The International alliance for the protection of heritage (ALIPH) has announced a new funding commitment of over USD 16 million to safeguard cultural heritage in Africa, Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza. This brings ALIPH’s total investment in cultural heritage protection to more than USD 116 million since its founding in 2018.
Africa – Protecting Heritage from Climate Change
ALIPH approved 22 new projects under its sixth call for proposals, focusing on cultural heritage threatened by climate change. These projects span 26 countries, including 22 in Africa, and represent a funding total of USD 9 million. Supported initiatives include the conservation of earthen architecture in Togo and Benin, the Museum of the Sea in Senegal, and the manuscripts of Chinguetti in Mauritania. Intangible heritage efforts include preserving traditional macuti architecture in Mozambique and sacred forests in Kenya.
Support for African Heritage Professionals
A new program aimed at young African professionals working on heritage and climate change was approved. Launching in September 2025, the program has an initial budget of USD 100,000 for 2025–2026. It will support early-career researchers and conservationists through applied research and community-based projects.
Syria – A New USD 5 Million Program
ALIPH approved a USD 5 million, two-year program to protect Syrian cultural heritage. The initiative will support the restoration of archaeological sites, historic neighborhoods, religious buildings, and museum collections. It includes training for heritage professionals and aims to restore the Palmyra collections and stabilize monuments at the ancient site.
Ongoing Work in Syria
Since 2019, ALIPH has already committed USD 3 million to 18 projects in Syria, including the rehabilitation of the Raqqa Museum and emergency responses in Aleppo and the Crac des Chevaliers following the 2023 earthquake.
Ukraine – Continued Emergency Protection
In Ukraine, ALIPH is enhancing emergency measures to protect cultural heritage during the conflict. With EUR 500,000 in new funding from the European Union, the foundation will continue to support museum collection protection and improve artifact storage conditions in the western regions.
Gaza – Increased Emergency Response
ALIPH increased its funding for Gaza by USD 500,000, bringing the total to USD 1.5 million. So far, USD 600,000 has been allocated to protect museum collections, stabilize heritage and archaeological sites, and provide training for professionals from Gaza and the West Bank.
Sudan and Other Emergency Interventions
ALIPH is conducting emergency assessment and documentation at the National Museum in Khartoum and the Gazira Museum in Wad Madani (Sudan). Additional emergency responses were carried out in Lebanon (2024), Yemen, and Myanmar. The board also approved six new emergency relief projects worth USD 1.1 million.
