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The principal aim of the proposed study was to have the opportunity
of studying subjects of mutual interest to partners from different
countries using the expertise available in the participating laboratories
to decide on a suitable common approach to identifying conservation
problems relevant to the Mediterranean area.
The Al Badii Palace and Agnaou Gate were selected
for investigation because of their historical importance, their
serious state of conservation and to provide general guidelines
and common standards that can be used in further analogous studies.
The results of Prospective Study 3 have been very satisfactory especially
in terms of scientific activity and networking among scientists
from different countries (Italy, the United Kingdom, Malta and
Morocco) and different disciplines.
In
terms of capacity building, the founding of the first multidisciplinary
Moroccan research group (Groupe d’Etudes et de Recherches
sur les Monuments Historiques or GERMH) to work on the scientific
analysis of historic monuments is a major step forward. The group
consisting of geologists, chemists, physicists and art historians
agreed to work together to create a database on the historical development
and state of conservation of the monuments in Marrakech. As a result,
they are trying to implement this policy for the entire archaeological
and architectural Moroccan heritage with a view to establishing
an ongoing programme of conservation treatment and site management
planning.
Following
the example of the Prospective Study on these two monuments it is
important to apply this experience to others areas in the region.
The intention is to establish common systems and procedures that
make it possible to monitor the state of conservation of the archaeological
and architectural heritage and programme works of restoration and
conservation to safeguard the cultural heritage.
Given
the vastness and importance of this heritage and the difficulties
in finding financial resources, a programme to determine: which
works should be carried out, with what priority, and at what cost,
would permit better use of both the financial and professional resources
available.
In
this way, the present study would no longer represent an isolated
episode but rather the beginning of a constructive ongoing experience
to safeguard the cultural heritage of Morocco.
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