The Qatar National Historic Environment Project 2009-2014

An example of international collaboration

First National HER

Aim:

in the Middle East

“A prerequisite to safeguarding heritage assets in each country is accurate information”

Objectives:

A HER should be a

A framework that builds on the strengths of pre-existing systems

intuitive index aiding discovery, management,

research and education

while overcoming traditional limitations and weaknesses.

EFFECTIVE PARTNERSH

IP

A DEFINED RESEARCH AGENDA

FUNDING

RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES“Arising typically from established agendas

or from professional discourse -are a projects driving force”

CommunicationMutual

advantageRespectCohesive

logisticsPATIENCE, LANGUAGE & CULTURE

IDENTIFY YOUR STAKEHOLDERSSponsors

Curators

FUNDING Sourc

esReliability

Attendant responsibilities & obligations

Users

KEY:

QNHERStructure of an international projectAdministrative center

Project Hub

Field teams

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Based in country of origin

Based in Host country

External specialists

University of Birmingham

Administrative centerBased in country of

origin

Legal representation

Human resources

Financial Administration

The base from which research and data is collated, reviewed and published

Project HubBased in Host country

Qatar Museums Authority DOHA

“The core of an effective project”

Field teams

“Your practioners in the field and office lay thefoundations of the framework of research and investigation

that will shape the project”

capacitySustainable

Building

Capacity of the system

Collective capabilities

Individual competencies

Capacity development as a process that “starts from the principle that people are best

empowered to realize their full potential when the means of

development are sustainable –

 – home-grown, long-term, and generated and managed collectively by those who stand to benefit”(Capacity Development, a UNDP Primer)

Foreign interventionExternal expertise

Domestic responseLocal knowledge & skills

The removal / destruction of tangible heritage Input of new knowledge & skills

into the existing heritage frameworks

UTILISE AND IMPROVE EXISTING CAPACITYRATHER THAN DEVELOP ENTIRELY NEW

AND THUS EXTERNAL MODELS

TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE HERITAGE

- traditional craftsmanship.

“ Our definition of Cultural Heritage has changed considerably in recent decades.

Cultural Heritage does not end at monuments & collections of objects”

- Oral traditions and expressions, including language 

- as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage

- Performing arts

- Social practices, rituals and festive events 

- Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe

Freedom of research V’

sThe welfare of living populations

Ensure the scope of research fosters respect for the culture, knowledge & practices of indigenous peoples

INFORMED CONSULTATION & PARTICIPATION

Within the PROJECT PLANNING stage

Individuals

Organizations

Government

agencies

International NGOs

PARTICIPATION & INVOLVEMENTREMEMBER YOUR STAKE

HOLDERS

Communitybased and interdisciplinary approaches to research

Researchdividends