Paris, 28/02/2024 – In response to the urgent need to safeguard Ukraine’s cultural heritage amidst conflict-related challenges, the International Council on Archives (ICA) is leading a groundbreaking initiative funded by the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH). Through an Emergency Relief Grant awarded in June 2023, the ICA, in collaboration with various professional experts and archival institutions on the ground, is providing essential support to facilitate the preservation of invaluable archival documents in Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted digitization efforts in Ukrainian archives, posing significant challenges to the preservation of historical records. Destruction, staff conscription, power outages, and the occupation of archival premises by opposing forces have hampered progress. However, archive personnel remain resolute in their commitment to digitize as many documents as possible, recognizing the critical importance of this endeavour in safeguarding Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
The initiative designed by the ICA is a two-phase project to address these challenges. Phase 1, implemented in 2023 in collaboration with the State Archival Service of Ukraine, focused on developing a comprehensive manual tailored to the specific needs of Ukrainian regional archives. This manual, designed for the digitization of paper-based archival documents including texts and printed photographs in emergency situations, aims to provide practical guidance to archive staff facing adversity.
More than once our Zoom sessions were interrupted by air alerts. Our Ukrainian partners always apologized for the inconvenience and suggested rescheduling. It was quite remarkable to witness such composure and determination in the face of mortal danger.”, remarked Andrew Chernevych, Head Archivist at the Galt Museum and Archives (Canada) and one of the experts on the team that is developing this project. “The collaboration had to be done completely remote and it was challenging. Aside from language and time differences, we had to learn (fast) how to comply with the national regulations and how to tap into the local expertise. We had to ask the right questions and be ready to adjust constantly.
Amira Sadik Aly, Executive Manager of the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation and an expert in disaster preparedness, leads an informative workshop on risk assessment and disaster mitigation strategies for the archival professionals in Ukraine. 30 January 2024.
Phase 2 of the project involves collaboration with four archival centres located in Eastern regions of Ukraine: Kherson, Chernihiv, Mykolayiv, and the Central State Audiovisual and Electronic Archive of Ukraine, with the support of the State Archival Service of Ukraine. By organizing digitization projects and training workshops in partnership with these centres, the ICA aims to refine and optimize the emergency digitization manual for broader application in similar crisis situations. As the project is entering this phase, slated to unfold over the coming months, further advancements are expected to be made.
Digitization efforts, while more effective if implemented proactively, can provide meaningful mitigation even in the midst of unfolding disasters to limit losses. Archives globally would benefit immensely from taking preventative measures now to offset future risks, said Amira Sadik Aly, Executive Manager of the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation and an expert in disaster preparedness who has been involved in training the professional archivists involved in the initiative.
The project led by the ICA and funded by ALIPH represents a significant step towards mitigating the impact of conflict on Ukraine’s cultural heritage. By leveraging expertise and resources in the local archival institutions, this initiative aims to provide a model for preserving cultural assets in crisis zones worldwide.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact us at programme@ica.org or communications@ica.org.
Regional State Archives of Mykolaiv
About the International Council on Archives (ICA): The ICA is an international non-governmental and non-profit organisation based in Paris, France. Its mission is to promote the efficient and effective management and use of records, archives and data in all formats and its preservation as the cultural and evidentiary heritage of humanity, through international cooperation, by sharing professional experiences, research and ideas on the management and organisation of archives and archival institutions. www.ica.org