A couple of years ago, Beirut was hit by the devastating explosion in a port. Initial reports indicated that the fire in a warehouse which sold fireworks caused the explosion. The store was only a few within a short distance of Beirut’s entertainment and shopping districts. Before the blast took place, maintenance was performed on the warehouse’s door. There was, however, no instant way to pinpoint exactly what was the cause of the blast.
UNESCO Li Beirut
The UNESCO Li Beirut program mobilizes the international community as the city attempts to restore. The group is seeking to collect half a billion dollars for the reconstruction of arts and cultural sites in the city. The organization is hosting a donor conference to raise funds for the project. At the conference, Beirut’s mayor of Beirut will make solemn pledges to stay clear of property speculation and transactions that exploit the vulnerable nature of residents.
Certain private museums such for the Robert Mouawad Personal Museum and the Villa Audi Mosaic Museum have been closed for the duration of time. The damage caused to the National Museum was mostly structural however, the exhibits and displays survived the explosion. American University of Beirut lost its showcase of old glass artifacts. The museum’s Facebook page there were videos of the process of lifting and salvage. Blue Shield volunteers helped to clean up damaged artifacts.
Lebanese Red Cross
After the devastating blast in the aftermath of the devastating explosion, in the aftermath of this devastating blast, Lebanese Red Cross has been giving free help to the city’s poorest inhabitants. From ambulance and blood services to health services for primary care The Red Cross has been providing assistance to over 28,000 people. Since the beginning since its inception, the LRC has offered independent humanitarian aid for over 75 years. It is dedicated to providing services to all that require it regardless of religious beliefs, gender or race.
In the last few months the economy of the nation has been in decline. Along with constant power shortages and a debilitating COVID-19 disease it was on the verge of having to undergo lockdown that is designed to slow spreading of the virus. Cultural heritage in the country has a wealth of history and culture, and the destruction of its port only added to the difficulties.
ALIPH
The effort to rescue Beirut’s Cultural and Architectural Heritage Two Years After the Port Explosion began with efforts to raise funds for a cultural initiative. The organization also funded four other projects that were developed to assist in stabilizing structures affected by the explosion. This included the installation of temporary roof protection and reinforcement measures on forty old constructions, including residences and patrician villas. There are also two historical palaces, and the former train station.
According to several accounts, the fire may occur due to the presence of a fire inside a storage facility which contained fireworks. This warehouse is located just few minutes from Beirut’s heart of Beirut’s nightlife, shopping and entertainment districts. A few hours prior to the attack Warehouse maintenance had been completed at the door of Warehouse 12. The state could be responsible for this failure to adhere to the rules and regulations, as well as to make repairs to heritage properties.
UNESCO
UNESCO is supporting its Directorate General of Antiquities and safeguarding the heritage of buildings, while also focusing on the development of creative industries. Port Explosion resulted in 800 cultural and artistic businesses being destroyed, with 50% of these shutting down. In the meantime, as Lebanon is continuing to rebuild after the disaster at the port, many are not considering restarting their operations. The purpose of this mission is to ensure the survival of such businesses.
An international group of museums has arranged cultural first assistance for Beirut’s damaged institutions. 27 signatories which include UNESCO as well as the World Monuments Fund signed a statement of support in the morning of 11 August. They pledged to help Beirut’s complete recovery. The mission’s efforts are already yielding results.
This content is contributed by Guestomatic
