The ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre, in cooperation with the UNESCO Office in Cairo, held a course on Building National Capacities for Libyan Professionals in First Aid and Risk Preparedness for Cultural Heritage in Djerba, Tunisia from 12 to 15 June 2015.
The aim of this course was to train cultural heritage professionals in Libya to undertake preventive and first aid interventions in times of crisis for risk reduction and protection of cultural heritage. It included twenty-two participants from various professional backgrounds (archaeologists, engineers and curators), coming from such Libyan cities as Tripoli, Labdah, Cyrene, Benghazi, Fezzan and Sabrathah.
Participants presented case studies of endangered cultural heritage by human threats originating from armed conflict, cultural and social problems and negligence. The presentations emphasized the significance of Libyan cultural heritage and its need for protection and maintenance. The participants also addressed the need for emergency preparedness and the lack of trained heritage professionals in Libya. The course included sessions on both first aid to historic structures and museum collections, explored through theoretical lectures in the classroom as well as practical exercises.