RIWAQ- Centre for Architectural Conservation

RIWAQ - Centre for Architectural Conservation based in Ramallah - was set in motion in 1991 when a group of enthusiasts came together in an organized effort to save historic buildings in Palestine. RIWAQ’s mission is to protect, restore, and rehabilitate the architectural and cultural heritage in Palestine through its main programs; the Restoration Program, the Regeneration of the 50 Most Significant Historic Centers, and the Community and Cultural Program. RIWAQ contributes to the production and dissemination of knowledge about heritage through its Research and Publications Program including the Registry of Historic Buildings in Palestine, and works, in collaboration with other actors, on building a conducive institutional and legal environment. Vision: Cultural and natural heritage that thrives and enjoys protection at the national and regional levels, fosters knowledge exchange, contributes to the national identity, and acknowledges the cultural and human dimensions of Palestine. Mission: Working to restore and revive the cultural and natural heritage in Palestine, document and preserve it, through mobilizing resources, implementing programs and projects, and contributing to drafting supportive policies and building partnerships that lead to increased knowledge exchange and national awareness. Main Activities: • Registered 50,320 historic buildings in 422 villages, towns, and cities in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza. • 50 Village Project: Rehabilitation projects to target improvement of services, infrastructure, and living conditions of the public and private surrounding spaces in 50 villages and towns across Palestine. RIWAQ has rehabilitated 25 historic centres. • Single Historic Buildings: Restoring over 160 single buildings through adaptive reuse to serve as premises for community-based associations. • The Jerusalem Life Jacket Project: RIWAQ works on developing and revitalizing villages of rural Jerusalem. Projects include restoring and creating joint