Earthquake Disaster in Iran (Cultural Assistance through UNESCO and Other Organizations)

January 13, 2004

On January 13, in response to the Flash Appeal announced by the United Nations, the Government of Japan has decided to extend contribution of 500,000 US dollars through the UNESCO/Japan Trust Fund for the Preservation of the World Cultural Heritage to protect the cultural heritage of Bam city in southeastern Iran, which sustained large-scale damage from the earthquake that occurred on December 26 last year.
This aid will support UNESCO's efforts to preserve cultural property in Bam, and will be utilized to implement projects for the protection and restoration of the Arg-e-Bam: Bam Citadel, a precious cultural heritage of Iran, including dispatch of Japanese experts.
Japan will also consider the provision of preservation and restoration equipment of up to 150 million yen as cultural grant aid.

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