RIWAQ: Centre for Architectural Conservation

RIWAQ is a Ramallah based non profit organization whose main aim is the protection and development of architectural heritage in Palestine .

Riwaq's activities include the National Registry of Historic Building; an inventory of fifty one thousand buildings, the implementation of some fifty conservation projects in major towns and villages, a number of Protection Plans for Historic Centers, the publication of ten books on cultural heritage, and a beautiful Photo Archive

 

 

Realizing the difficulties and challenges facing cultural heritage protection, the Community Out-Reach Unit (together with the Friends of Riwaq) works closely and intensely with the public and the private sectors of the society.

Riwaq's main partners include: cultural heritage agencies, relevant PNA Ministries specifically Municipalities and local village councils, as well as cultural institutions.

Unless historic centers, archaeological and natural sites are seen as a main source for economic development (Job Creation, tourism development, and housing), cultural heritage will unfortunately remain to be conceived as a liability rather than an asset worth investing in.

Riwaq Wins the 2006 Dubai International Award

An independent jury of international experts met on November 23 and 24, 2006, to select twelve winners for the 2006 Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment . The jury met in Palermo, Italy, during the meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership of Local and Regional Authorities.

The winners were chosen from among 700 organizations throughout the world who applied for the award. The prize, $30,000, a trophy, and a commemorative certificate, will be presented to the winners at an award ceremony in Dubai in early 2007.

The jury based their decisions on criteria of tangible impact, partnership, and sustainability and also took into consideration leadership and community empowerment, gender equality and social inclusion, and innovations that can be replicated.

The Dubai International Award is a UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) activity. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.

The only Arab organization to be chosen as a winner this year was Riwaq-Centre for Architectural Conservation, a Ramallah-based Palestinian NGO (established in 1991). Riwaq won the prize for its successful Job Creation through Conservation project, which is funded mainly by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. Riwaq initiated the project in order to tackle the problem of high unemployment in Palestine and to contribute to Riwaq's main aim of protecting cultural heritage in Palestine.

The project successfully created 80,000 work days through restoring thirty-six historic buildings and transforming them from dump areas into fully functioning cultural and community centres. The project is implemented in cooperation with the communities and their representatives (civil society and local government).

RIWAQ team:

Dr. Suad Amiry Director

Dr. Nazmi Al Ju'beh Director

Architect Khaldun Bshara Head of Conservation Unit

Architect Farhat Yousef Head of Planning Unit

Archaeologist Baha' Jubeh National Register Unit

Maher Hamayel Community Out-Reach Officer

Fadia Saleh Administrative Coordinator

Architect Shuruq Jaber Planning Unit

Architect Ruba Salim Conservation Unit

Architect Dima Abu Saud Conservation Unit

Architect Khalil Rabah Artist- Art Director

Lena Soboh Graphic Designer

Harbi Daraghmeh Financial Manager

Mohammad Subhi Office Assistant

RIWAQ's main funders:

Sida, the Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ford Foundation.

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