The International Council on Archives (ICA) is proud to have funded 10 of our members to attend the Regional Emergency Response to Documentary Heritage Workshop, held in Pretoria, South Africa, from 11 to 15 November 2024. This workshop, organized in partnership with the National Library of South Africa as the IFLA Preservation and Conservation (PAC) Centre, the British Library’s Endangered Archives Programme (EAP) and the National University of Lesotho, as the EAP Hub for Africa, and in collaboration with Cultural Emergency Response (CER) with the generous support of the Whiting Foundation, focused on equipping 20 professionals from Southern and Eastern Africa with skills in disaster management and preservation of documentary heritage.
The course addressed the growing threats to cultural heritage due to conflicts and disasters, providing participants with practical tools for safeguarding documentary collections during crises. Through hands-on exercises, discussions, and simulations, attendees gained critical knowledge in disaster preparedness, risk management, and emergency response.
(Credits: Tshepho Mosweu and Cultural Emergency Response)
Beatrice Barankeba, a librarian from Burundi, shared her experience:
The main lessons or ideas I learned from the workshop can be summarized in these points: Water and fire are among the most important factors in the deterioration of documents; a document preservation plan is essential—prevention is better than cure; digitization is one of the most important solutions for document prevention; and when documents are hit by disasters, their rescue requires trained personnel and adequate equipment.
She plans to apply these lessons by organizing awareness sessions for her colleagues and expanding these initiatives to others responsible for document management.
Sarah Negumbo, Director of Namibia Library & Archives Service, praised the workshop:
This training was very useful as we were exposed to the compilation of a disaster risk management plan. We were also given an opportunity to network with other archivists from African countries and beyond. It was an opportunity to collaborate, to network, and also to support one another.
The interactive components of the workshop, including simulations and group discussions, were especially impactful. Beatrice noted the hands-on activities that helped her learn document salvaging techniques, like cleaning and drying wet materials.
This was the first time I had seen this
she remarked.
Renato Augusto Pereira, Deputy Director at the Mozambique National Archives, emphasized the value of learning risk management:
We learned how to develop a plan for risk management, identifying risks and prioritizing them. Some risks may not seem urgent, but we must assess their impact on the conservation of records.
He also highlighted the importance of electronic software for managing disaster risks.
Lesedi Modikwa, an archivist at Botswana National Archives, expressed her excitement about the practical aspects of the training:
I am excited to participate in the simulation of a real-life disaster scenario, handling and assessing disaster-affected documents. I would like to thank the ICA for the opportunity and the organizers for making this training so successful.
ICA’s funding enabled 10 members to attend, ensuring they returned home with enhanced disaster management skills to protect documentary heritage in their regions. This initiative underscores ICA’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of professionals in areas facing cultural heritage threats.
The course also featured an opening conference, with experts from institutions like the British Library and the National Library of South Africa discussing best practices and funding opportunities. Participants also learned about disaster risk identification, emergency plans, and post-disaster recovery strategies.
Reflecting on the workshop, Beatrice emphasized the challenges and opportunities ahead:
I will advocate for increasing egress routes to ensure users of documentary services can safely exit in the event of a disaster like fire. Moreover, the knowledge gained will allow me to improve my course on the Preservation and Conservation of Documents, benefiting my students and colleagues.
By the end of the course, ICA members were equipped with the tools and knowledge to effectively respond to emergencies and protect documentary heritage. This training highlights the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding valuable collections for future generations.
