Both Byblos (Lebanon) and Mtskheta (Georgia) are World Heritage Listed (WHL) cities which have recently been threatened by the ravages of war. Despite the fact that WHL sites have a significant impact on the image of countries and local economies, few measures are put in place to safeguard them. In part this is due to a lack of awareness of civil and military concerned authorities (and even less concern is shown by attacking forces) of the provisions of 1954 Hague Convention and its two Protocols. An even more significant impacting factor is the lack of structures, guidelines, and capacity to develop appropriate policies, and prepare and implement risk management plans.

As a result many of the most valuable WHL Cities have been placed under threat. In this context, new guidelines were prepared in 2007 for the implementation of the second protocol of the Hague Convention. This calls for certain preconditions to be met before a WHL city can be classified as a Heritage Site under Enhanced Protection. The preparation of an application and related Risk Preparedness Plans requires the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders and highly qualified technicians (policy makers, local authorities, the military, urban planners) with full public backing.

With the support of partners and associates in Turkey and Italy, this project aims to prepare two Enhanced Protection applications and related plans to serve as models for other cities. It will also  look to increase local and international support for preserving cultural heritage of humanity.

 War Free World Heritage Listed Cities Project Website