Restoration of the Ancient Nabataean Flash Flood Protection System (1st Century)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
World Heritage is the UNESCO designation for places that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Conservation of 4th-Century BC Astronomical Horizon Markers at Chankillo Archaeological Site (4th Century)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
AFCP
Over the course of two decades, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) has supported more than 240 cultural preservation projects at 123 World Heritage sites.
Preservation of the 17th-Century Wat Chaiwatthanaram (17th century)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
AFCP projects often kickstarted the preservation work needed for sites to be listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Here are just a few examples:
Phnom Bakheng Under Construction (2011)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Cambodia: Phnom Bakheng
The AFCP project in Phnom Bakheng is a collaborative, multi-year effort between the United States and Cambodia to conserve a 10th Century temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Conservation of Phnom BakengCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
The project has enabled the employment of more than 100 full time workers, mostly from the villages within the archaeological park, supporting deeper connections between the community and its cultural heritage.
Phnom Bakheng Arial View by U.S. Department of StateCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
The project started in 2008, focusing on stabilization, waterproofing, and training in site management. This ongoing project is a testament to the U.S. Department of State's commitment to ensuring that this site's inscription as a World Monument in 1992 endures for generations.
Kilwa Kisiwani Fort by U.S. Department of State and Kilwa KisiwaniCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Tanzania: Kilwa Kisiwani
Just off the southern coast of Tanzania, Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its significance as a major trading port from the 13th to the16th centuries. The architectural wonders of the site are now being threatened by climate change.
Conservation of the Ruins of the 9th‐Century City of Kilwa Kisiwani (9th century)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
A 2011 AFCP grant funded stabilization, conservation, and restoration of key monuments that were deteriorating or at risk. It also aided in a comprehensive archaeological mapping and excavation of the site, ensuring that yet-to-be-discovered aspects of the site were documented.
The 2011 project helped remove Kilwa Kisiwani from the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger, addressing some of the structural problems the site has endured.
The AFCP's support for Kilwa Kisiwani underscores the United States global commitment to preserving sites of immense cultural and historical importance, ensuring they endure for future generations to study and admire.
Mid-17th-Century St. George's Church in Drohobych (17th Century) by U.S. Embassy KyivCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Ukraine: St. George's Church
This 16th century tserkva or “wooden church,” bears testimony to a distinct building tradition rooted in Orthodox architectural design interwoven with uniquely Ukrainian local traditions.
Our AFCP project, initiated in the same year the site received UNESCO World Heritage designation, restored 17th-18th century frescoes that had deteriorated from lack of environmental controls and were threatened by outdated electrical wiring and fire protection
Conservation of Wall Paintings in the Mid-17th-Century St. George's Church in Drohobych by U.S. Embassy KiyvCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Anticipating future threats, implementers collaborated with local emergency response personnel to install new electrical and fire prevention systems in the wooden church.
Conservation of Late Preclassic Maya Murals (1st century BC)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State and the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation continue their commitment to supporting cultural preservation worldwide.
