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Assessing the State of Conservation: A Joint UNESCO/ICOMOS Monitoring Mission to Rachid Karami International Fair.
Following the inscription of the Rachid Karami International Fair-Tripoli (RKIF) in Lebanon on both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger, a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring Mission took place from June 4-7, 2024. Accompanied by representatives from the UNESCO Beirut Office, the Directorate General of Antiquities, and the former president of the Orders of Engineers and Architects who prepared the nomination file, the mission aimed at comprehensively understanding the conservation needs and challenges of RKIF. The team of experts assessed the state of conservation of RKIF based on which corrective measures and recommendations for its sustainable preservation shall be developed to ensure a smooth transition of the site from World Heritage in Danger to safety.
Led by Youmna Tabet from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Nicholas Clarke and Guido Stegen from ICOMOS,the mission met with Director of UNESCO’s Multisectoral Regional Office in Beirut, Director General of Urbanism (DGU),Director General of Antiquitie, ICOMOS-Lebanon, as well as advisors/representatives of the Minister of Economy, Ministry of Culture and the Prime Minister’s office. Throughout their two-days visit to the site, the mission engaged with various local stakeholders, including Tripoli’s Order of Engineers and Architects, the Mayors of Tripoli and El Mina, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Niemeyer Heritage Foundation. These engagements were vital for exploring possible ways of involving local stakeholders in the preservation efforts and ensuring their active participation.
The mission's findings highlighted the urgent need for immediate stabilization measures and structural repairs to preserve the RKIF's integrity. The mission emphasized the importance of increased community involvement through non-permanent activities and the need for a cohesive management structure. Legal protection and planning were also critical areas, with discussions on enhancing the Directorate General of Antiquities' (DGA) role in site management and ensuring local master plans align with World Heritage obligations.
Following this mission, the team will submit a detailed report with an action plan for corrective measures and clear recommendations. This report will be reviewed by the World Heritage Committee and is intended to guide ongoing and future efforts to preserve and enhance the Rachid Karami International Fair-Tripoli, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
The joint mission to the Rachid Karami International Fair-Tripoli highlighted the site's global importance and the urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts. It is expected that the mission’s forthcoming report, along with UNESCO’s Conservation Management Plan submitted on 26 April 2024 to stakholders,shall lay the groundwork for future preservation actions and international support to safeguard this unique cultural heritage site.
