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What organizations or entities are working to preserve ancient cities in Asia and Africa?

Eli Pavia

Hey there! This is a really interesting question, and it's great that you're interested in learning about organizations and entities that are working to preserve ancient cities in Asia and Africa. I've actually done some research on this topic before, so I'd be happy to share what I've learned.

One organization that immediately comes to mind is the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. This organization is active in a number of countries in Asia and Africa, and it's dedicated to preserving and restoring historic cities and structures. One example of a project they've worked on is the restoration of the Altit Fort in Pakistan, which is a centuries-old fort that overlooks the Hunza Valley. The Trust has also been involved in the restoration of heritage sites in Afghanistan, Syria, and India.

Another organization that's doing important work in this area is the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). This organization is dedicated to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage sites around the world, and it works closely with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders. ICOMOS has a number of programs focused specifically on Asia and Africa, and it's played an important role in protecting and preserving historic cities and sites in both regions.

There are also a number of smaller NGOs and community-based organizations that are doing important work in this area. For example, there's a group called the Friends of Zanzibar Stone Town that's focused specifically on preserving the historic stone buildings in Zanzibar's Old Town. This group is made up of local residents who are passionate about protecting their city's heritage, and they've been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of preservation and in lobbying local authorities to take action.

There's also a group called the Save Lamu that's focused on preserving the historic Swahili town of Lamu in Kenya. This group is opposed to plans to build a coal-fired power plant near the town, which they believe would be harmful to the local environment and the cultural heritage of the area. The group has been involved in a long-running legal battle over the proposed power plant, and they've also been active in raising awareness about the importance of preserving Lamu's cultural heritage.

Overall, there are many organizations and entities that are working to preserve ancient cities in Asia and Africa. These organizations range from large international NGOs to smaller community-based groups, but they all share a common goal of protecting and promoting the rich cultural heritage of these regions. As more and more people become aware of the importance of preservation and conservation, we can hope to see even more progress in this area in the years to come!