the results of their mini-projects at a two-day conference held at the Institut National du Patrimoine in Tunis.
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Advanced Training year 2
Year 3 The project, which was due to finish in March 2019, received follow-on funding from the British Council and, therefore, was extended until December 2019. During this extension the following activities were carried out: 9. Focused training on HeDAP (7 days in May 2019 by DU) for 12 trainees o Training on the HeDAP and the database and the creation of the National Museum database. The meeting was also attended by the touristic police to discuss the organisation of the Illicit traffic. Data collected in the museums and on open sites were transferred into the database. Over 3000 objects have been recorded in Libya, and 2800 in Tunisia. The meeting was also attended by engineers to train them in the system to assure its long-term maintenance. 10. Advanced training (3 weeks in June/July 2019) for 26 advanced trainees o Training in geophysical survey and integrated GIS and photogrammetry (DU – 2 weeks) to provide documentation in support of condition assessment; condition assessment, material deterioration, heritage management and stakeholder engagement (KCL – 1 week); HeDAP and its database (Durham – 10 days); recording, planning and site conservation at Church 3 in Iunca (DU – 3 weeks). In addition to the advanced trainees, the training also included Tunisian conservators. 11. Advanced training (2 weeks in September 2019) for 9 selected trainees o Training on drones, importing data and applications with the QGIS (Durham), and on the HeDAP and the implementation of national museum database (Durham).
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Final Conference end of year 2
During the main sessions (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9) training activities took place in the field and in the classroom. The chosen site for fieldwork was the multi-period coastal archaeological area of Iunca (extending to approx. 200 ha), 50 km south-west of Sfax in the south of Tunisia. For all the different strands of training, field data collection was followed by desk-based activities of data processing and discussions of the results. Between training sessions, participants selected for the advanced training were asked to develop what we called “mini-projects” in order to practice and strengthen their newly acquired skills, focused on methods and approaches to heritage documentation and management. These were selected with their national institutions based on current priorities, then mentored remotely by the project team and reviewed in person during the training sessions. Participants built teams and managed colleagues during the mini-projects while applying the skills they had learnt during the training. This embedded the knowledge more deeply, because the work was completed on familiar materials, while also transferring skills to those who were unable to attend. The selection of the advanced trainees was based on a number of criteria recorded on observations during the general training session. These criteria included not only selecting individuals that had shown a particular ability to grasp the new concepts and skills, but also participants that demonstrated an active interest in applying the new methods and approaches to their daily work. Moreover, we were looking for individuals that showed the potential to become trainers and leaders who could establish and lead new working teams in different aspects of heritage documentation and managements within the Department of Antiquities of Libya and Insitut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie, both during and after the end of the training. We deemed this to be a fundamental criterion of the selection as it is the only way to guarantee sustainability beyond the financial scope of the project.
12 The training by Durham University: Documentation of Cultural Heritage
In line with the holistic approach this strand of training was devoted to the documentation of cultural heritage. Durham conducted both field and desk-based training on:
Field survey techniques (GPS) Geophysical survey (magnetometry) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Pottery cataloguing (guest training from the University of Aix-Marseilles) Photogrammetry (from April 2019) Drones (from April 2019) On-site rescue and recording of buildings at risk First aid on-site restoration
This first part of the training aimed to produce skilled archaeologists capable of recording sites and buildings and using GIS as a tool for mapping threats and prioritising site controls in order to develop an effective and reliable system for the management of the heritage. The training has been conducted primarily at the site of Iunca. The training on the rescue and recording of buildings at risk and the first aid on site restoration, combined with photogrammetry and stratigraphic reading of standing structures, has been carried out on Church 3 at Iunca.
Identified through Leone’s archival work (Changing Townsapes in North Africa from Late Antiquity to the Arab conquest, published in 2007) it is clear that many Roman and post-Roman sites in Libya and Tunisia are under risk, due to the high number of excavations and the exposure of structures during the colonial period and the lack of resources which are now be necessary to maintain them. It is in light of this situation that the work at Church 3 was developed: both countries have many monuments in this condition which require rescue. This latter part of the training started in Year 2 and was conducted with the specific intention of adding a new more detailed aspect of the site recording and management skills focusing specifically on rescue of these monuments. All the professional archaeologists working in both countries have similar cases in the sites under their control.
Overall this training brought about a number of advantages for the two Libyan and Tunisian partner’s institutions.: 1. The creation of a large number of new dataset through the mini projects , GPS survey of new geographical areas (Tarhuna, Beni Ualid, Cyrene, Iunca, Thyna) and the progressive development of an integrated GIS system for the managements of sites and landscape; 2. Definition of the buffer zone of a number of sites, to include some UNESCO sites as Cyrene, Sabratha and Lepcis Magna, and Iunca and Thyna in Tunisia; 3. The geophysical survey of some sites in proximity of urban areas in support of the deinfition of the buffer zone; mapping of new structures across both regions (see below mini projects); the creation of a new team of skilled archaeologists who could lead the implementation of the GIS with new data and definition of threats and priorities.
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Geophysical survey training
The Training by Durham University: Rapid Recording of Movable Objects and their Protection (HeDAP), and the Creation of the National Museum Database
The HeDAP app and the associated database have been developed by Durham University in order to create a National Museum Database – a complete catalogue including all objects contained In museums, storerooms and on open sites – in order to enable the better management of the museum collections and protect these materials from looting and illicit traffic. It is a sustained contribution to producing an app that can be used around the world by different organisations. By using it here, however, it has given these countries at risk new capacity to protect their museum collections. This aspect of the project also aims to facilitate the collaboration between the Department of Antiquities of Libya, the Institut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie, the customs police and international policemen. Customs policemen took part in the training. The HeDAP training also included the development of outreach activities for museums.
Object recording at the store room of Thyna (Tunisia) and Germa (Libya)
Overall this training has provided a new set of data for the museum database overall 6000 objects have been recorded between the two countries, which are now stored into the database. Each partner (Tunisia, Libya east and Libya west) have received from the project a powerful desktop with a back up system for the storage and the management of the database. The final aim is to complete the implementation of the database and to provide a powerful tool to protect the portable objects from looting and the illicit traffic. The setting of the desktop and the database has been used to develop a skilled unit who will be responsible for the management of the National Museum database and will liaise directly with the international police.
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HeDAP training
The training by University College London: Photogrammetry and Drones (until March 2019)
In relation to the holistic approach this strand of training also focused on the documentation of cultural heritage through:
Photogrammetry Drones
The training focused on introducing the participants to the techniques and methods of photogrammetric recording, the use of geolocation tools such as handheld GPS units, and establishing digital workflows in discussion with the participants. Recent and inexpensive technologies for photogrammetry were used to demonstrate the range of possibilities and applications. Participants implemented these methods widely at the sites of Iunca and Thyna, as well as in the Sfax Museum, using equipment ranging from mobile devices to Digital SLRs. Drone flights were used to show their potential to the participants and to train them in the basics of flying, processing data and using the subsequent images and models, in relation to the photogrammetric techniques learnt previously. The drone training was complicated by the difficulty of obtaining the permission to bring the drone into Tunisia and the permits to fly them. After March 2019 this part of the training was taken over by Durham university.
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Setting the grid for Photogrammetry
The training by King’s College London: Heritage Management and Public Engagement
With regard to the holistic approach, the KCL component of the training focused on heritage management:
Condition and Risk Assessments: prioritisation of possible interventions to create action plans aimed at stabilizing structures Heritage Values Assessments and the Statement of Significance Stakeholder and Local Community Engagement Outreach Activities
The training focused on establishing a working protocol which adapts the holistic, values-based approach for heritage management initiated by the Getty, and developed by Wootton and his collaborators during work on the management of Libyan mosaics, and integrating it with elements from the other training: photogrammetry (UCL) and GIS (DU). The training focused on taking the recording from the other two teams and building on new assessments focused on the condition of and risks to the heritage. From this, participants produced a set of priorities, with possible interventions for each, from which they could create action plans. In addition participants were taught how to assess the values and significance of heritage sites. These formed a further layer of understanding which contributes to an overall strategy for site management. This new knowledge was used to engage members of the local community via outreach activities and stakeholder workshops. Events were planned and implemented for various age groups, from children to adults, whether members of the general public or with particular interests in the site. Through these activities, three outreach events and three stakeholder workshops were organised. We aimed to establish new networks between our trainees and the local community, disseminate information about the project, strengthen ties between the public and their heritage, and demonstrate the value of such work when it comes to protecting shared archaeological resources and connecting our trainees with the local community of the sites where we are working
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Condition assessement in the field
Overall The aim of the training was to transfer skills related to data collection, processing and analysis, in particular the mapping of threats and their prioritization, team management and decision making. Combining these documentation techniques and methods results in improved understanding of the nature and extent of archaeological sites and landscapes, so that new and more complete databases of ‘archaeology’ are available for monitoring and protection. The wider scope of the training aims for the combination of documentation with condition (and risk) assessment towards a more informed heritage management protocol. Numerous sites in Tunisia and Libya are in need of both better documentation and updated management plans, so the application of this integrated approach during the training has had significant impact at the site of Iunca itself, where it was applied to produce new documentation and assessments, but has had further impact once deployed in country during the participants’ mini projects.
Training new practitioners in heritage recording and protection
Overall the project has a major impact on the staff members of the two partner institutions, the Department of Antiquities of Libya and the Institut National du Patrimoine. The impact goes beyond the 72 trainees who took part to the project and the 26 who were part of the advanced training. In fact the structure in phases, allied with the mini projects, has boosted activities in all regions and encouraged the involvement of many others professional archaeologists employed by the two institutions. Our trainees have trained around 85 new people in skills related to the project, the majority being involved in the setting up and development of the National Museum database and the recording the archaeological materials. In the questionnaires collected at the end of the conference in Tunis in January 2019, after two years of the project, the 100% of the trainees involved in the HeDAP indicated that the project
17 has changed substantially their understanding of the importance of cataloguing materials and increasing the awareness of the local populations to fight against the illicit traffic. The training on the organisation of the illicit traffic and the workshops with the police as well as a meeting organised by Durham University in collaboration with Interpol at the Institut National du Patrimoine in December 2018 with the National and international Police and some of the trainees working with the HeDAP has favoured contacts, collaborations and increased the understanding of the procedures to follow in order to collaborate more effectively in preventing the illicit traffic. Representative of this respect is for instance the testimony of one of our trainees involved in the setting and development of the use of the HeDAP; Faraj Telawi (Head of Museums – Department of Antiquities of Libya) in his document presented in September 2019 as a reflection of his experience in the project he wrote: “This modern technology has seriously changed the thinking of museum management and the Department of Antiquities in Libya by using it in documenting its museums and stores. In particular, several meetings were held in May 2019, what was drawn from these meeting was the establishment of an administrative plan for the HeDAP system. It was presented to the head of the Department of Antiquities and some officials and it was approved” (translated from Arabic).
Equally significant has been the impact on the trainees whose work has focused on different aspects of recording (Survey, geophysical survey, photogrammetry, site management). 100% of our advanced trainees responded to the questionnaire indicating that the training has changed their way of approaching and understanding heritage management. The impact is extended beyond the techniques and the approaches, to include their leadership skills, ability to identify priorities, allocate the required methodologies for a project, ascertain the right skills and team members, and define a budget and timetable. Overall the training has allowed them to become fully equipped archaeologists as well as excellent team leaders and managers. This was one of the main goals of the project, whose final aim was in fact to support the formation of independent leaders who could work independently after the end of the project, to ensure a long-term impact on the two partner organisations, the DoA and the INPO. This is demonstrated for instance in the reflections on the training by Nadia Tebai (INP), when she said: “ This training programme has been extremely well planned in all its phases, which has greatly improved my understanding on the different methodologies to approach the terrain and to use strategically the different methodologies, the use of the GIS for the management of the heritage. All the aspects of the training have allowed me to capitalise on my knowledge and understanding of these methodologies as well as enhance my organisational skills” (translated from French).
And of Nasser Alharari (DoA)
‘Throughout Training in Action project, we developed our capabilities and skills in the management and protection of archaeological heritage using modern technologies. This training was delivered by specialized experts in the field, they have played a big role in changing our style and our way of dealing with heritage and its management. These skills make it easier for us to propose and manage out mini-projects that we were asked to deliver as part of the project’
And from Abu Bakr (DoA)
The new skills we acquired through the project have contributed to my efficiency in protecting cultural heritage. It provided information that was directly relevant to field work practices and created an interactive working environment with my colleagues.
And from Musbah (DoA)
‘…thanks to what I have learned from this project, I know very well how to deal with archaeological sites starting from documentation, condition assessment, analysis of the collected data and the
18 identification of risks and threats. It also involved proposing interventions, and involving the local community and decision-makers to work together to preserve and protect archaeological sites.’
And from Kais (INP)
‘This project has positively influenced my daily work, especially in identifying locations and geographic distribution of a site and producing high quality maps. I have been disseminating this new knowledge and sharing it with my colleagues at INP, both technicians and engineers, by training them on the use of GIS and photogrammetry’
And from Abdulsamad Alshyin (DoA)
‘The school pupils benefited from field visits to some monuments in Germa and Fezzan. It added new information about the sites and its history, and they discovered things they have never seen before, and get to know more about our heritage in the country.’
And from Abdullah Naili (INP)
‘I have involved most of my colleagues in Gabès in the mini-project, documenting and put an action plan for Burj Bashima. Three of them weren’t part of the project and another three were in the first year of the project. The aim was to transfer the total knowledge and skills acquired to colleagues who did not have the opportunity to participate in the training course and I believe that we were successful in doing that’
Training in Action: Sustaining Impact through the Mini-Projects and contributing to heritage protection and its wider understanding
The advanced trainees from Year 1 and the new trainees that joined the project in Year 2 had developed their own practice further by conducting mini-projects. The aim was for the trainees to test their skills by collecting new data, entering that dataset into GIS in order to monitor sites and buildings, map threats and develop priorities and interventions which contribute to a well-structured heritage management system. The project offered them specific materials and tutorials to support the training which is available through the project website (www.traininginaction.org). There are 33 mini projects and their results were presented during the conference organised in January (22nd-23rd) 2019 at INP Tunis. In Year 3, the trainees continued to work on their mini projects developing more advances skilled techniques in both analysis and interpretation. The mini projects were developed in collaboration with the local partner Institutions to ensure full support of the planned activities. As a result some mini projects fed into the documentation required for the UNESCO reports as stated in the Libyan UNESCO report WHC/19/43.COM/7A.Add.2, therefore contributing to the DoA’s aim to remove their World Heritage Sites from the in-danger list.
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Map with location of all mini projects
TRAINEES MINI PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND IMPACT
Integrated methodology (GIS, Photogrammetry and Condition Assessment)
1. Héla Mekki Madrassa "Sidi ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plans using GIS and + Yassine Lakhal Moussa Jemni" – 3D models using photogrammetry and the integration (INP - Tunisia) damaged by water of these data into the GIS to support condition and humidity, at assessment; produced a condition assessment of the risk of rapid complex and proposed an action plan for immediate, deterioration medium- and long-term interventions. Prepared a statement of significance for the site; undertook outreach activities with local communities IMPACT: Creation of new maps and 3D models, use of GIS as tool for management protection and creation of long-term plan for the protection of the monument; identification of conservation priorities and plan for protection of monument now in use by INP - Gabes. Another 5 INP staff were trained during the mini project. Improved local understanding of the site based on feedback received.
2. Abdullah Naili Roman Tower of ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plan and 3D model with the support Bechima at risk of using photogrammetry and new condition of other trainees collapse assessments, all integrated into the GIS to assess and (INP - Tunisia) monitor the risks to the complex. IMPACT: Using our integrated approach resulted in the production of new documentation based on
20 mapping, photogrammetry, and GIS as a tool of management and protection of the monument (in use by INP); creation of an action plan for immediate, medium- and long-term interventions (now in records of INP – Gabes).
3. Anouar Mosque Saadeh in ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plan and 3D model Berchich the Historic city of using photogrammetry and new condition (INP - Tunisia) Sfax at risk of assessments, all integrated into the GIS to assess and collapse monitor the risks to the complex. IMPACT: Using our integrated approach resulted in the production of new documentation based on mapping, photogrammetry, and GIS as a tool of management and protection of the monument by INP; creation of an action plan for immediate, medium- and long-term interventions (now in records of INP – Sfax).
4.1 Mahmoud Sabratha – theatre ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plan and 3D model Hadia & Ahmed damaged by armed using photogrammetry to assess condition, specifically Masoud conflict on site the damage in the aftermath of the armed conflict; all (DoA - Libya) which used the integrated into the GIS to assess and monitor the risks monument as shield to the complex. A new damage assessment sheet was created by the project and used at Sabratha. IMPACT: Using our integrated approach resulted in the production of new documentation based on mapping, photogrammetry, and GIS as a tool of management and protection of the monument; creation of new condition and risk assessments for the damaged monuments, used in DoA report to UNESCO; 5 new staff members were trained.
Lepcis Magna, ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plan and 3D model 4.2. Mahmoud Hunting Baths – using photogrammetry and new condition Hadia & Ahmed paintings damaged assessments, all integrated into the GIS to assess and Masoud by humidity and monitor the risks to the complex. (DoA - Libya) structure effected IMPACT: Using our integrated approach resulted in by coastal the production of new documentation based on environment mapping, photogrammetry, and GIS as a tool of management and protection of the monument; creation of new condition and risk assessments for the monuments including list of priorities. This new documentation is now in use by the Department of Antiquities of Libya to plan the protection of the monument.
5. Musbah Abd Bani Waleed – ACTIVITIES: Field survey, 3D model using Elhafid monuments at risk photogrammetry and new condition assessments, all (DoA - Libya) of collapse and integrated into the GIS to assess and monitor the risks subject to to the complex. vandalism IMPACT: mapping of sites and new data into the GIS, assessment of condition and threats, and mapping of the vandalism to the monuments in the region and identification of priorities. Now used to manage and to protect archaeological sites in the region by the
21 Department of Antiquities of Libya.
6. Nesrine Derbel Church at the site ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plan and 3D model & Nizar ben Ad Aquas – using photogrammetry and production of condition Slimene & Amina documentation of a assessments, all integrated into the GIS to assess risks Ferjani (INP - newly uncovered to the complex. Tunisia) monument IMPACT: Using our integrated approach resulted in the production of new documentation based on mapping, photogrammetry, and GIS as a tool of management and protection of this monument set in an urban context; creation of new condition and risk assessments for the monument now in use by the INP to protect the site; 2 new staff members trained.
7. Fouad el Byzantine Baths in ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plan and 3D model Gumati (DoA- Tocra - in need of using photogrammetry and production of condition Libya) documentation for assessments, all integrated into the GIS to assess risks management and to the complex. protection IMPACT: Using our integrated approach resulted in the production of new documentation based on mapping, photogrammetry, and GIS as a tool of management and protection of this monument set in an urban context; creation of new condition and risk assessments for the monument; the new documentation is now in use by the Department of Antiquities of Libya to protect the monument; 3 new staff members trained.
8. Imen Elaskri Henchir Bourgou - ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plan and 3D model (INP - Tunisia) in need of using photogrammetry and production of condition documentation for assessments, all integrated into the GIS to assess risks management and to the complex. protection IMPACT: Using our integrated approach resulted in the production of new documentation based on mapping, photogrammetry, and GIS as a tool of management and protection of this monument set in an urban context; creation of new condition and risk assessments for the monument. The new documentation produced is now in use by the INP. 3 new staff members trained.
9. Nabil Thyna, Baths – ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plan and 3D model Belmabrouk & documentation for using photogrammetry and production of condition Amna Ben Azouz management and assessments, all integrated into the GIS to assess risks protection to the complex IMPACT: Using our integrated approach resulted in the production of new documentation based on mapping, photogrammetry, and GIS as a tool of management and protection of this monument set in an urban context; creation of new condition and risk assessments for the monument. The new documentation produced is now in use by the INP to facilitate the management and the protection and the management of the monument . 10.Nadia Tebai Kasar chouline, ACTIVITIES: Creation of 2D plan and 3D model
22 (INP Tunisia) Maatmata – using photogrammetry and production of condition documentation for assessments, all integrated into the GIS to assess risks management and to the complex. Field survey to identify the buffer protection zone,. IMPACT: Using our integrated approach resulted in the production of new documentation based on mapping, photogrammetry, and GIS as a tool of management and protection of this monument; creation of new condition and risk assessments for the monument. The new documentation produced is now in use by INP to facilitate the management and the protection and the management of the monument .
GIS integrated with archival material and remote sensing
11. Naser Alhrari Cyrene – definition ACTIVITIES: GIS combined with use of remote (DoA - Libya) of the buffer zone sensing and newly digitised archival material mapping and IMPACT: definition of the buffer zone for the monitoring threats identification of threats from urban sprawl and creation of a new set of data in the GIS for the management of the site in use by the DoA to protect the UNESCO site of Cyrene, These data will feed into the UNESCO report.
12. Kaïs Trabelsi Circus area in ACTIVITIES: GIS combined with use of remote (INP - Tunisia) Carthage – sensing and newly digitised archival material definition of the IMPACT: definition of the buffer zone for the buffer zone identification of threats from urban sprawl and mapping and creation of a new set of data in the GIS for the monitoring threats management of the site in use by the INP to protect the UNESCO site of Carthage, These data will feed into the UNESCO report.
Archaeological Survey for mapping and protecting new sites
13. Ahmed Survey of the ACTIVITIES: Field survey with GPS pottery study, Masoud southern part of the integrated into GIS. (DOA - Libya) Tarhuna region. IMPACT: acquisition of new site records and creation of digitised maps in GIS for the long-term management and protection of sites in the region. The data and the GIS are used to map threats and Vandalism, create risk maps and create a long-term plan for the protection of the region. The new documentation is now in use by the Department of Antiquities of Libya and the Tarhuna Council for the protection of the heritage of the region. This activity is particularly important as the area is now severely hit by the conflict, with numerous bombing events.
Geophysical Survey for the identification of the buffer zone
14. Héla Mekki Geophysical ACTIVITIES: Geophysical survey
23 (INP - Tunisia) Survey in Gabes IMPACT: Recognition of the buffer zone to protect the area from threats and urban expansion. Data, integrated into the GIS, are now used by the INP to manage and protect the site.
15. Amna ben Survey the Western ACTIVITIES: Geophysical survey Azouz (INP part of the site of IMPACT: Recognition of the buffer zone to protect Tunisia) Thyna the area from threats and urban expansion. Data, integrated into the GIS, are now used by the INP to manage and protect the site.
16. Fouad el Survey and ACTIVITIES: Geophysical survey Gumati &Hani El documenting the IMPACT: Recognition of the buffer zone to protect Abdali (DoA - site of Tocra the area from threats and urban expansion. Data, Libya) integrated into the GIS, are now used by the DoA to manage and protect the site. 17. Mahmoud Surveys of Qaser ACTIVITIES: Geophysical survey to define the Hadia (DoA Alakyar and Zwara buffer zone and define threats from the urban sprawl Libya) IMPACT: recognition of the buffer zone to protect the area from threats and urban expansion. Data, integrated into the GIS, are now used by the DoA to manage and protect this portion of the territory under the control of the UNESCO site of Lepcis Magna.
Awareness raising and outreach activities
18. Ali Raising Awareness ACTIVTIES: creation of bilingual site panels in Khalafallah in Acacus Arabic and local languages for the rock art sites in the (DoA - Libya) Acacus; pop-up exhibitions and leaflets about sites; assessment of the condition of the rock art, the main threats and plans for protection IMPACT: increased awareness of how to better protect the heritage in the Acacus among the local population as result of signage, leaflets, media appearances, pop-up exhibitions and events, and associated feedback; new condition and risk assessments for management and protection in use by the DoA.
19. Hussain Eldali Raising Awareness ACTIVITIES: conducted outreach activities on the & Faraj Eltelawi in Lepcis Magna site replicating the activities for children conducted (DoA-Libya) during the training at Iunca; secured sponsors for the event and appeared on local news channels; produced new site panels with site interpretation in Arabic IMPACT: increased awareness of the importance of the site as a result of signage and events, and associated feedback, in use by the DoA
20. Rached Outreach activities ACTIVITIES: conducted outreach activities and site Hamdi (INP - in Acholla visits for school children and adults, replicating the Tunisia) training at Iunca; creation of a heritage club at a primary school in the region, as well as an event at Acholla Spring Festival during the celebration of
24 Tunisian Heritage Month. IMPACT: Increased knowledge and understanding of the site of Acholla in the region amongst the local community based on events and associated feedback, in use by the INP
21. Abdulsamad Outreach activities ACTIVITIES: conducted outreach activities with Alshyn (DoA - in Fezzan local schools and groups of adults; lectures for schools Libya) on the Garamantes, co-produced with team members, and creation of leaflets on how to protect the archaeology of Garamantian societies; participated in a documentary about local cultural heritage broadcast on national Libya TV IMPACT: increase awareness on the history and the importance of sites in Fezzan for schools and local populations, and associated feedback, in use by the DoA.
HeDAP/National Museum database
22. Mohamed Object Recording ACTIVITIES: create a team of 20 people and train Buhleigha (DoA - using Hedap them to record objects in museum storerooms of Libya) Cyrene , Sousa, Qasr Libya, Beyda, Tocra, Ptolemais and the corresponding sites. IMPACT: creation of newly-skilled archaeologists; implementation of the National Museum database with over 2734 objects recorded across the East of Libya to improve the management of museums and the protection of archaeological materials. The data collection is used to build up the National Museum database by the DoA.
23. Rached Object Recording ACTIVITIES: Create a team of 6 people and train Hamdi (INP - using Hedap them to record objects in the museums, storerooms Tunisia) and archaeological sites of Sfax and Thyna. Instruct 9 archaeologists on the use of the HeDAP and its database across Tunisia. Following these training, the following museums have now started to use the HeDAP and the database: Museums of Carthage, Sousse, Gabes and the site of Uthina. IMPACT: creation of 9 newly-skilled museum staff at the INP, improvement of the quality of the dataset for the management and the protection of archaeological materials from illicit traffic; implementation of the National Museum database with more than 526 objects by the INP.
24. Faraj Telawi Object Recording ACTIVITIES: Training of colleagues in the use of + Abdullah using Hedap the HeDAP and the National Museum database and Hamida (DoA - recording of objects in the museums of Lepcis, Zliten Libya) and the Red Castle and on the site of Lepcis Magna IMPACT: creation of 20 newly-skilled museum staff, improvement of the quality of the dataset for the
25 management and the protection of archaeological materials from illicit traffic; implementation of the database with 2,634 objects by the DoA
25. Abubakr Object Recording ACTIVITIES: training of 2 newly-skilled Aldada using Hedap archaeologists and record of objects on the site and in (DoA - Libya) the museum IMPACT:. creation of 2 newly-skilled museum staff, improve the quality of the dataset for the management and the protection of archaeological materials from illicit traffic; implement the database with 226 objects by the DoA. The recording at the Museum and store rooms of Jerma is particularly important as the museum was subject to vandalism and destruction after the revolution in 2011.
26. Rym Jrad Object Recording ACTIVITIES: Recording objects at Djerba museum (INP – Tunisia) using Hedap with the HeDAP IMPACT: recording and implementing the database with 164 objects by the INP.
27. Amina Ferjani Object recording ACTIVITIES: recording of objects at the site and in (INP- Tunisia) using HeDAP the store room of Uthina with the HeDAP IMPACT: recording and implementing the database with 159 objects by the INP.
28. Sana Ben Object recording ACTIVITIES: recording of objects at the site of Ammar using HeDAP Carthage with the HeDAP (INP - Tunisia) IMPACT: recording and implementing the database with 75 objects by the INP.
29. Fouad el Recording Kufic ACTIVITIES: Recording Kufic inscriptions across Gumati &Hani El inscriptions of Cyreanica using the HeDAP, provide new storage Abdali (DoA - Cyrenaica (funded space and secure storerooms for a long-term Libya) by Prince Klaus) protection of these materials IMPACT: recording and implement the database with 167 new records by the DoA, provide storage and security for the inscriptions
HeDAP and museum outreach activities
29. Rym Jrad Outreach activities ACTIVITIES: design outreach activities centred (INP - Tunisia) at the museum of around the importance of recording objects and Dejrba protecting them for schools and implementing these activities with school children IMPACT: campaign by the INP to increase the awareness of the importance of recording and preserving the archaeological materials to prevent looting
30. Fouad el Outreach activities ACTIVITIES: design outreach activities centred Gumati on the Kufic around the importance of recording objects and (DoA - Libya) inscriptions and the protecting them for schools and implement these importance of activities with school children recording IMPACT: increased awareness of the importance of
26 recording and preserving the archaeological materials to prevent looting
The Impact of the work at the site of Iunca
The training in Iunca conducted by Durham University in particular has also generated a full set of new data and new research materials. The training conducted at the site of Iunca has provided the opportunity to undertake research on the site, whose results will be planned in a volume. In terms of the site protection and improvements the following goals have been achieved:
1. Definition of the buffer zone to protect the site from modern interventions nad potential threats to the site(Durham University) 2. Detailed analysis of the fort and its phases of construction (Durham University) 3. Rescue of the church 3 excavated in 1950’s, though new plan, 3Dmodel, recording of structures, first aid conservation and long-term planning for the preservation and valorisation of the monument (Durham University)
Photogrammetry by Durham University at the Church 3 after the cleaning, recording and first aid conservation
4. Explicative panels for the site and the monument (in collaboration between INP and Durham University) 5. Leaflets for the public on the site (in collaboration between INP, Durham University) 6. New condition and risk assessment of the fort as well as a prioritised list of interventions for immediate action (KCL). A report was produced and submitted to the INP in June 2018 which
27 detailed the current risks to human life and to the architectural integrity. All risks were characterized and a set of recommendations made to ensure human safety and the protection of the structure. 7. Three stakeholder workshops were organised (KCL), where local NGO’s, governmental bodies, universities and other charitable committees came together to agree a statement of significance and future visions to the site of Iunca with the INP. One workshop with local stakeholders (Durham University) was organised presenting the scientific results of the research at Iunca 8. Three activities were organised (KCL) at the site of Iunca, that promoted cultural heritage and its protection amongst the local community.
Activities with children at the site of Iunca
The impact of externally funded mini projects
One of the aims of the project was to create independent professional archaeologists who could act as leaders, design projects and seek out funding in order to implement them. The successful delivery of this aspect of the project can be proved by two mini projects have received funds from external bodies: • The Kufic inscriptions of Cyrenaica (collaboration between the DoA and Durham) – supported by the Prince Claus Fund, CER programme for documentary heritage under threat (total of €13,000). The funds were provided to make a complete catalogue of all the Kufic inscription of Cyrenaica. Looting, destruction, vandalism, and removal of these inscriptions were the main threats. The project’s outcomes were: 1. Inscriptions on loose stones have been brought into store after cataloguing; 2. Inscriptions on the walls of buildings will be management through a detailed plan created at the end of the project using GIS for recording and monitoring of these materials; 3. Recording was done with the HeDAP app and the inscriptions are now safely stored in the centrally-managed database; 4. Storerooms have been secured with strong doors and alarms systems.
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Recording of Kufic inscriptions at the church of Ptolmeita
• The Manuscripts of the Madrassa of Sidi Moussa Jemni – funded by the Prince Claus Funds, CER programme for documentary heritage under threat (€20,000). The work was already done on the assessment of condition of the Madrassa (see above mini project 1), when the issue of the library of the Madrassa, containing numerous ancient manuscripts, came to light. The manuscripts were damaged by the humidity and had to be taken out and conserved. The funds for the conservation have been provided by Prince Claus to the INP.
Protecting Heritage for the Future: Results and Future plans a) Defining the buffer zones, recording and assessing condition of monuments
Numerous mini projects have focused on the protection of sites. One of the major issues for heritage management is the lack of a detailed digital record of all the archaeological sites and monuments to be protected. The definition of the buffer zone and the mapping of sites into a GIS is also an essential tool for identification of threats and for long-term planning. The site of Iunca, our training field, is very significant. The site develops along the coasts, and it has to be protected against plans of developing coastal routes in order to attract tourists. One of the key elements that our project has taught to the trainees is that the protection of the heritage, supersedes everything, if necessary, even the development of more touristic opportunities. These latter have to be carefully planned to maximise results and reduce the destructive impact to sites. A number of our projects have also been essential in order to support the gathering of new data for reports to UNESCO regarding WHS as, for instance, at Cyrene and Carthage. The survey conducted at Tarhuna as one of the mini projects, now a place of repeated bombing, has proved the efficacy of this management system. The creation of the GIS with all the sites and associated data from the region is now key to the protection and the long-term memory of the heritage of that area. If archaeological sites have been destroyed by the repeated bombing, the records in the structured GIS will, at least, guarantee some survival.
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Iunca – Definition of the buffer zone (limit of the ancient city to define the area to protect – result of field survey conducted by Durham University
The combined use of GIS, photogrammetry and condition assessments has increased the capacity to protect heritage and to evaluate the impact of actions and events on buildings. The document designed for the fort of Iunca provides a key basic element to develop a long-term protection plan for an important structure, equally the GIS and the 3D model and photogrammetry has provided the basic material for its protection. The work done at the theatre of Sabratha, a place of recent battle, has shown that the recording has to be preventive (to gather data in case sites are at risk or destroyed), but equally the same methodology can be used to evaluate the impact of conflict on structures and provide materials for planning rescue operations. The work at Church 3 in Iunca has taken this approach forward to the micro level when conducting the rescue of a monument, moving from the risk assessment to the detailed recording, and first aid restoration in order to secure the monument and prepare the structure for a more complex intervention to guarantee longer term protection. All these elements have shown the key importance of an integrated approach and the creation of GIS unit to use this system as a way of protecting and managing the landscape and the monuments effectively. b) The HeDAP and the National Museum database: a work in progress and different applications
30 A meeting – International Collaborative meeting on Data Protection and security to fight against the illicit traffic of Antiquities– was held on 12th June 2018 at ICOM/UNESCO in Paris hosted by ICOM and the discussion was centred around the issues of looting and the need of the creation of a National Museum database using a shared system. The meeting was attended by: Durham University: Anna Leone (Department of Archaeology), Marco Nebbia (Department of Archaeology), John Brennan (Department of Computer Science), Boguslaw Obara (Department of Computer Science); the British Council – Cultural Protection Fund: Alexander Bishop and Catriona Macpherson; the Institut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie: Faouzi Mahfoudh (Directeur General); Ammar Othman (Charge de Recherches- Sfax); the Department of Antiquities of Libya: Mustafa Turjman (Liaison with International Missions); the University of Tarhuna: Mftah Hdadd (collaborator with Durham University); the University of Benghazi - Department of Antiquities of Libya Ahmed Emrage (elected representative on behalf of the Department of Antiquities of Libya); ICOM: France Desmarais; UNESCO: Edouard Planche, Samer Abdel Ghafour, Hafed Walda: Mission archéologique Française en Libye: Vincent Michel, Morgan Belzic; INTERPOL: Corrado Catesi; OCBC: Corinne Chartrelle; ARCADIA: Maja Kominko. The HeDAP project and its database were presented and the final recommendation was made that the implementation of the project in Libya and Tunisia was a priority. The project was subsequently presented at the 10th International Symposium of the Thefts and Illicit Traffic of Art, Cultural Property and Antiquities, Hanoi (17-19 October 2018). The project received great support and we were subsequently invited to present it by the Counter Terrorism Unit of the EU at the EU Council in November 2018. Following the recommendation, the project has now been implemented in both Tunisia and Libya (See above section 6) and the Iraq government is intending to pilot the system there. As well as being used for the creation of the National Museum database, the HeDAP has shown that its application in open sites can be a major instrument for the protection of archaeological materials. Looting since the revolution has been a major issue, especially for Libya, and numerous materials have been stolen. The statues of Cyrene whose appearance on the international art market has been a serious problem (see M. Belzic, Les sculptures funéraires de la Cyrenaique sur le marché de l’art. Libyan Studies 48 (2017), 105-116), so increasing awareness of the importance of recording and protecting archaeological materials became a priority for us. The HeDAP had already identified, for example, a large number of funerary statues scattered around the necropoleis surrounding the city of Cyrene and revealed the need for urgent actions to protect them. They have now all been recorded using the HeDAP app and an urgent next step is necessary to undertake restoration and provide storage. This work, developing from Training in Action, will need to be implemented rapidly in order to secure these materials.
Enabling community knowledge and an understanding of care for heritage a) Engagement with schools
All of our trainees were very successful in developing outreach activities and engaging their local populations. Among all the activities there are few case studies we would like to present in more detail, due to the major impact they had.
1. Museum outreach activities (Durham University) In connection with the work done using the HeDAP for the creation of the National Museum database, Rym Jrad and Fouad Elgumati have worked together with us in developing activities with the use of a mock of a tablet, in the for of the HeDAP, and giving school children the opportunity to record materials and Kufic inscriptions so that they learn the value of the process.
At Djerba museum the following schools have engaged with these activities:
School Year Students
31 Ecole primaire Tawrit djerba Hai 1 Year 5-6 15 Ecole primaire Tawrit Djerba Year 5 20 Hai 2 Jardin coranique sidi Ghomrassen Pre-prep 30 Le Groupe Scolaire international Les Nouvelles Year 6 28 Générations Bousmayel Ajim Ecole primaire Hachen Djerba Year 3 and 5 10 Ecole Préparatoire Essouani djerba Year 13-14 6 Garderie Scolaire d’excellence Houmet SOUK Year 1-6 25 Garderie Scolaire Idéale Houmet Souk Year 1-6 20 Ecole primaire Houmet el Arbah Bou Nkhil Djerba Year 5 10 Ecole primaire Majine Amel Djerba Year 5 10 Régiment Scout djerba - 40
At the end of their visit 72% of the children indicated that their understanding of archaeological materials and their importance had improved and that they were aware of the necessity to preserve these objects in their original location.
In Cyreanica in connection with the Kufic inscriptions project the following schools and universities have engaged with activities. The universities were trained to use the app and catalogue objects, using materials from the Durham training
School Year Students Afac Al Aser Year 6-7 25 Afac Al Aser Year 8 30 Yousef Buker Years 13 22 Abubaker Al Rase Year 16 28 University Year Students Susa University Year 18-20 18 Tukra University Year 18-20 21
78% of the children who took part in these activities indicated that after them they understood the importance of the Kufic inscriptions for their history, something they did not have knowledge of before. In part of the activities inscriptions were reproduced easily readable and in others they were intentionally made blurry, the students also indicated that they had understood the importance of not damaging these materials
100% of the University students who engaged with the use of the HeDAP responded indicating their full understanding of the importance of recording to protect archaeological materials.
2. Community engagement (KCL) Another important set of engagement activity was carried out in the south of Libya and has been addressed most successfully, and with significant impact, in the region of Fezzan. The south of Libya, especially the Fezzan, has been subject to conflicts and has experienced raids on the museum in Germa and at several sites in the region. It is probably one of the areas most affected by the conflict in terms of heritage destruction and looting. Outreach activities and increased local awareness have been viewed as a priority here. Abdulsamad Alyshin from the DoA, and with the direct support of KCL, has been the driving force behind this task and delivered a number of activities in the region. Over the course of the project he has organised: • More than 40 trips to visit local archaeological site for around 470 school pupils • 5 trips to local archaeological site for 150 adults
32 • 55 lectures for the students about Garamantes civilization, leaflets about the sites and how to protect them. Abdulsamad has been working with 11 schools, both elementary and secondary. He has made a total of 45 trips with them, taking them to seven different heritage sites: Watwat Mausoleum, Zinkekra, Old Germa, Germa museum, the Royal Cemetery of Germa, el-Hatia Pyramids, and the cemetery of Bin Ehwaida. A total of 473 children, 193 of whom are girls, have visited these sites. In addition he has given 73 lectures at these schools. The feedback from the pupils and school teachers has been excellent, demonstrating that there has been a change in the understanding of the heritage, in particular the natural and human threats to their preservation. He visited a centre for autistic children in German to speak about Garamantian civilization and heritage. He has also put on events for adults, supported and sponsored by two local NGOs, during which he has undertaken further site visits and distributed over 500 leaflets which explain the local heritage and give guidelines on being a good custodian of it.
School School Year Students Site visits Oum AlQura Year 4 20 Ali bn Abi Taleb Year 7, 8 28 Najm Thakib Years 7, 8, 9 100 El Fakhfakha Year 7, 8 & 9 15 Kholaif Year 8 & 9 42 Alnahda Year 9 50 17th February Year 7 & 8 55 Braiek Year 7&8 29 Usama bn Ziad Year 7&8 33 Oubari Year 7, 8 &9 50 Lectures to the following schools Autism children Centre - 10 Omar Almukhtar, Germa, Tosh, Gaberoun, Afaq Alaser Year 4, 7,8 & 9 48
a) Eastern Libya: ‘Heritage for all’ The KCL team have provided the logistical and intellectual support to Libyan trainees in the East for this campaign. They have planned and implemented it, co-producing printed materials to promote and protect the site including: leaflets about the main archaeological sites in Libya and the country’s intangible cultural heritage; a colouring book for school children that includes archaeological sites; and a booklet with instruction for visiting sites safely and without damaging them. The official launch of the campaign was during May 2019, and trainees have organised and participated in various events where they distributed the printed materials. So far they have run 15 events targeting school children (two visits), two scouts events, two football matches for young children, one sports league event, one event during the re-opening of the National Tobruk Museum (60 children and 40 adults) , one site visit to Cyrene included 67 child in co-ordination with Tobruk Academy (September 2019), one site visit to the area of the Agora at Cyrene for more than 65 child from Africa Association for orphans in Baida, and another six site visits that attracted around 165 people.
b) Southern Libya: the Acacus
Our trainees Ali Ghat, DoA South, attended the training in Year 2. With the support of KCL team, he joined forces with Abdulsamad and Abubakr from Germa and started to collaborate in planning outreach activities and engaging local community in the south. He trained his colleague at Al-Owinat
33 DoA office in planning and implementing awareness-raising campaigns, creating their own called ‘Antiquities: know them, preserve them, live with them’. They achieved the following: 1. Taking part in the 24th Ghat International Tourism Festival (December 2018) attended by around 980 people from the region. They organised site visits, a pop-up exhibition and distributed around 850 leaflets. 2. Site visits targeted at the local community and the border guards with the distribution of awareness leaflets and guidance on how to protect these sites and the rock art. 3. The creation of a new collaboration between the DoA office and a local NGO in Ghat called ‘Tadara’. Together they made and installed bilingual site panels in Arabic and the indigenous language ‘Targia’ for the rock art sites in the Acacus. They have also staged pop-up exhibitions and distributed leaflets about rock art in the Acacus to promote the protection of the World Heritage Site to locals. More than 1000 leaflets were distributed at various event.
c) The impact from engaging with local communities: public engagement with stakeholders and outreach events
As part of the integrated heritage management training, the KCL team led a series of public engagement events where tangible and intangible values and local people are placed at the heart of the decision-making process. Amongst other activities, 3 workshops (July 2017, June 2018, June 2019) were organised to engage representatives from the local communities and other stakeholders in putting a management plan together and creating a future vision for the site. Outreach activities targeting different age groups were also co-produced with our trainees at the site of Iunca (July 2017 & June 2018). The events for the general public were widely published online (for example, here https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=659436771058603) and on the official channel and website of Institut National du Patrimoine (INP). Feedback was collected at the Tunisian Heritage Day and was excellent. Over 100 people attended, with most of the children (89%) saying that they had learnt something new, while over half of the adults felt a stronger connection to the site and to the community. The stakeholder workshops have involved over 50 people, and formed new connections between the participants and decision-makers in the local community. There was media interest – the event in 2019 was was live-streamed on the Facebook page of the Radio Web Mahares and Radio Shabab Mahares – and all events created a forum for the exchange of ideas and visions for the site between the various stakeholders which has changed perceptions towards heritage but also towards each other. Most importantly, as demonstrated during interviews conducted with the participants, it has created a new understanding of the value of working with local communities, especially when looking to the long-term protection of archaeological sites.
Equally Durham University concentrated on disseminating locally the results of the scientific results. New panels were created for the site of Iunca, containing the scientific results of the work conducted on the site. Moreover two workshops took place at the village of Mahares (near the iste of Iunca) presenting the scientific discoveries. The events were attended by ca 20 people and at the end of the two events a lively debate developed on the issue of protecting heritage in and around the site. Finally scientific Séance were presented at the Institut National de Tunisie,
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