PEMELIHARAAN SITUS ARKEOLOGIS LIBYA

Archaeologist: Libyans Should Make More Effort to Preserve Their Archaeological Wealth

04/05/2008 01:19:00

There is an urgent need to protect Libya's world-class heritage assets by supporting the rapid expansion of the Department of Antiquities, with new resources and manpower to become a more effective custodian and curator of Libyan heritage, the chairman of the Society for Libyan Studies of London and Director of Canterbury Archaeological Trust, Dr. Paul Bennet told a large audience who listened attentively to his lecture on Thursday 24 April which took place at the Academy of Graduate Studies.

"Libya's archaeological heritage is a long term asset and it has the potential to create long term revenue and above all provide meaningful employment to the Libya's burgeoning youth," he added.

"I am here to support the antiquity department at its very difficult time, at a time when it is growing from a point of standstill. Libya has got a fantastic archaeological heritage and therefore it is certainly worth preserving." explained Dr. Bennets to his attentive audience.

Dr. Bennet also made a special appeal to members of the society to be made custodians of their own resources so that they can help in the preservation of the Libya's rich archaeology which is currently under threat from the ongoing economic development that is taking place in the country.

"Much as Libya is experiencing growth in terms of its infrastructure, but we have to adjust to the way we develop and make sure that our development doesn't have a major impact to this wonderful archaeological resource," appealed Dr. Bennet.

Dr. Bennet is a professional archaeologist and a part-time lecturer at the University of Kent who has been working in Libya on a voluntary basis since 1972. For the last nine years he has, with Professor Andrew Wilson of Oxford University and Ahmed Buzaian of the University of Garyounis, Benghazi, been working on the site of Euesperides, the first Benghazi, founded in c.600 BC.

The heritage sites of Libya are precious assets for the nation that have huge potential to provide foreign revenue and long-term, fulfilling jobs for Libya's young graduates and workers. Libya's archaeological heritage is therefore worth preserving.

The presentation was made in support of Libya's archaeological heritage on behalf of Dr. Bennet's friends and colleagues in the Department of Antiquities of Libya.

The lecture was organized in partnership between the British Council and Shell.

It was attended by various invited guests, including diplomats, oil company workers, academicians, environmentalists, students and journalists.

(The Tripoli Post)