UNESCO to help preserve archaeological sites
The Sindh tourism ministry and Unesco signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday for the preservation of internationally recognised archaeological sites in Sindh.
The ceremony was held at the office of Sindh Tourism Minister Shazia Marri, who signed the contract on the behalf of the Sindh government. Unesco country director Dr Warren Mellor led his delegation, which included Dr Randolph Langen, Dr Michael Jansen and Dr Alexandra.
Dr Mellor said that since Sindh is home to some great heritage and archaeological sites, Unesco will provide technical assistance and other help to preserve world heritage sites, including Moenjodaro and Makli. Unesco will also help the government promote tourism, he said.
“[After] visiting the sites, I have come to the conclusion that Sindh has a fantastic potential for tourism and we want to promote these rich treasures of the province,” he said.
According to Mellor, this joint venture of the Sindh government and Unesco will also generate jobs.
Even though the present contract is for one year, it is likely to be extended for two more years, said Marri. “I hope our collaboration will remain for an indefinite time because we want to see the sustainable development of tourism in Sindh,” she said as she appreciated the help from Unesco.
“It is difficult for me to encapsulate in a few words all the points of the MoU but it is a great opportunity for us to have the direct intervention of an international organisation,” she added.
Marri also informed the participants of the meeting that once the concurrent list is devolved, the department will come under the provincial government by next year.
Talking to The Express Tribune, spokesperson for the tourism ministry, Zulfiqar Ali Shaikh, said that under this contract, the government will organise national and international seminars in return for need-based support by the Unesco. This set-up will help build the capacity of the tourism department’s employees as they will publish souvenirs, booklets, travelogues and organise exhibitions, he added.
A delegation of Unesco led by Michel Jinnes paid a second visit to the Makli graveyard on Monday.
The delegation was accompanied by Unesco National Programme Officer in Pakistan Farhat Gill.
On Sunday, a Unesco team paid a visit to the graveyard along with Sindh Minister for Culture Sassui Palijo. The visitors expressed their concern over the deteriorating condition of the graves of the world’s largest necropolis.
A three-member committee, comprising Secretary Ahmed Bux Najreejo, former secretary Sham Jafferani and culture director Muhammad Ali Manjhi, was also constituted for the documentation of archaeological sites.
During his visit to Makli, Dr Mellor said the graveyard had been ignored completely. The foreign delegates were informed that after the floods in Thatta district, many flood survivors had taken refuge at the Malki necropolis and that has also caused damages to the graves.
Referring to Moenjodaro, he said that it is very popular in the world and Unesco will start raising funds for its preservation.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2010.
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