About the Project
The world is facing growing challenges that directly affect the preservation of cultural heritage. Armed conflict, political instability, climate change, flooding, extreme heat, neglect, and displacement are accelerating the loss of both tangible and intangible heritage.
Heritage sites are increasingly exposed to escalating risks, including destruction, environmental disasters, and the loss of traditional knowledge. In many fragile contexts, limited international access and weakened public institutions further exacerbate these threats.
The project aims to support and empower civil society organisations as the most consistent and capable actors on the ground in such environments. This six-month regional initiativeregional initiative—targeting Yemen, Sudan, Libya, Syria, Iraq, Palestine (Gaza), and Ethiopia (Tigray)— combines competitive small grants, specialized training programs, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and strengthening cooperation among local entities. It provides funding, training, and capacity-building opportunities to ensure effective, locally driven, and sustainable interventions for heritage protection—delivering tangible results on the ground, not just theoretical discussions.
This project is implemented by ANSCH Network, established by Heritage for Peace, and funded by the British Council UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
ANSCH Network brings together approximately 23 organizations from 7 countries, operating under the initiative’s umbrella through established prior partnerships. The project translates the vision of ANSCH into tangible actions—enabling more effective, locally led, and sustainable heritage protection. It was developed as a direct, practical response to the objectives of the ANSCH initiative, which aims to strengthen the role of civil society organizations in safeguarding cultural heritage in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Civil society organizations play a critical role as the most present and responsive actors on the ground. Their role includes implementing immediate protection measures, documenting at-risk heritage, preserving traditional knowledge, and engaging local communities in preservation efforts.
Small Grants Program
The project offers a small grants program with a total value of up to £75,000, including:
Selection of 10 to 12 projects
Funding of up to £5,000 per project
Implementation over a short period (3–4 months)
These grants focus on rapid and effective interventions to address urgent risks threatening heritage.
Training Program
The project includes a monthly training program covering:
Proposal writing and grant management
Project management in fragile environments
Budget preparation and financial reporting
Technical and photographic documentation
Responsible use of media and communication
Partners
