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CER has responded to the earthquake of 12 May 2008 that devastated the province of Sichuan by pledging support for the reconstruction of Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County Library. Beichuan was the region worst-affected by the earthquake: nearly 20,000 people were killed (one in ten inhabitants) and 14 million people were displaced. 80% of the buildings in the old town and more than 60% of the buildings in the new town collapsed leaving Beichuan nothing more than a huge pile of rubble. The Beichuan County Library building also collapsed in the earthquake and many of its collections could not be retrieved. The entire city of Beichuan, including the Library, will be reconstructed in a new location away from the vulnerable fault lines. Rebuilding Beichuan County Library, will help to safeguard the culture of the unique and endangered Qiang ethnic minority and will provide much needed outreach services to the population in general. Due to the unprecedented scale of the damages and the importance of the project, CER will support the project with a contribution of € 120.000 euro that will be used to build safe storage facilities for the collections.
In 2008 the northern part of the Philippines was struck by several typhoons and hurricanes, which severely aggravated the already precarious state of conservation of the church. Built in the Baroque style by the Dominican order in the 16th century, the Church has distinctive natural stonework not found in other churches in the country. It is one of 26 Spanish colonial-era churches in the country that have been recognized as a National Cultural Treasure by the government. The church, located in a very remote area, was on the verge of collapsing. Through a grant of 35.000 Euro, CER is supporting the National Museum of the Philippines for the repair of the roofing and ceiling, the total consolidation of the masonry and the provision of an adequate drainage system.
Ahmad Al-Khalil from a Bourj Al Shmali Palestinian camp in Lebanon has been supported by the Prince Claus Fund in order to travel to Chobi Mela V and assist to the exhibition of Yasmine Eid from the Arab Image Foundation, here is his report (pdf file)
