The iHERITAGE project is a European Union-funded initiative that seeks to preserve and enhance cultural heritage sites across the Mediterranean region. Recently, the Chamber of Beirut and Mount Lebanon became a key partner in the consortium, bringing their expertise and resources to the project.

In a coordination meeting held at the Beirut Chamber headquarters, Mr. Rabih Sabra, Director General of Beirut Chamber, and Mr. Sarkis EL Khoury, Director General of the Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA) at the Ministry of Culture, discussed the potential synergies that could be generated by iHERITAGE to build on ongoing activities and initiatives of DGA. The meeting also included Hana Nehme, Head of Projects, and iHERITAGE Expert Prof. Daniel Asmar. The focus of the discussion was the Byblos Heritage site, a crucial cultural heritage location in Lebanon. The meeting aimed to identify areas where the iHERITAGE project could contribute to ongoing initiatives of DGA, with a particular focus on Byblos.

Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history spanning over 7,000 years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most important cultural landmarks in the region. The iHERITAGE project aims to support the conservation and enhancement of Byblos, as well as other cultural heritage sites in the Mediterranean region.

The meeting between Beirut Chamber and DGA was a significant step towards achieving the goals of the iHERITAGE project. By working together, both organizations can bring their expertise and resources to the table and collaborate on the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage sites in Lebanon. The meeting highlighted the importance of partnerships and cooperation in achieving the objectives of the project.

Further meetings are planned between iHERITAGE experts and the archeological experts of DGA in preparation for the upcoming activities and next steps of the project. These meetings will be crucial in identifying the specific areas where iHERITAGE can contribute to ongoing initiatives of DGA and in developing a roadmap for the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage sites in the region.

By working together, both organizations can bring their expertise and resources to the table and collaborate on the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage sites in Lebanon.