*** ----> Preserving our heritage | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Preserving our heritage

ManamaHeritage is in danger more than ever. According to UNESCO, there are over 50 World Heritage sites in danger of disappearing forever. 

But we may help prevent this from happening by joining hands with the World Heritage Volunteers 2017 (WHV) campaign which will be held at the Qal’at al-Bahrain popularly known as Bahrain Fort. 

“In the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the campaign aims to mobilise youth NGOs operating in the non-formal sector to preserve and promote World Heritage through involvement in international voluntary work,” Mohammed Bukamal, Project Manager for WHV- Bahrain told
DT News. 

“The project explores the opportunity for dialogue between volunteers, youth groups, heritage & education experts involved in the promotion and protection of the selected World Heritage sites,” he said explaining about the programme held in line with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s objective of preserving and promoting world heritage sites. 

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The campaign, organised in cooperation with the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Services (CCIVS), Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities and Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage international volunteers, is hosted by Arab House Foundation that looks after WHV- Bahrain. 

When asked about the project goals, Bukamal said each project in the programme is organised by a local youth organisation or NGO where the project goals and activities are determined. “Here young people are trained to undertake concrete action and play an active role in the promotion and preservation of World Heritage,” he said.

Bukamal added: “This event will involve local people in the cross-cleaning campaign activity, planting trees and flowers in the vicinity of the fort, a campaign pledge and an entire week of maintenance with the support of the specialists.”  

Bukamal said the programme would witness volunteers and specialists from all around the world, aged between 18 to 30 years, as well as local volunteers who will highlight the historical and cultural value of the fort. 

The camps, which accommodate around 10 to 30 participants extends between one to four weeks.