Tag Archives: conservation
Australian heritage: A letter from Bologna
Aboriginal painting on rock surfaces. Photo: Herbert Basedow, Public domain. Source: National Museum of Australia via Wikimedia Commons
By Olivia Panetta*
In May 2020, Rio Tinto legally destroyed two rock shelters at Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region. The shelters preserved evidence of approximately 46,000 years of occupation and held profound cultural significance for the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura peoples. Australian legislation made this destruction entirely legal. It occurred specifically under ministerial consent granted through Western Australia’s Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. That is perhaps the most disturbing part: a place of extraordinary cultural importance and memory could be recognised and recorded and still the law enabled a mining company more authority over the site than it gave the people to whom the place belonged. A parliamentary inquiry followed, recommending a national framework built on free, prior and informed consent. More than six years later, such reform has not yet been enacted.
From Bologna, where my love for history and aspirations as an archaeologist led me to a Master’s in cultural heritage, I find myself thinking of Juukan Gorge. Three years on, I have realised that being on the other side of the world has brought me closer to my Australian roots. When we think of Australia, we usually picture beautiful beaches, red desert landscapes, and modern city skylines. One of the most common things I have grown up hearing, and what I believe many people associate with Australia, is that it’s a ‘young country’, still finding its feet when compared with the thousands of years of civilisation that you’re exposed to daily when walking a single street in Italy.
Italy protects its material past with a kind of reverence that I rarely encountered growing up in Australia. The porticoes of Bologna, approximately 62 kilometres of them, with some dating to the 1100s, are protected in the face of modern planning. A statute written in 1288 helped establish this continuity, and the urban fabric of the Centro Storico is maintained today. In Rome, the single Metro Line C has taken more than twenty years because of funding, engineering, and bureaucracy, but also because Italian law requires anything that signals archaeological importance, which was the reality of the construction process, to be investigated before construction can continue. Two new ‘archaeostations’ opened in December 2025, displaying the archaeological structures and artefacts uncovered during construction so those on their daily commute can walk past, like an open museum. The Italian heritage system, of course, is far from flawless, but here the archaeological past repeatedly interrupts modern urban life, emerging beneath roads and railway stations, restricting what can be built and what’s remaining almost impossible to overlook. There is pride in preserving and displaying it.
Of course, the material visibility of Australia’s past is very different. Australia’s settler-built environment is comparatively young, while its much deeper Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history is embedded primarily in Country, in cultural landscapes, waterways, rock art, engineered environments and continuing knowledge. Indigenous culture is highly visible when reproduced through tourism, national imagery or commercial design, yet the Country from which it emerges has not always received the same public recognition or legal protection.
This contrast between the two countries and the way they treat heritage is glaring. Reflecting from my small apartment in Bologna’s Centro Storico, I found myself confronting something uncomfortable: Archaeological evidence places people on the Australian continent at least 65,000 years ago, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures remain living and continuous. So, the perception of Australia as a ‘young country’ comes directly from considering its colonial past, yet why does this description remain so familiar?
For a sector like ours, the glaring difference between Italy’s near-religious preservation efforts and Australia’s gap between recommendation and reform as evidenced in the aftermath of the Juukan Gorge loss, mean there is a staggering amount of practical work still ahead for Australia. Legal protection has to mean decision-making authority, not just consultation. Western Australia briefly strengthened its cultural heritage laws, only to repeal them weeks later and return to the amended 1972 Act.
But, there are still some reasons for hope. Last July, UNESCO inscribed the Murujuga Cultural Landscape on the World Heritage List after decades of a campaign led by its Traditional Custodians. The land and seascape contain an estimated one to two million petroglyphs and record approximately 50,000 years of Ngarda-Ngarli custodianship, creativity and adaptation.
At the same time, archaeologists are identifying entirely new rock art styles in the Kimberley, with divers finding tools preserved on the seabed off the Pilbara coast and cultural evidence underwater. This work demonstrates that the sector is capable of extraordinary work that is both interdisciplinary and community-led heritage, even within systems where meaningful protection has often required a prolonged struggle.
I don’t presume to speak for the Traditional Owners, whose authority over their heritage must remain central. But, from an ocean away and while studying heritage abroad, I can question the assumptions I brought with me and to write honestly about my own country’s oldest and most vulnerable heritage, contemplating what protecting it might actually look like. Australia’s heritage stretches far beyond the story suggested by the phrase “young country”. Protecting it requires us to recognise that depth—and to ensure that the people who have cared for Country across generations have meaningful authority over what happens to it now.
*Olivia Panetta is an Australian archeologist completing her Masters at the University of Bologna.
Capacity-Building for Libraries and Archives in Iraq
Dr. Nikolas Sarris, a senior book and paper conservator, with our trainees in Iraq
HERITΛGE delivered an in-person workshop in Bagdad for the Preservation of Libraries and Archives in Iraq project. The project is realised in cooperation with The Academic Research Institute in Iraq (TARII) and supported by a grant from the American Embassy in Iraq.
It aims to strengthen the capacity of custodians of libraries and archives in Iraq and ensure the trainees can independently handle the development and management of preventive conservation projects for their institutions.
The training forms part of HERITΛGE’s broader commitment to strengthening cultural heritage resilience in regions affected by conflict and environmental pressures.
The workshop, held from 18-29 January, was delivered by Mohammad al-Mimar, Nil Baydar, Maja Kominko, Nikolas Sarris, in cooperation with the Iraq National Library and Archive. It provided instruction in Preventive Conservation, Project Development, Project Management and Fundraising .
Attended by 30 participants, the training introduced key concepts including bookbinding components and terminology, handling of archival materials, causes of paper and book deterioration, environmental control in libraries and archives, and first-aid conservation for paper artefacts.
Participants also explored environmental monitoring and data analysis, emerging environmental challenges, and risk management strategies through practical exercises. Depending on the module, trainees worked individually or in small groups of three to four participants to apply their learning.
Hands-on sessions were complemented by three study visits, one of which was to the private archive of Ahmad Sousa and another to the Imam al Husayn Shrine in Karballa, designed to showcase the preservation issues in a private archive and a religious library respectively.
A third visit took the trainees to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Samarra, where they had the opportunity to explore challenges in preservation, especially dealing with previous heavy-handed restorations, and to discuss international conservation standards and practices.
Legacy Builders: Peter Adewale Jegede
Peter Adewale Jegede | Consultant Curator and Heritage Researcher, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Nigeria & 4th Cohort of Case Study Researcher, Open Restitution Africa
Which workshop(s) did you attend?
I have participated in several HERITΛGE programmes, including Engaging Communities in Cultural Heritage, Temporary Exhibition and Touring Strategies, Conservation I, Conservation II, and I will complete Conservation III in November.
Was the training an opportunity to enhance your connection with your peers?
Yes. The workshops created a space where practitioners across Africa and beyond could exchange ideas and challenges. These connections have proved valuable in my ongoing work with communities affected by restitution.
Has the training contributed towards the improvement of your career?
Absolutely.The courses strengthened my curatorial and research practice, especially in community engagement, preventive conservation, and exhibition development. They also expanded my professional visibility in discussions around restitution in Nigeria.
Do you feel that your ability to perform relevant tasks has improved?
Yes. I now approach community-focused heritage work with clearer methods and greater confidence. The HERITΛGE training refined my skills in co-creation, documentation, and culturally sensitive interpretation, all of which I apply directly in my restitution engagements.
Following the completion of the training, has your project benefited? How?
My work at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Open Restitution Africa and my broader engagements in Nigeria and beyond have benefited significantly. The training has helped me design community-centred dialogues following restitution, such as the Restitution 101 Screening and Case Study Discussions that attracted about ninety participants. It shaped the way I facilitated conversations with descendant communities, allowing them to reflect on memory, trauma, and healing from their own perspective.
It has also strengthened my collaboration with communities in Ile-Ife, who are now exploring opportunities for a similar programme. The knowledge gained from HERITΛGE directly informed how I approached these discussions, ensuring that community voices remain central in post-restitution interpretation and planning.
Would you recommend this training to others?
Yes, without hesitation. The workshops are practical, engaging, and transformative. Anyone working in heritage, particularly those involved in archaeological work, preservation of heritage sites, collection management, exhibition, restitution or community engagement, will find them invaluable.
Conservation Training in Iraq
The Heritage Management Organization (HERITAGE) and The Academic Research Institute in Iraq (TARII) announce a call for applications for training in preventive conservation, project management, and fundraising.
We invite applicants in Iraq, interested in archives and libraries, to apply for this exciting training opportunity. Employees of private and religious institutions, private universities, the Ministry of Culture, and NGOs, as well as university students, are eligible to apply.
A conservator at work conserving paper. Credit: TARII (Amanda Long)
The courses, spread over 6 months, will include a two-week training in Baghdad in January 2026 and a second two-week training in Sulaymaniyah in June 2026. Between the two trainings, students will complete a project and participate in several online sessions and tutorials. Travel expenses will be provided, as well as the necessary materials to implement their practical projects at their institutions.
At the end of the training, the participants will be able to:
– independently undertake preventive conservation projects in their institutions, and train others.
– write proposals and manage projects.
To apply, please fill in the form.
The application deadline is 20 November 2025.
Contact the training team with any questions at: [email protected]
The training is provided with the support of the US Embassy in Iraq.
Legacy Builders: Khaulah Abdulkadir
Khaulah Abdulkadir | Project Coordinator: The Urban Heritage Regeneration Accelerator, Kenya
Which workshop(s) did you attend?
Conservation Workshop I & II, and Digital Tools for Heritage Management.
Was the training an opportunity to enhance your connection with your peers?
Yes. I met inspiring professionals who not only guided me throughout the course discussions but also introduced me to membership in key heritage organizations I hadn’t known about before. I also built lasting bonds, a professional with restoration experience will visit Lamu [island in Kenya]soon to support my project. He has been instrumental in amplifying my work and helping me refine my research writing.
Has the training contributed towards the improvement of your career?
The conservation training taught me to frame a clear restoration mission, highlight Lamu Old Town’s significance, and communicate its conservation infrastructure effectively. With the guidance and trust of my team, I successfully applied to and was selected for the Urban Heritage Regeneration Accelerator initiative, which I now coordinate. I am also honored to be selected for support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Scholarship Program for Heritage Managers in Africa, through which I hope to continue learning and achieve even greater impact in heritage conservation.
Do you feel that your ability to perform relevant tasks has improved?
Yes. I gained skills in assessing and articulating heritage values & significance, addressing authenticity issues, aligning with international charters, and developing a documentation strategy for Lamu’s buildings. Presenting my project during the workshops, and receiving strong peer support and selection as a case study, greatly boosted my confidence. This encouragement motivated me to explore the historic urban landscape approach further, which strengthened my case study presentation at the UNESCO Headquarters and enabled meaningful engagement in the forum.
Following the completion of the training, has your project benefited?
Absolutely yes. The final assignment of Conservation I provided the framework to clearly communicate the project’s mission, global significance and the urgent need to conserve the Lamu Old Town, which I believe contributed to its selection into the Accelerator initiative. Furthermore, it has helped me and my team in identifying the necessary kind of resources for its success and is now seeking support for that. It also helped me identify the most suitable communication strategies and the right organizations to partner with, strengthening support.
Would you recommend this training to others?
Definitely! The trainings are ideal for emerging professionals seeking foundational knowledge and opportunities to grow in the heritage field. Engaging sessions and supportive lecturers and organizers further fuel passion, build expertise, and deepen understanding of heritage conservation practices.
Building Local Capacity for Heritage Conservation in Harar Jugal, Ethiopia
by Xanthippi Kontogianni, Ethiopian Program Manager, HERITΛGE
Harar Jugal, the fortified historic town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a living testament to Ethiopia’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. With its intricate alleyways, traditional Harari houses, centuries-old mosques, and lively open markets, Harar has long served as a cultural and commercial melting pot. The town holds immense historical value while simultaneously serving as a vibrant home for its local community. However, the preservation of this unique urban landscape is increasingly threatened by urbanization, inadequate maintenance, and the impacts of climate change.
To both leverage Harar Jugal’s potential for the benefit of its contemporary inhabitants and safeguard the historic center for future generations, there is a pressing need to develop specialized skills in heritage conservation, traditional building techniques, and sustainable urban management. Strengthening local capacity in these areas is essential to ensure that the cultural and historical integrity of Harar remains intact while responding to the evolving needs of its residents.
Walls of Harar Jugal.
In December 2024, the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Harar, one of the key institutions responsible for managing the Harar Jugal historic town, invited HERITΛGE to a virtual meeting. During the meeting, Mohammed Rabi, a representative of the Bureau, proposed organizing a heritage conservation workshop for Bureau staff and close collaborators. In alignment with its mission to train and empower heritage professionals to engage communities in stewarding their cultural assets for greater understanding, sustainability, and economic development, HERITΛGE welcomed the initiative and agreed to deliver the proposed training in Harar.
The workshop on Heritage Conservation was conducted in a blended format, combining online and in-person sessions held on 7-9 and 21-23 May 2025, respectively. This flexible format ensured accessibility while supporting dynamic, participatory learning. The training was led by Alexis Stefanis, Assistant Professor of Architectural Conservation at the Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art, University of West Attica. The curriculum was structured around three core content areas: General Principles of Cultural Heritage Conservation, First Aid for Finds, and Preventive Conservation. The online component delivered core theoretical content through lectures, readings, and discussions, while the in-person sessions emphasized hands-on exercises, group work, and live demonstrations. The workshop attracted 13 participants (8 men and 5 women) and was delivered under HERITΛGE’s HerMaP Ethiopia training program, which is funded by the Humanities in Place initiative of the Mellon Foundation.
Networking meeting with Mr Teweleda Abdosh Ahmed – Head of Culture, Heritage & Tourism Bureau, Harari People Regional State.
Participant engagement was enthusiastic and highly interactive. The hybrid structure facilitated broad participation, and both components were well-attended. One of the most impactful moments occurred during Dr. Stefanis’s live tool demonstration. After observing how the tools worked and understanding their applications, participants expressed a strong desire to use them directly. Encouraged by the facilitator, they took the tools outside and began applying them at actual heritage sites, collecting data and interpreting results on-site. Many cited this hands-on activity as the most transformative part of the training. Recognizing the value of practical learning, participants formally requested that the tools be made available for their ongoing conservation work.
Dr. Stefanis’s mission to Harar was supported by Natassa Nika, Africa Programs Coordinator at HERITΛGE, and Habtamu Gizawu Tola, HERITΛGE’s local representative in Ethiopia. Together, they met with key stakeholders, including the Culture and Tourism Bureau of the Harari People Regional State, the Construction Permit and Inspection Authority, and the Heritage Department of Haramaya University. These discussions highlighted the urgent need to preserve Harar’s distinctive heritage amid complex challenges. Participants identified priority areas such as capacity building in conservation and digital preservation, community engagement, and institutional strengthening.
These insights aligned with HERITΛGE’s ongoing mapping efforts in Ethiopia. Since launching its intervention program, HERITΛGE has conducted online surveys across the country to assess training needs and identify gaps in heritage management. Findings indicate that many professionals involved in conservation projects lack formal training, especially in areas such as architectural and artifact conservation.
Demonstration of tools.
The workshop and stakeholder meetings in Harar revealed not only the need for training and technical skills but also broader systemic challenges, particularly the lack of funding for project implementation and capacity development. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration, resource sharing, and establishing equitable partnerships. As a result, HERITΛGE and the Harar Culture and Tourism Bureau committed to ongoing collaboration and began developing a joint action plan.
Brainstorming sessions generated several promising ideas for future collaboration, including co-developing project proposals for funding calls, launching targeted capacity-building programs, and even establishing a university for conservation studies in Harar. As a first step, the partners agreed to draft a series of concept notes collaboratively, with the goal of developing a shared vision that would eventually lead to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HERITΛGE and the Bureau—formalizing the new partnership.
Overall, the experience in Harar marked a significant step forward in conservation capacity building and demonstrated the value of inclusive, hands-on training combined with strategic stakeholder engagement. It stands as a strong success story and a foundation for deeper collaboration in the preservation of Ethiopia’s unique cultural heritage.
