Knowledge Exchange

            The HRC was established with a team of local engineers, architects, consultant sector specialists, social workers and legal advisers. Several PNA institutions, such as the Ministries of Local Governments, Public Works, Transportation, Awqaf, Housing, Tourism, Planning, and Education as well as the municipality of Hebron, the University Graduates Union, and the Aqsa Mosque Rehabilitation Committee, provided qualified staff and expertise to the Engineering Office, greatly contributing to the success of the program.

            The studies done by the University Graduates Union and various other institutions in the city have supplied an excellent knowledge base that accelerated our ability to initiate and execute our projects. The Palestinian Bureau of Statistics has also helped by updating the statistical data available about the Old City and its inhabitants.

            Various international and national public and private institutions consider the HRC's experience as a reference model and consult it regularly on technical and legal issues related to cultural heritage preservation and community projects.

            The HRC is working closely with several governmental bodies of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and many other governmental and non-governmental organizations.

            Several public and private institutions working on different levels have approached the HRC to learn more about its experiences and success in its effort to provide and improve adequate living conditions, rehabilitate Palestinian Cultural Heritage and set out a national strategy for cultural heritage preservation. The Committee's standards have been used as technical bases for renovation in various areas on the national level including the Bethlehem 2000 project. These are also pursued by conservation students in West Bank universities.