Cultural Protection Fund Launches £2 Million Initiative for Heritage Preservation Across 10 Countries

The Cultural Protection Fund has announced 22 new projects across 10 countries, with funding totaling over £2 million to protect cultural heritage at risk from conflict and climate change.

The fund, managed by the British Council in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport, will extend its efforts to South Asia, including Pakistan and Nepal, for the first time.

Projects in countries like Syria, Iraq, and Kenya, as well as newly included Pakistan and Nepal, aim to preserve both tangible and intangible heritage. Highlighted projects in Nepal include preserving indigenous food heritage, safeguarding the Kusunda language, protecting cultural sites in the Upper Dolpo region, and reviving Maithil women’s wall painting and sculpting arts.

The British Council emphasizes the significance of cultural heritage for community identity and the necessity of protection amidst growing challenges from conflict and climate change.