New funding for Withstanding Change

We are thrilled to announce that the Withstanding Change project successfully concluded its first phase at the end of March 2025. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our partners, six sites across the Middle East and East Africa have been protected from the impacts of climate change. These revitalised spaces now serve as local hubs for climate and cultural heritage education, fostering hope and wellbeing in their communities.

Our project partners have built strong relationships with their National Trust twinning partners in England and Wales, creating a supportive network that has navigated challenges and celebrated successes together. These collaborations have sparked innovative solutions and creativity in addressing common heritage site issues.

We are delighted to share that the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund will support a second phase of the project, extending our work until January 2026. The additional funding of £603,000 will enable us to revisit vital elements that were excluded from the original phase, bringing the total investment to £2.3 million.

Here’s how the new funding will be utilised:

• Bayt al-Jaghbeer, As-Salt, Jordan: Enhancements to the wastewater management system and expansion of Petra National Trust’s youth education and outreach programmes.
• Bayt al-Razzaz, Cairo, Egypt: Securing the final section of the eastern courtyard and replacing damaged wooden beams, along with continued community engagement activities.
• Tsegereda and Terrace Gardens, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Continued maintenance of the gardens within the grounds of the University of Addis Ababa, accompanied by educational outreach activities in three schools.
• Semei Kakungulu Heritage Site, near Mbale, Uganda: Drilling for a safe, on-site, water supply that will also benefit the neighbouring community and providing personal development opportunities for museum staff to ensure the continued success and business sustainability.
• Old Customs House, Stone Town, Zanzibar: Improvement of security at the site and the installation of architecturally sympathetic trunking for better internet connectivity. This will improve visitor experience.
• Homs Theatre, Turathuna Foundation: Enhancing the building security and continuing community engagement work focused on empowering women and children in climate change and heritage awareness.

We are excited to continue our journey with the support of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund and our dedicated partners. Together, we are making a lasting impact on heritage sites and communities, driving positive change and fostering resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating this wonderful achievement!