Current and past events in Egypt show that preventive action and awareness-raising on illicit trafficking of cultural property is crucial for effectively protecting the country’s unique cultural heritage. 

With co-funding from the Federal Office for Culture of Switzerland, UNESCO has developed a comprehensive project aimed at building the capacities of Egyptian heritage professionals to combat illicit trafficking and at sensitizing the local population to this threat. The project, which features training in legal as well as operational aspects, will enable professionals to respond rapidly and effectively when addressing illicit trafficking and return of cultural property at the local, national and regional level.

To ensure the most comprehensive implementation of UNESCO’s 1970 and UNIDROIT's 1995 Conventions, the project places emphasis on the need for appropriate national legislation and international cooperation, as well as preventive measures to inventorize and protect cultural objects be they from archaeological remains or otherwise. The training courses will be complemented by an educational programme targeting local communities and youth.

This project will adopt an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach. Accordingly all stakeholders --from national authorities and decision-makers to heritage professionals, site managers, customs and police officers – will forge a common vision on measures to fight illicit trafficking and facilitate restitutions at all levels. UNESCO’s principal partners in these fields, namely UNIDROIT, INTERPOL, UNODC, WCO and ICOM, will be called upon to share their expertise.

This 16-month project will start in January 2012.