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World Heritage Sites and Museums at UNESCO
Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd November 2016
International Conference/Conférence internationale
World Heritage Sites and Museums/Sites du patrimoine mondial et musées
Co-organized by UNESCO and Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARCWH)
Co-organisée par l’UNESCO et le Centre régional Arabe pour le patrimoine mondial (ARCWH)
in cooperation with/en cooperation avec
ALECSO, ICCROM, IUCN, ICOM
Opening Ceremony/ Cérémonie d’ouverture
Francesco Bandarin, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture/ Sous-Directeur général pour la Culture
de l’UNESCO
Museums are more important than ever. The rôles of Museums are multiple and powerfull in times of
conflicts. Some operate in very difficult situation of security and safety. There are new regulations in that
matter. It is important to enhance the relation beetwen heritage and Museums amongst Society
Her Excellency Shaikha Mai bint Mohamed Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Arab Regional Centre for World
Heritage (ARCWH), Bahrain / Présidente du Centre regional arabe pour le patrimoine mondial (ARCWH),
Bahreïn
Thanks to Francesco Bandarin for his speech and about my country. In the Arab world the Heritage sites are
in danger and it is important to raise awarness amongst the population. The culture and heritage helps to
build links inside the Society. Initiative to preserve World Heritage are good.
Hayet Guettat, Director of the Cultural Heritage Division of the Arab League’s Educational, Cultural and
Scientific Organization (ALECSO) / Directrice de la Division du patrimoine culturel de l’Organisation arabe
pour l’éducation, la culture et les sciences (ALECSO) - Tunis
Thanks for invitation to this program about Cultural and Diversity of Heritage. A lot of place in the World
Heritage list are actualy in danger zones. Educational means are not so developed for preservation of
Heritage and preservation of History. Several organisations are building relations for better work on
preservation and development in many countries. Traficking and business put heritage in danger because it
is submit to terrorists hands.
Suay Aksoy, President, International Council of Museums (ICOM)/ Présidente, Conseil international des
musées (ICOM)
Feel comited to the program of site related Museums and these contributions that helps to preserve
heritage. Museums are oportunities for participation in several countries. Concrete steps are building
capacities and it is also important to fight against trafiquing Cultural heritage.
Regina Durighello ICOMOS
There are few exemples of sites that can be presented in Museums while there are actually underwater.
Proto urban sites are receiving researchers and visitors. ICOMOS adress the best wishes for the conference.

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Tim Badman IUCN
Welcome for the organisation of the meeting wich is an exemple of colaboration. Natural and Cultural
heritage have a key rôle in preservation. The work of Museums is crucial.
Keynote Speech/ Discours d’ouverture
Molly Fannon, Director of International Relations, the Smithsonian
Institution/Directrice des relations internationale, Smithsonian Institution
In USA we are experiencing difficult election situation. It is also a very nice period for opening of new
Museum in Washington DC, G. Bush and B.Obama side by side.
The opening was done by ringing a bell as a wish to a new era. Structures like old slaves houses were
rehabilitated and shown inside the Smithsonian Museum as testimony of this period of time.
In Iraq it is actually question of conservation of Cultural heritage. Also in Mali there is an important
discussion about crime against Culture. Protecting Heritage is Museums is a way to insure that people will
be able to see them. Not only one tragedy has raise the awareness, but several.
In Apalache region we have not suffered damage of war but of economic difficulties. Lack of work is a threat
to Culture. Institutions are vital for communities. Smithsonian Institute is working worldwide to study
solutions for preservation and development of several means of economic projects . Tunisia, Jordan and
Armenia are amongst that projects. A new aproach of creating emotional connection between visitors and
exhibitions is in progress.
Session 1: Site museums as mediators – conveying sites’ Outstanding Universal Values, shared
history and common duties /
Session 1: Les musées de sites en tant que médiateurs - transmettre la valeur universelle
exceptionnelle des sites, histoire et responsabilité communes
Moderator/Modérateur: Isabelle Anatole Gabriel
How to use Museums for difusion of World Heritage notion ?
Where do we come from ? Who wants to play a rôle ? How to do it ?
The listing on World Heritage list can be the start for the creation of a Museum.
Qal’at al-Bahrain Site Museum (Bahrain)/ Musée du Site Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahreïn)
Pierre Lombard, Director of the French archeological mission in Bahrain / Chef de la mission archéologique
française au Bahreïn CNRS
Specialist of Arabia. Site Museum of Qal-at al Bahrain 2005 and Opening 2008. This site respond to criteria
for World Heritage registration. Palaces of Dilmun also interesting for public architectures at his times.
Several levels of historical times a revealed by research inside the ground. Two necessities about Museum
concept : Richness and diversity true memory of Bahrain. The actual Museum helps to understand the site
by circulation at several levels in the ground. It is possible to see objects with cuneiform writtings, calendar,
dates and figurines found. Artefacs of 14th
and 16th
centuries. The Museum have very original design and
create atraction amongst visitors and researchers worldwide. Audio guides are available.
On question about creating the Museum was about having a site Museum or to spread the items.

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UNESCO Mekong World Heritage Site Museums Programme – Our Common Heritage (Cambodia, Laos and
Viet Nam) / Programme des musées du site du patrimoine mondial du Mékong de l’UNESCO (Cambodge,
Laos et Vietnam)
Nao Hayashi, UNESCO Museums Programme Coordinator / Coordinatrice du programme musées de
l’UNESCO
Trip to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam: revitalising World Heritage site link with Museums.
1052 properties are inscribed because having outstanding cultural values. 1153 milions of visitors have
traveled the world. World Heritage Museums are generaly smaller than National Museums but they have
outstanding values. A site-related museum can be a zone for culture related events and activities.
The first step was a meeting about sharing ideas and projects. The project turned to become a regional
exhibition. It has the goals to explain the rôle of relation and historical impact of the people and Dynasties.
Nature and Myths is an other part of the exhibition. For exemple water, forest, trees representations. Local
and regional trade is shown by objects discovered locally.
Each Museum display its own artefacs collection. Several thousand of visitors came to inaugurations and
exhibitions about Khmer Cultural and Heritage. UNESCO team have started the second phase.
Inside the protected zone of Angkor Vat some famillies are producing objects for visitors. Beyong production
of catalogues of exhibitions the local work can create exchanges about cultural knowledge.
Technologies helps to create numeric files and preserve original document and provide data to visitors.
Museums on sites have the rôle of sharing knowledge with visitors and this is global responsibility to
preserve World Heritage.
At Anghkor Vat the local population was reclaiming the 'real head' of a statue they need to pray. It was
decided by National Autority to give back the original head, and provide the population with the real statue.
Wadi El Hitan Museum (Egypt) / Musée de Wadi El Hitan (Égypte)
Mohammed Sameh Antar, General Manager of central parks of Egypt / Directeur-général des parcs
centraux d’Égypte
Research in the desert show a discovery of a long and wide whale. It is located at 180 km or Cairo in the
delta of Nile. In the valey of the whales we could see the missing link between walking monsters and sea
monsters. It shows a kind of leg that was only used for swiming but shows a remain of walking abilities.
Wadi El Hitan management plan propose to organize steps. Building access, establishing air Museum, to
build educational program, to activate local scientific research, essential infrastructures. The tour is
organised for the visit of remains and several sites of the world largest basilsaurus.
National team was built by teach how to learn in order to access to information and create activity. Several
kinds of knowledges are displayed through nine windows. Fossil and Climate change Museum show
evolution of sea animals to walking animals.
The Museum is opened since January, the Museum was built and the remains were transfered to the
exhition rooms.
One of the goals is spreading the word that World Heritage can create activity.
Mounir Bouchenaki The subject is very important for Natural, Cultural heritage. New trend is to integrate a
Museum on the spot of interesting items. Inovation is to bring the visitor to understand the constrains
about Heritage sites. It shows a new image. Some gigantic Museums have been created in various cities.
Local sites Museums have importance for creating interest for visitors.

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Working at Cultural Heritage list in Algeria, the first place to create a local Museum was Tipasa. Also
Volubilis site in Morocco, Al Balid are not big Musuems but adopted by population. Young people are
interested because they can first learn inside the Museum and looking at the real site afterwards. It opens
spirit for learning about History and Heritage.
A former project about protection of 55.000 museums around the World was an issue. It was very difficult
to accept categories of Museums that should be protected or Museums that should not. Then, UNESCO
have helped to protect Museums through a more flexible convention in 2015, otherwise it was not possible
to meet with all NGOs. (Recomendation 2015).
Session 2: Site Museums as Custodians of World Heritage Sites’ Integrity / Session 2: Les musées de
sites en tant que gardiens de l’intégrité des sites du patrimoine mondial
Moderator: Mounir Bouchenaki, Director of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARCWH)/
Directeur du Centre régional arabe pour le patrimoine mondial (ARCWH)
Very important themes, really at the top of the agenda and how preserve cultural site integrity.
The outstanding universal values through conservation projects. Remains can be found in small cities
because invasions have mostly destroyed the bigger ones. Content is providing the culture.
The main goal of the meeting is to provide world wide exemple of preservation and actions. For long time
the Mexican way of managing have been an exemple and show the way for other countries. It was ask to
Mexican Museum authorities to share their experience and knowledge on that matter.
Site Museum of Carthage (Tunisia) / Musée du site de Carthage (Tunisie)
Azedine Beschaouch, Institut de France, Former Minister of Culture of Tunisia / membre de l’Institut de
France, ancien Ministre de la culture de la Tunisie
Saint Augustin was born in Algeria, Ipona. He leaves in Carthage during his whole life. To speak about
Carthage for some minutes. 1979 was the year of inscription of Carthage on World Heritage list. White
fathers have created the Museum and research institute. Then after the listing it has become archeological
plus civilization Museum. Thanks to Mr El Nabli we were able to reorganize the complete Museum. Briefly
Carthage is located in the North east of Tunisia. The roman bath, the harbour remains on the area. The
Museum building was a religious site. Phenician coins were discovered on the site. The expension of
phenicians was taking place there. The alphabet was invented in Carthage thanks to Carthage. Sicily and
Sardiña too were inhabited by phenicians. An old christian lamp was the symbol of Carthage. Following, the
understanding of greek and corentian civilization was possible because of findings. The greeks have turned
around the old alphabet and Alpha became A, and so on. A collegue adressed other teams to rebuild
carthagenous man. Remarquable model and big discovered monument represent the best findings. The
original greek statue with eagle representing Zeus. Also several standing statues were found. Conservation
of marble and stone is remarquable in Carthage. It is very important location for stone made “mosaïques”.
Many representations are about christian priests. History and Cultural conservation are well represented in
Carthage.
The youth generation was very interested to see a real inhabitant instead of pictures in books.
Herculaneum (Italy) / Herculaneum (Italie)
Jane Thompson (TBC)

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Heijokyo Palace (Japan) / Palais de Heijokyo (Japon)
Hiroshi Sugiyama, Deputy Director General, Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Japan /
Directeur-général adjoint de l’Institut national de recherche pour les biens culturels (Nara), Japon
(Two main institutes in Japan Tokyo and Nara) Comment by Mounir Bouchenaki.
Nara city is the former capital of Japan.
The Nara Institute, seven or eight places are part of Ancient Nara. Daigokuden main hall, Kunai-sho area is
the office. Toin is eastern side. A reconstructed ancien garden shows the design in that old times. A Temple
made also of wood. Excavation is made by hand. Two Museums for visitors where they can see excavation
fields and tecnics. Also objects are displayed in Museum. http://asukalab.co.jp/heijyokyo
Activities like wearing ancient clothes are organized for better sensation about ancient times.
New technics are used to display the sites, like smartphones.
ICOMOS was organizing meetings that created the Nara declaration.
One emblematic monument at Mexico City Centre: National Palace and its importance in the cultural
history of Mexico / Un monument emblématique au Centre de Mexico: le Palais national et son importance
dans l’histoire culturelle du Mexique
Lilia Rivero, Head Conservator at National Palace, Mexico / Conservatrice en chef au National Palace
Museum, Mexique
Mounir was visiting himself several historical sites with Lilia in Mexico. The National Museum of Mexico
represent very good one.
The spanish past in Mexico have left several models of architecture. Monumental Art was built up to the
independence of Mexico. Priject of educational Palace was designed by this times. Diego Rivera painted
several works that have been declared National Heritage. The National government building was upgraded
by a new level for larger space.
A Cultural Policy Guidelines were written for preservation, culture, development of activities etc.
Regulations were setup for better safety of National Monuments and control activities around them. Long
Term Institutional planning was designed and contain the most important tools. Promotion for National
Culture is represented by free entrance to Museums. Three areas of the Palace are used for exhibitions and
activities. Exemple of MAYAS exhibition with 400 objects. 2000 square meters area for Art works and
objects. Project of imaterial heritage is realized through Virtual Reality. Public and private sector
collaboration have been successfull. Visits through Virtual Reality is possible worldwide.
There is more to see about activities and initiatives in Mexico. The population is very proud to see what
have been done on this matter and technology helps to spread the realisations.
At media room adults and children always finish activities with aplause. It is important to find sustainable
solutions with technologies because it requieres maintenance and specific conditions for use. Especialy,
projectors and temperature are an issue. With know how and sharing with all employees what happens
daily it is possible to improve and maintain work conditions for every body.

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Session 3: Increasing Relevance to Local Communities – Education and Participation /
Session 3: Accroître la pertinence auprès des communautés locales – éducation et participation
Moderator: Ms France Desmarais, International Council of Museums (ICOM) / Conseil international des
musées (ICOM)
Museums have an importance for building the identity of communities. Acording to the context the site
Museums contribute to preservation. A great site requieres a great Museum. Because of instability the
Museums can be put in danger and looted. If young generation wants to take care of Cultural and Natural
Heritage it is a good point for preservation and development.
Parthenon, Greece / Parthénon, Grèce
Dimitrios Pandermalis, President of the Acropolis Museum/ Président du Musée de l’Acropole
This project of meeting about site Museums is finally organized. Short stories about the profile of Acropolis
Museum. The commision decided to take down statues of the roof. It was June 2012 and then, a day of
historical event. A site Museum is also an Historic Museum. The statues were pulled by air means toward
the ground. Repair of statues were necessary because an explosion some years ago. A copy was made from
the original with steel. The Museum has three levels of rectangular base . It was built from scratch above
the antiquities that were covered. In the case of earthquake the Museum moves on bearings. The whole
Museum was put on spot without damage to escavation. In order to promote the excavation the glass was
put above it and visitors can see and walk around. Some private philosophers came for lessons to pupils.
There are testimonies for activity. The Museum is organized graphicaly. Many artefacts were buried by
athenians because they belong to the God. To put one level above the other they had to put an axis and join
stones with it. The south west corner freize was presented with daylight. The blocs were the biggest. Very
long blocs are used on 'fronton' wich is above columns. The piece was copied, but later the boddies were
cuted and sold. Also later the piece was cuted in two parts. The figures get better meaning and restauration
with restauration. Cleaning of stones was realized by lazer and was a good work on layers. The lazer burn
the dust and black layer. 3D technics helps to show better aspects and unknow details. Decoration on
“glave” was reconstructed. A woman face on statue was rehabilitated with forms and colors. It should be
known by visitors. Technology is used to make a balance between numerical and traditionnal restauration
on the Art works. We should present in an accurate way the content of Museums.
Case study from Mali / Etude de cas du Mali
Baba Fallo Keita
North Mali and schools. It was asked to organize an exhibition to tell the story of North Mali. It is special to
be at the meeting because the situation is the same in Afghanistan and Syria. Builders, Imans and youth
were all present at the event. Two cases are studied for rehabilitation: Gao and Tombouctou.
Mali is the place of deep crisis and the liberation of towns Tombouctou and Gao allow to organize
reconstruction.
Mali is continental with seven neighbours, but no access to sea. Population and knowledge are important
factors for understanding heritage importance and preservation. Unfortunatly the destruction took place
and it was necessary to adapt and put the program in order. Tombouctou, Gao and Kidal are very large
regions where live some local population and it has impotance for daily life. Several buildings are on the
sport for praying and other activities. Pyramid and Tombs have symbolic importance. The community
participated to the “crépissage” wich means spreading a kind of clay on buildings. It is a meeting point
because the population and mayor are sharing thoughs and projects there. The Museum contributes to the
understanding of culture and create a link within the community. Several buildings are set and local
population start to visit. Head of communities said it is a very interesting tools for the communities.

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Traditional housing is also part of the project. Universal values must be strenghten and help the resilience of
the village. Youth and women are working on the field. Speechs and community meetings are organized to
share and discuss local life. 14 Mausolées have been reconstructed with experts, community and authority.
It was important to write down a procedure of maintenance for historic sites. Youth and adults could work
together for better realisation. The sanctified Mausolées were celebrated and registered on World Heritage
list. The secret door of Sidi Yaha was rebuilt too, and ceremony celebrated. Libraries have been restaured in
Tombouctou and Bamako.
Salt comes from North, Gold from South, Money from the white and God speech, knowledge and nice
stories from Mali.
In the case of Mali it is a post crisis situation, but in reality it is always crisis there. You know when war starts
but not when it ends. People are sensitive to participation. Monuments where protecting the city and
terrorists braking it. With the doubt created by war, people were afraid that fighters will come again and
brake the rehabilitated Mausolées. Old books were buried during several wars in Mali an this time the items
with Heritage value were dispached over the community. Famillies had to hide them and possibly be at risk
later. Due to the lack of activities the population was feeling weak and not so much connected than before.
When people received solicitations from fighters they accepted by safety and could save the situation.
Bolgar Historical and Archaelogical Complex (Russia) /Complexe historique et archéologique du Bolgar
(Russie)
Svetlana Persova, Deputy Minister of Culture of Tatarstan Republic, Russian Federation / Ministre adjointe à
la culture de la République du Tatarstan, Fédération de Russie
1969 was the creation of Bolgar site. The site covers 4.024 Hs. Archaelogical remains are presents. Big
minaret and other valuable buildings. Ruins and excavations are completed with exhibitions. 5% of the
historical sites have been excavated. A large part are natural. The research is launched in two directions:
Bolgar civilization, educational about Bolgar. Original history and heritage are linked to excavations, with
various technics and non destructive aproach. International field school is connected to experts and the
number of visitors is rising. The site Museum turned to become international school with Information
Technologies.
Djouj National Park (Senegal)/ Parc national du Djoudj (Sénégal) NATURAL SITE.
Ibrahima Gueye, Director of Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Senegal / Directeur du parc national des
oiseaux du Djoudj, Sénégal
Coming from Natural preservation Mr Ibrahima Gueye already learnt a lot during the meeeting. The interest
is to understand how local commmunities can learn about their heritage. Seven sites considered
exceptional with two as Natural sites.
Since 1981 the DJOUDJ is considered the third ornitological site.
Also 1981 NAIOKOLO-KOBA.
2000 the island of Saint Louis.
Delta du SALOUM with local history and fauna.
Pays BASSARI with minority groups inside Natural site. - Bandafassi.
Island of Gorée is a symbol of slavery and reconciliation.
Cercles Mégalithiques de GAMBIE.
Each time a site is inscribed on World Heritage list, also a cultural site wil be too.

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Cultural Museums and local communities have importance in Senegal and create Museums.
Daily tools are also displayed in exhibitions.
Slave House of Gorée, testimony of slavery times, first site to be inscribed in Africa.
Eco Museums are promoted as well with 300 local communities around the Park.
The water field of DJOUDJ is important with 330 types of birds, mostly migratory species.
Local and migratory birds are protected. Scientific value of sites are described by classifications.
The inter village association has the role of organizing local life and preservation of Natural Park.
Protection of Heritage is based on management for sustainable development. Local communities are
participating to promotion and business related activities. Priorities are set by communities. They are
allowed to collect natural ressource and watch the good use of it. Local art work is creating business
activities.
Two sites are located inside the same zone of protection and also promote immaterial heritage sharing.
Small Museums will be installed in villages and connected to immaterial Heritage. Integration of local
knowledge is crucial for good management. Activities connected to Heritage status are possible and
interesting. Agriculture for subsitance and large production is a danger for Wildelife preservation.
Intervention: in total 12 Museums and 8 located in Dakar. Natural sites and Cultural ones are managed
separatly. The two Ministries are not working together, then sometimes it causes troubles.
Heritage sites: Adouna bi yep ko moom. → means the effort of sharing and transmiting heritage through
generations and Society.
Session 4: World Heritage Sites and Museums under Threat /
Session 4 : Sites et musées du patrimoine mondial menacés
Moderator: Nada Al Hassan, Chief of the Arab Unit, UNESCO World Heritage Centre / Chef de l’Unité arabe,
Centre du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO
More Museums have been looted and speakers will have oportunity to talk about Artwork safety.
It is a huge work for reconstruction and remains of Palmyra. Ceremony took place inside walls.
Site Museum of Palmyra (Syria)/ Musée du site de Palmyre (Syrie)
Maamoun Abdelkarim, Director-General of Antiquities and Museums / Directeur des antiquités et des
musées
Some countries have opened Museums and other closed. It is not convenient to separate Museums
because they are closed, the fight is the same. At building level very often the structure is damaged because
of war. A total of 2500 staff are working for Museums preservation like Palmyre. After 10 months of fight
around Palmyre it was the end of a nightmare. Site have sufered many explosions but excavations and
Archaeology was not destroyed. The war was against Siria, not only between soldiers and rebelion. Night
looting have destroyed many place, also statues were damaged and tombs broken. Tons of explosives were
used to brake down the remains, but fortunatly there are stones that can be used for rehabilitation. The
work of re building the Monument will be long and it is possible to make it according to the original.
Columns and walls must be rebuilt. It is already the case for some places where monuments are rebuilt.
Arches and walls will be identified and UNESCO will give a hand for reconstruction.
Before the city was occupied it was a quick operation for escape of 400 statues by truck. Some statues will
be rehabilitated with specialist help. The Museum of Palmyre is actually in very bad shape. An International
Committee is working for solidarity in that matter. Historic Artworks have been destroyed for changing faces
of women, or some long stones were broken in two. Babary and stupidity have destroyed the work of

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hundred of Artists, polish specialists have already helped for analizis of troubles. Some destructions will be
kept as it is because it will remind the war time. Statues have been brought to Damas and restoration of
Sirian Heritage by a local team. DGAM is working on that project Vision to Resurrecting Palmyra.
World Heritage Sites and Museums in Lebanon / Sites du patrimoine mondial au Liban
Assad Seif, Archaeologist, Advisor to the Lebanese Minister of Culture, Lebanon / Archéologue, Conseiller
du Ministre de la culture du Liban
Message of hope and renaissance for sirian collegues. The lessons learnt in Libanon. The civil war was the
moment when Artworks were at risk because it was not possible to move them away. Pictures were taken
before destructions. Some wall were painted to hide the Artwork, but unfortunatly water came through
because of the water table. Pavement of the Museum was removed from rooms and buried into the
ground. It was remove later after fights have stopped. All Museums were visited during 24 hours.
Risk preparedness strategy was designed and help to escape the Artwork from destruction. During 2006's
war a large buried Museum was surprizingly saved by chance. Nothing was damaged, from Roman walls to
Statues. Modern reproductions of Artworks were remade like re thought by modern Artists. Iconoclasts
have destroyed many places has a plan to destroy the values. Heritage is a way of knowing other in order to
know who is the other. New experimentation was tried when recreating Artworks. Experimental project was
to restore the broken links, and restore the people themselves.
To stimulate individuals the project was communicating with fun. Local community thought the Heritage
sites are only for Tourist, but it was done for locals and gave the opportunity to get in touch with everybody.
Drawing and observation session were used to approach the monuments?
Truck was organised has moving exhibition to all libanese villages. A complexe was displayed for larger
exhibition on each village. The static concept of Museum was broken for a mobile one. The Culture for
peace process was designed for understanding the Heritage and promoting Peace.
Art jam session from Celebration of Diversity to the acceptance of Pluralism. Old stone walls were used to
put painting sheets and frames. Lot of music, people and military celebrating Heritage. Painting over the
same frame again and again. Pyramid and Theater were used to establish the Artistic project. Participation
to Art and Culture can help people to strenghten Peace thoughts amongst communities.
Published by RDM-ROW http://rdm-row.hautetfort.com
Dominique Marc Deschamps
http://slideshare.net/reporter