Culture Ministry Secures Substantial Funds for Heritage Protection
Algeria has allocated a substantial budget for the protection, maintenance, restoration, preservation, and valorization of its diverse cultural heritage. This announcement was made by Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Ben Doudah, during the opening of an international meeting on the preservation of rock art sites in Tassili n'Ajjer, held in Djanet. The Minister emphasized Algeria's early recognition of rock art's profound cultural value and its significance as an exceptional global cultural heritage.
Algeria's commitment to this heritage is evident through several historical initiatives, including the establishment of the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park in 1972. The nation further solidified its dedication by hosting an international symposium on the preservation of rock art in Tassili in 1978, a pivotal event that underscored the importance of scientific research and international cooperation in safeguarding this legacy. In 1982, the inscription of Tassili n'Ajjer on the World Heritage List expanded the scope of its preservation responsibilities to an international level. More recently, from September 21 to October 11, an inventory was conducted, identifying 510 archaeological and natural sites within the In Azan-Tadrart region of the Tassili n'Ajjer Cultural Park, approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Djanet. This extensive inventory included 207 surface sites, 265 funerary monuments, 29 rock art sites, and nine natural sites.
The International Algerian Rock Art Festival, organized under the patronage of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, serves as a recurring scientific and cultural event, bringing together researchers, artists, and institutions to integrate knowledge with heritage protection and valorization efforts. A representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted rock art's role as a living record of human memory and a unique testament to the evolution of human societies. Tassili n'Ajjer, in particular, holds exceptional importance as a primary custodian of this invaluable heritage, whose significance extends beyond national borders to become an integral part of shared human heritage. The ongoing international meeting is reinforced by the participation of 15 international experts and researchers from 12 countries, alongside 85 Algerian participants, reflecting Algeria's unwavering dedication to preserving this national treasure and fundamental pillar of sovereignty.
