December 2006
February 2007
March 2007
April 2007
June 2007
July 2007
September 2007
November 2007
February 2008
March 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
February 2009
March 2009
CHINA: Earthquake in Sichuan, 12 May 2008
Following the earthquake of 12 May, first-hand information about the affected heritage was difficult to come by. In the Kham Aid Foundation, CER found an experienced partner for undertaking a research mission to the Kham region which it is supporting with €5.500. An analysis of the damage at least five renowned Tibetan heritage sites will be carried out. Through the results of this research, CER will be able to identify specific projects to be undertaken at these sites.
MYANMAR: Cyclone Nargis, 2-3 May 2008
Following devastation wreaked by the cyclone in the region of Yangon and in the Irawaddy Delta, channels of information from Myanmar to the outside world have to a great extent stagnated. In order to identify the cultural needs and give support to the affected area, CER sought out a local partner who would be in a position to provide reliable information and undertake a research mission. The research was targeted at the traditional puppet theatre in Myanmar with its valuable puppets and instruments and at the affected monasteries which contain many paintings and ancient documents. The research started in August 2008 and was made possible through a CER contribution of 1400 Euro. The results of the research will enable CER to identify emergency relief projects at these sites.
NIGER: Civil Unrest in the Region of Dabous, since 2007
An active rebel army directly endangers the security of the valuable ancient cave-paintings in Dabous. This prime example of rock-art was previously regularly visited by tourists who were requested to pay a small fee which guaranteed the payment of the guards’ salaries. As a result of the turmoil in the region, tourists now avoid the region and the site has thereby lost its only source of income. In response to pleas from the Trust for African Rock Art, CER allocated an amount of €9.100 to protect the site for two years from the unrest in its direct surroundings.
LESOTHO: Heavy Rainfall, November 2007
Following heavy rainfall the roof covering the Archives of the Matsieng Palace collapsed causing severe damage to the valuable archives that contain a significant part of the history of Lesotho, as well as much personal data that insight into family histories and the origin of the people of Lesotho. Immediate action needed to be taken to stop further deterioration of the paper from exposure to humidity. The Archives of the University of Lesotho undertook this restoration in cooperation with the National Archives of Lesotho. CER has contributed €3000 to the restoration and reorganisation of the archives so that they can subsequently be returned to their original home in the palace.
PERU: Earthquake on the Central Coast, 15 August 2007
In 2007 the town of Ica was severely devastated by an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale and its wave of aftershocks. ICOM (international Council of Museums) approached CER with a list of churches damaged by the catastrophe, leading to collaboration between CER and the National Institute for Heritage to restore the exceptional Church of El-Carmen. Dating to 1762, it is one of the oldest churches in the region and a prime example of Baroque architecture. An important gathering point for the slave population of the nearby plantations, the church still plays a key role in the cultural and religious life in Ica. Activities for clearing the surrounding area of rubble and restoring the church to its former glory were started in July 2008 thanks to CER support of 17.560 Euro.
YEMEN: Flooding in Daw’an, Hadramut, May 2007
The Masna’at ‘Urah site in Daw’an consists of a cluster of tall mud brick houses of great historical and architectural value. Severe rainfall and consequent flooding resulted in the partial collapse of the Muqaddam Ahmad Bin Omar Bassurah house. CER’s support of €11,540 contributed to salvaging the house’s original decorative and architectural elements so that these could be incorporated into the reconstruction. CER’s support has led to the recognition of the value of the site by the local investor and the owners and their commitment to its reconstruction. The house will also be included in the plans for the site’s renovation as a public space. Work - carried out in co-operation with local architects and builders - started in January 2008 and was completed in July.
INDONESIA: Earthquake in Western Sumatra, 6 March 2007
This severe earthquake caused the roof of the mosque in the village of Rao-Rao to shift, which would have been likely to lead to its eventual collapse. Dating to 1901, the mosque was built in a unique architectural style that refers to the region’s four ethnic communities. CER provided immediate assistance of €25,000 for the reinforcement of the supporting walls and roof, creating the conditions for the restoration of the mosque in the longer term. CER has established a direct partnership with the management of the Rao-Rao mosque, which is being supported by the experts of the Indonesian Heritage Trust. Activities commenced in August 2007and were completed in May 2008. Following the successful cooperation between CER and the Indonesian Heritage Trust (IHT), the IHT will establish its own Heritage Emergency Response Scheme to raise public awareness about the value of cultural heritage and set out principals for its repair in the aftermath of a disaster.
MOZAMBIQUE: Hurricane Flavio, February 2007
Research missions carried out by CER in collaboration with the Observatory of Cultural Policies Africa (OCPA) established that the Archaeological Sites of Manyikeni and Chibuene had been severely damaged and were in need of urgent action. Both sites played an important role in the trade history of Mozambique and have been nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List. CER’s support of €33,000 to each site will contribute to the reconstruction of visitor centres at each site so that a growing public can learn about the history of Mozambique. Activities commenced in November 2007 and the OCPA is responsible for implementing these repairs.
MOROCCO: Earthquake in North Morocco, 24 February 2004
The Mosque of Mestassa, also used as a community centre and school, dates from the Merinid era (1244-1465). It was badly damaged by this earthquake which also changed the course of the river in which the mosque now lies. CER donated €25,000 to repair the mosque’s damaged walls and to protect the mosque against rising water levels by reinforcing the existing dam and constructing a dyke. At the Prince Claus Fund’s request and with the support of the Dutch Embassy in Morocco, the Dutch-based Morocco Fund has now agreed to undertake the complete restoration of the mosque in order to maintain its function as the centre of village life.
CER is also currently researching the possibilities of restoring heritage following the following disasters that occurred in summer 2008: the conflict in South Ossetia, flooding in Vietnam and China, flooding and mudslides in Southern India, flooding in Nepal, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Hanna and Tropical Storm Fay in the Caribbean.
Masna’at ‘Urah site in Daw’an, Yemen before restoration
Mrs Qobo isworking on the rescue of The Archives of the University of Lesotho