On 25 February 2008, an expert mission from the InternationalCentre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage(ICCROM) visited Welfare Association (WA) Old City of Jerusalem RevitalizationProgram (OCJRP) offices. The mission included Mr. Mounir Bouchenaki, ICCROMDirector General, and two training curriculum experts, Professor Andrea Urlandand Dr. Simone Ricca.

ICCROM has been tasked with curriculum development for theOCJRP’s new Instituteof Architectural Heritage Preservation,a 3-year project implemented by WA in partnership with UNESCO and funded by theEuropean Commission to train professionals and practitioners in restorationmethods. The mission was the first of several scheduled activities by ICCROMtoward curriculum development.

ICCROM is the only institution of its kind with a worldwidemandate to promote the conservation of all types of cultural heritage. It aimsat improving the quality of conservation practice as well as raising awarenessabout the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

During the mission, the delegation participated in astakeholders meeting in Ramallah with representatives of organizations workingin the field of conservation including the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, theCenter for Cultural Heritage Preservation in Bethlehem, Birzeit University, AlNajah University, Al Quds Committee for Welfare and Development, the DeputyMinister and the Director General of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism andAntiquities. They also met with local partners and practitioners includingcontractors working on projects implemented in Jerusalem by OCJRP.