Flight of steps in Tbilisi. Photo: Reidun Vea © Riksantikvaren

The nature of the projects in different countries can vary. However, the common denominator for all of them is that they must take local interests and needs into account. Historical buildings, monuments and sites are important for identity and self-esteem, and cultural heritage protection occupies a prominent position in the nation-building process in which many of these countries are engaged. The former Soviet republics are all struggling with many decades’ neglect of maintenance, and the nation’s cultural roots are of key importance for these new independent states.

Since the early 1990s the Directorate has cooperated extensively with a number of the former Soviet republics. A wide-ranging and successful project with Russia was completed in 2010, while the Ukraine is rapidly emerging as a new partner country. For several years the Directorate has enjoyed close cooperation with the cultural heritage protection authorities in Georgia, and has taken part in a project in Uzbekistan to help improve the management of an area of rock art.

Cooperation with Pakistan has been particularly challenging due to the difficult security situation in the country but is prioritised because of the many cultural ties that have grown in recent years between Norway and Pakistan. All the projects are funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.