Pisa

New approaches to conservation and management of archaeological sites

PISA had the largest budget of Euromed Heritage I projects (€ 3.2 million), and the widest scope. One of its aims was to show policy makers and business leaders the potential social and economic benefits of integrated management for archaeological sites.
PISA compared the management of nine archaeological sites: Cherchell (Algeria), Jericho (Palestinian Authority), Bibracte (France), Pella (Greece), Caesarea Maritima (Israel), Pompei (Italy), Tharros (Italy), Lixus (Morocco), and Dougga (Tunisia). The studies analysed objectives for the management of each site and examined the links between them and the surrounding local economy. Once the studies were complete, conservation professionals discussed the findings at workshops and seminars. These sessions produced a handbook for the integrated planning of archaeological sites, encouraging a close and sustainable relationship between heritage conservation, tourism, and local business.
PISA's final conference was held in Rome in late February 2002. It was an important opportunity for dialogue between leading heritage players and institutions that follow the integrated approach advocated by PISA (e.g., International Council on Monuments and Sites [ICOMOS], ICCROM, The Council of Europe, English Heritage etc.), as well as members of the public.The outcome was a Euro-Mediterranean Charter on the Integrated Enhancement of Cultural Heritage.