M’Zab Valley Office, Russian Institute Ink Heritage MoU
A significant three-year memorandum of understanding for cultural heritage protection and restoration has been signed between Algeria and Russia. The agreement aims to enhance scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation, fostering a partnership in preserving and restoring cultural heritage while facilitating the exchange of expertise, information, and specialists. This accord was formalized during the working visit of Algeria's Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Ben Doudah, to the Russian Federation for the 12th St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum.
The memorandum was signed by Kamal Ramadan, Director of Algeria's Office for the Protection and Promotion of the M'Zab Valley, and Dr. Natalia Fedorovna Solovyova, representing the Rescue Archaeology Center of the Institute of Material Culture History at the Russian Academy of Sciences. The signing was officially overseen by Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director General of the State Hermitage Museum and President of the Union of Russian Museums. This collaboration opens new avenues for joint efforts between Algeria and Russia in cultural heritage protection.
During her participation in the forum, Minister Ben Doudah advocated for a civilized dialogue that respects cultural specificity as a sovereign right of nations. She underscored Algeria's commitment to cultural sovereignty and its rejection of any thesis calling for absolute assimilation with others. The Minister highlighted Algeria's rich cultural diversity, noting its seven sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list and 13 elements registered within its intangible cultural heritage system, considering this diversity a safeguard for its sovereignty and identity.
Further showcasing Algeria's leadership in this field, archaeological expert Kamal Ramadan presented Algeria's experience in protecting and preserving tangible cultural heritage at the same forum. His intervention detailed the Ministry of Culture and Arts' pioneering efforts in safeguarding living heritage through legislative frameworks, maintenance projects, restoration, protection, and classification. Mr. Ramadan also highlighted the role of the Office for the Protection and Promotion of the M'Zab Valley since its establishment in 1970, along with Algeria's initiatives in intangible cultural heritage preservation, digitalization of heritage and manuscripts, and the critical role of specialized institutions.
