Presently DGAM is managing 28 museums and 3073 archaeological sites, where 80 foreign missions are operating with an impressing number of yearly new excavations. Present personnel of DGAM is critically insufficient in order to manage such a rich cultural heritage. While workers having adequate new technical and scientific skills would be indispensable to face the new duties.

REASONS FOR THE PROJECT

     Since ancient time Syria has strong historical ties with Italy and a close relationship in the present, as shown in the meaningful cooperation which operated under the Cooperation Agreement identified by the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Damascus on November 2000. This grant would allow interventions for 20 billion lira (10,33 million euro) in favor of the DGAM, 6,0 million being dedicated to the National Museum and to the Citadel of Damascus; 2,8 million to manage four Masters specialization (in conservation, archaeology, economy of cultural heritage) to be held at Syria Universities; and 1,5 million for interventions in favor of the Museum of Aleppo, of the sites and museums of Ebla and Palmyra.
The  Minutes of Meetings signed in  Damascus on November  the 18th  2001,  between  DGAM and the Embassy,   and the  following   agreements done  in Rome on  June 20th 2002, reserved total priority  to the implementation of the general project to enhance Cultural Heritage sector’s  institutions. Particularly it will concern the actions to be taken for the Damascus National Museum and the Citadel. Following the completion and signature of the Agreement and its Annexes, current Project is expected to operate for two years, beginning in 2004.

     In the mean time, it should rely on a widely competent staff, highly motivated, duly trained and operating. That is absolutely necessary for the best running, for the achievement of the objectives and for the institution building policy. Training the staff of a museum, which is dialoging with the outside,  and comparing  itself  with it,  need to be understood as a continuum process, including all the different transversal competencies, particularly on the following themes:

·        Conservation

·        Museum System development

·        Research promotion

·        People education.