(MENAFN- Wadsam) Afghanistan
officially endorsed a new project in the Culture Sector, in an agreement signed
between Mitsuji Suzuka, Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan and Jordan Naidoo,
Director of the UNESCO Kabul Office and Representative to the Islamic Republic
of Afghanistan.
The
new project signed 'Sustainable Management of the World Heritage Property in
Bamiyan - Preparing the Removal of Bamiyan from the List of World Heritage in
Danger', totals approximately USD 3.8 Million (423 Million Japanese Yen) and
marks nearly two decades of cultural cooperation between Japan and Afghanistan.
For the past 20 years, since its inscription as a World Heritage property, the people
of Japan have generously provided support to Bamiyan, contributing more than
USD 7M over five consecutive Funds in Trust programs.
The
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley was
recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2003, and simultaneously placed
on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Since then, UNESCO and the Afghan
authorities have been working closely together to protect this unique site, promoting
cultural heritage as a driver to poverty alleviation and sustainable
development.
In
spite of conflict and destruction, Bamiyan has seen a significant increase in
both domestic and foreign tourists who visit the sites within the World
Heritage property and support the local economy. This has been made possible
due to the contribution of all those involved, including both the central and
local governments, experts, UNESCO, the local Bamiyan communities, and the
people of Japan's generous financial support.
The
new project just approved provides continuity to nearly two decades of
successful collaboration. In addition to completing the stabilization of the
Western Buddha niche and conducting research and training in the fields of
archaeology and mural painting, this project will support the establishment of
a National World Heritage Centre from where the Government of Afghanistan and
UNESCO can continue working closely on the preservation of this country's
unique and significant cultural heritage.
"I believe that the Afghans
will reaffirm their dignity and pride through conservation and restoration of
their historical heritage. In addition, this project will
also enable effective management of Bamiyan World Heritage site and tourism
development, which will contribute to job creation and income generation
opportunities in Afghanistan,' said Suzuka.
Rasul Bawary, Deputy Minister of
Culture and Art, Ministry of Information and Culture said the project will
ensure safeguarding of Bamiyan cultural properties and will focus on to tackle
the benchmarks defined by World Heritage committee to remove the site from the
list of World Heritage in Danger.
Japan
has been assisting Afghanistan's nation building efforts in various fields
including security, health, culture, humanitarian assistance, agriculture, and
capacity development. The Government of Japan and UNESCO remain committed to
continue providing support to Afghanistan in the Culture Sector, contributing
to the removal of Bamiyan from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
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