Abstract

The paper addresses the delicate issue of directly restoring and training local professionals for the conservation of Cultural heritage in areas of conflict. The authors' long and varied experience in many Countries such as Ethiopia, Palestine, Burma, Tibet, Kosovo and more recently Afghanistan and Iraq allows them to emphasize that, despite the evident importance of more dramatic priorities, the preservation of Cultural heritage proves crucial in situations where national identity and sense of belonging appear to be threatened by internal or external wars. Any plan for reconstruction cannot ignore the need to act impediately on Cultural heritage, which the hopes and expectations of local communities are based upon. The actions described in the paper were successful due to the institutional intervention of the Italian government, the technical skill and experience of the Italian experts, and the enthusiasm and motivation of the local professionals.