Title: SOSMUN III CHAIR REPORT
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SOSMUN III
# CHAIR REPORT
# UNESCO
# Protecting and preserving
# the archeological site of
# Tyre in Lebanon amidst
# regional instability
## President Chair: Michael Alhabib
## Co-Chair: Meyar Noman Table of Contents
Table of contents 2
Introduction 3
General Overview 5
Terminology 7
Major Parties Involved 9
Timeline 12
Previous Attempts Taken to Solve this Issue 15
Useful links 17
Procedure of Committee 18 Tyre is not merely an ancient city; it is a living testament to human
resilience and creativity. UNESCO
Amidst the beautiful shores of Lebanon lies the historic city of Tyre, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient harbors, monumental
ruins, and cultural significance as a cradle of Phoenician civilization.
However, this priceless heritage faces existential threats. Regional instability,
economic collapse, and escalating urbanization have turned Tyre into a
vulnerable target.
# Introduction The ongoing political instability in Lebanon, the spillover from neighboring
conflicts, and rampant urban development have accelerated the deterioration
of the archaeological site. Illegal construction, looting, environmental
degradation, and a lack of sufficient state protection mechanisms jeopardize
Tyres legacy.
As delegates, you are tasked with proposing solutions that not only preserve
this shared human heritage but also foster peace and stability in the region.
# Introduction Tyre, located on the southern coast of Lebanon, is one of the oldest
continuously inhabited cities in the world, with origins dating back to around
2750 BCE. As a prominent Phoenician city, it played a central role in ancient
maritime trade and cultural exchange across the Mediterranean. Over time,
Tyre became part of various empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, and
Ottoman, each leaving behind architectural and historical landmarks. Today,
the city is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes a range
of significant ruins such as the Roman hippodrome, ancient streets,
necropolises, and harbor structures.
In the present day, the preservation and protection of Tyres archaeological
# General Overview General Overview
heritage face numerous challenges. Urban expansion in nearby areas has led
to construction activities that sometimes encroach upon or threaten protected
zones. Economic difficulties in the region have contributed to cases of
unauthorized excavations and looting, which further endanger the integrity of
the site. Environmental concerns such as coastal erosion and rising sea levels
also pose long-term risks to the citys ancient structures, especially those
located near the shoreline.
Additionally, Lebanons ongoing socio-political and economic instability has
affected the availability of resources and institutional support for heritage
conservation. Budget constraints, competing national priorities, and limited
enforcement capacity have made it more difficult to implement consistent
preservation measures or respond to emerging threats.
The case of Tyre illustrates the complex dynamics involved in managing and
safeguarding cultural heritage in regions undergoing significant stress. It
brings attention to the broader considerations surrounding archaeological
preservation, urban development, environmental impact, and the role of
governance and international cooperation in protecting historical sites. UNESCO World Heritage Site: A site recognized by UNESCO for its
cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance.
Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible
attributes inherited from past generations.
Urban Encroachment: Expansion of urban areas into historically
significant zones, threatening their integrity.
Looting: The illegal excavation and theft of cultural artifacts.
Archaeological Conservation: Actions taken to preserve and maintain
archaeological sites.
# Terminology Regional Instability: Political unrest and conflict within or near the
region.
Non-State Armed Groups: Armed groups not officially affiliated with
any government, often threatening cultural sites.
Heritage Tourism: Tourism directed toward experiencing the places and
activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past.
# Terminology Lebanon
Directly responsible for the site, as Tyre is located within its national
territory.
Its government, local authorities, and institutions such as the
Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA) oversee heritage
management.
Lebanon's economic and political instability affects its ability to fund
and enforce preservation efforts.
# Major Parties Involved Major Parties Involved
UNESCO (via the United Nations, involving multiple member states)
Tyre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1984), meaning
preservation efforts fall under international cultural heritage
agreements.
Although UNESCO is not a country, its actions involve support and
funding from member states, including:
France
Long-standing historical and cultural ties to Lebanon.
Often supports archaeological missions, conservation projects, and
cultural programs in Lebanon through agencies like the Institut
Franais or in partnership with UNESCO.
Italy
Has been actively involved in archaeological excavations and
restoration projects in Tyre and other Lebanese heritage sites.
Provides technical and financial support for cultural preservation. Major Parties Involved
Germany
Through organizations like the German Archaeological Institute and
the Goethe-Institut, Germany supports cultural heritage and
reconstruction projects across Lebanon.
Involved in capacity-building and preservation training.
United States
Supports cultural heritage preservation through programs like the
Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
US-based institutions and NGOs have provided grants and expertise
for safeguarding heritage sites in Lebanon, including Tyre.
Other Supporting Countries
Japan, the UK, Switzerland, and Norway have all, at different times,
contributed to UNESCO and funded specific heritage and
conservation projects in Lebanon.
Co ntributions may include environmental protection, anti-looting
efforts, and community outreach programs near archaeological sites. 2750 BCE Founding of Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, becoming a
hub for maritime trade and cultural exchange across the Mediterranean.
1000 BCE Tyre reaches the height of its power under King Hiram I,
who maintains alliances with King Solomon and contributes to the
construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
332 BCE Siege of Tyre by Alexander the Great, resulting in the
destruction of the island city and the construction of a causeway linking
it to the mainland.
# Timeline Timeline
64 BCE Tyre becomes part of the Roman Empire, leading to the
construction of major architectural landmarks such as the hippodrome,
necropolis, and aqueducts.
7th century CE Tyre comes under Islamic rule, followed by periods of
Crusader and Mamluk control.
15161918 Under Ottoman rule, Tyre continues as a modest coastal
town with reduced strategic importance.
1920 Leba non becomes a French Mandate, during which archaeological
excavations begin in Tyre with support from French institutions.
1943 Lebanon gains independence; archaeological interest in Tyre
increases, but development also expands.
1979 Tyre is officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
1982 During the Lebanese Civil War, Tyre is occupied by Israeli forces,
leading to restricted access and damage to surrounding areas. Timeline
2006 The Israel-Hezbollah conflict results in bombing and
infrastructure damage in and around Tyre, raising concerns about
collateral harm to the archaeological zones.
20122015 UNESCO and international partners initiate preservation
projects, including site documentation and coastal erosion studies.
20192023 Lebanon faces economic collapse and political instability.
Illegal construction near heritage sites increases, and state protection
weakens .
202 5 Urgent calls for global cooperation and sustained funding to
prevent irreversible damage to Tyres archaeological legacy amidst
continued regional uncertainty. Previous Attempts Taken to
# Solve This Issue
UNESCO Mon itoring Missions: Periodic evaluations and urgent
recommendations.
Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives lik e "Our Heritage, Our
Responsibility" to engage local youth.
Remote Sensing Projects: Using satellite imagery to detect threats.
Inte rnational Collaborations: Excavations and res torations supported
by foreign universities. Previous Attempts Taken to
# Solve This Issue
Protective Zoning and Buffer Areas: Designation of protected zones
around archaeological sites to limit nearby construction and reduce
physical encroachment.
National Legislation and Heritage Laws: Introduction of Lebanese laws
to safeguard cultural heritage, including penalties for looting and
unauthorized excavation. Useful Links
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/299
https://whc.unesco.o rg/en/statesparties/lb
https://www.unesco.org/en/heritage-armed-conflicts
https://www.unesco.org/en/culture
https://www.unesco.org/en/lebanon
https://globalheritagefund.org/projects/
https://www.icomos.org/en/ Rules of Procedure
Formal Debate
Moderated Caucus: Time-limited speeches on specific subtopics.
Unmoderated Caucus: Informal lobbying and resolution drafting.
Speeches
Opening speeches establish national positions.
Later speeches respond to others points or negotiate solutions.
Points and Motions
Points of Order, Personal Privilege, or Inquiry can be raised.
# Procedure of Committee Procedure of Committee
Motions include:
Starting a moderated/unmoderated caucus
Closing debate
Moving to voting procedure
Working Papers and Draft Resolutions
Delegates work in blocs to write working papers (informal proposals).
Once formalized and supported by enough sponsors/signatories, they
become draft resolutions.
Draft resolutions should:
Use formal UN language
Address funding, implementation, and enforcement mechanisms
Vo ting Procedure
After debate closes, the committee enters voting procedure.
Each country has one vote.
Most decisions require a simple majority.
No veto power applies in UNESCO.