Rabat – The US State Department announced on Friday that it would donate $190,000 (MAD 1.7 million) to the Moroccan NGO Ifker Association to aid in restoring the mosaics of Volubilis in the Fes-Meknes region.
Volubilis, a UNESCO heritage site since 1997, has been home to Romans, Phoenicians, and other historical communities since the 11th century.
The Ifker Association, sponsored by the US’ Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, intends to restore the mosaics of Volubilis in order to display them for the public. The site features ancient ruins and a museum exhibit where many of the mosaics are housed.
“Volubilis is the crown jewel of Moroccan heritage sites, and we are proud to partner with the Ifker Association, the Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Culture to help restore these historic mosaics and support jobs training, and educational and outreach programs for the local community,” said Lawrence Randolph, head of mission at the US Consulate General in Casablanca.
The US diplomat also noted the bicentennial celebration of relations between the US and Morocco and stated that the donation furthers the spirit of strong relations between the two countries.
Following Randolph, President of the Ifker Association, Zoubir Chattou, added, “This project will contribute to the economic and social development of the Zerhoun Massif area.” The project will employ local youth and workers and aims to “revive tourism opportunities post-COVID-19, generate jobs and participate in strengthening the economic and cultural attractiveness of the region.”
Volubilis welcomed over 10 million visitors a year before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to ReflectionsEnRoute.
The US State department has donated over $1 million (MAD 8.9 million) in the last two decades to promote the preservation of cultural heritage sites in Morocco.
Additionally, the US and Morocco signed a cultural property agreement in January 2021 and the donation to the Ifkar Association is the first of many US investments to come from the agreement.
