THE CONSERVATION AND THE USE OF THE WALLED CITY OF TRIPOLI

Walled cities are under pressure from modernization in many parts of t he world. African walled cities such as Tripoli are deteriorating rapi dly as a result. Historic, aesthetic, economic, social and other value s are being lost as well as opportunities for tourism and related ente rprises. The Madina of Tripoli has suffered as a result of the departu re of the wealthy, the decline of the local economy, the presence of l ow income inhabitants, the disrepair of heritage buildings and other f actors. The strategic actions needed to improve conservation and use o f the walled city include: the development of a culture dependent rath er than a selective conservation approach; improved organization and c oordination among responsible agencies and the people; and, broader sp atial and regional planning. Specific needs include education and trai ning; efforts by government and private groups to secure more socio-ec onomic benefits from crafts, tourism and related activities; and, econ omic incentives for appropriate uses and conservation, for example fav ourable tax policies, loans and grants.