Nepal: joint post-earthquake initiatives by ICOMOS, ICCROM, ICOM and the Smithsonian Institution

At the invitation of UNESCO and the Department of Archaeology of the Government of Nepal, ICOMOS, ICCROM, ICOM and the Smithsonian Institution recently conducted a joint Needs Assessment Mission to Kathmandu Valley which was struck by devastating earthquakes on 25 April and 12 May 2015. The team visited the earthquake affected World Heritage Monument Zones of Kathmandu, Patan and Swyambhu, the National Museums of Hanuman Dhoka and Chaavni, as well as the historic settlements of Bungamati and Sankhu.

During the mission, the team interacted with local experts to understand the challenges and discussed possible interventions to prevent further damage to cultural heritage. The team will again visit Nepal from 5 to 24 June 2015 to provide training for local staff from museums and the Department of Archaeology as well as for volunteers on the salvage and storage of heritage fragments and museum objects, and temporary stabilization of heritage structures. For this purpose, two pilot activities will be undertaken at Hanuman Dhoka Museum Complex and Sankarpur temple in the historic settlement of Sankhu.