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Italy supports Afghan Govt in its efforts to protect and manage the archaeological & cultural landscape of the Bamyan Valley

Italian Government signed an agreement with the UNESCO Kabul Office, represented by Masanori Nagaoka, for implementing a new 4.1 million Euros initiative in Bamyan, Afghanistan.
The 3-year Program is aimed at supporting the Afghan Government in its efforts to protect and manage the archaeological and cultural landscape of the Bamyan Valley through an integrated approach that combines direct conservation actions along the main Buddha cliff with the preservation and valorization of their natural and cultural environment.
Inscribed in the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2003, Bamyan’s Cultural Landscape contains important archaeological and historical sites, from the well-known Buddha statue niches, to the fortified settlements and fortresses of Shahr-i Zuhak and Shahr-e Gholgholah, as well as many shrines, caves and fortified houses. Bamiyan is also the tourist location most visited by Afghans with promising opportunities for the local economy.

The Program includes three main components:

1) The elaboration of a management plan that will contribute to the removal of the Bamyan Valley from the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger list;

2) The creation of an Archaeological Park that will contribute to protect and enhance this unique heritage, promote local employment and encourage economic growth by providing the space and the context for tourism-related industries. The Park is aimed at strengthening local and national awareness by having public services that offer accessible information about the historical and cultural significance of the Bamyan sites;

3) A detailed analysis of the Buddha cliff in order to reduce the hydro-geological risks.

The program is contributing to the objectives of the Afghanistan National Program for Culture & Creative Economy (NPCE), and will share the benefit of other cultural projects in the Bamyan Valley, including the on-going Italian funded initiative for the preservation and valorization of the Shahr-e Gholghola archaeological site.