The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Lebanon

The actions presented by AICS Beirut add to the largely positive impact that the Italian Cooperation has had in safeguarding the cultural and natural heritage in the fragile context of Lebanon. These Italian actions are implemented within the Cultural Heritage and Urban Development Program (CHUD), launched in Lebanon as a driver for development and for bolstering national and international tourism. The Cooperation’s activities contribute to the mitigation of heritage degradation risks, while at the same time supporting the upskilling of a large number of local professionals, trained to intervene effectively in securing and preserving Lebanese cultural heritage. In committing to the preservation and valorisation of Lebanese cultural and natural heritage, there is no escaping the structural problems of the monuments, cleaning parts that need curative activities, conserving architectural and decorative elements, consolidating the structures, and making the sites accessible to the local population and visitors. The actions are tailored to the specific goal of enhancing cultural tourism, which is a major source of income in Lebanon, and provides many job opportunities, revitalizing local economies. At the same time, a significant effort has been made to forge a connection between community and territory, in order to increase a sense of belonging, by planning both information days and workshops.