CER Regional Hub in the Levant

Partner organization: NGO Biladi

Since: 2021

Region of action: Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq

Overall overview: Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq have been the scene of conflict and political unrest for many years, during which cultural heritage has been actively and increasingly targeted and weaponized. Throughout this time, Lebanon, on account of its location and history, has been a relatively stable zone of cultural exchange. However, the country is currently facing a rapidly escalating economic crisis and remains notorious for the looting of cultural artefacts and illegal excavations at archaeological sites.

Extent and sources of risks: High and posed mainly by man-made disasters and economic and political instability.

Heritage at risk: Cultural practices, archaeological sites and historical cities and villages; museums and their collections; libraries and archives.

Main goals and activities:

• Become the go-to emergency response centre for the region
• Pursue capacity building and risk mapping, mitigation and preparedness
• Promote the integration of cultural first aid in disaster response mechanisms

Partner profile

NGO Biladi is an independent Lebanese non-governmental organization specialized in heritage preservation. Created in 2005, Biladi has long-term established partnerships with national and international entities.

Biladi strongly believes that heritage is a basic human right; thus, everybody should be able to know it, live it and love it. Raising awareness about the importance of tangible and intangible cultural heritage and contributing to safeguarding it are crucial for developing and fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

Biladi is active in two main areas: safeguarding and education. And Biladi believes that heritage is an essential component of cultural identity and plays an important role in promoting social cohesion.