Component One: Site Management and Conservation of Earthen Architecture at Joya de Cerén, El Salvador
This component consisted of the application of the value-driven and participatory planning process promoted by the GCI for the development of a management plan for the archaeological site of Joya de Cerén. The process was conceived as a model for similar sites in the region, as well as for archaeological sites in comparable condition elsewhere, to promote the development of sustainable policies and practices for heritage conservation and management. Given that the conservation of earthen archaeological remains posed a significant challenge, the project included scientific research to understand deterioration mechanisms and to establish feasible alternatives to mitigate decay, to conserve and to monitor changes of the fabric over time and to present the site to the public.

Component Two: Conservation Strategy for the Hieroglyphic Stairway at Copán, Honduras
The second component developed a methodology to assess the condition of the Hieroglyphic Stairway over time and proposed a long-term conservation strategy that could serve as a reference for conservation of stone stelae and carved figures at the specific site as well as for other sites in the region.

Component Three: Dissemination
The third component focuses on the dissemination of achieved results and lessons learned from the implementation of the field projects: the application of the conservation management planning process at Joya de Cerén and the methodological approach to the condition assessment and development of a conservation strategy for the Hieroglyphic Stairway. Broad dissemination of the projects has been carried out at local, regional, and international levels and addressed to a variety of audiences—from the general public to cultural heritage professionals.

Last updated: June 2009