UNESCO-UNDP’s “Save Carthage” Campaign: Americans and Internationalisation of Heritage in Tunisia

International collaboration in heritage preservation, exemplified by UNESCO's 'Save Carthage' campaign in the 1970s, faced significant challenges that undermined its postcolonial goals. The campaign, which involved 18 international teams—including two from the U.S.—aimed to balance conservation, tourism, and urban development at Tunisia’s sprawling archaeological site of Carthage. However, disputes between American archaeologists and Tunisian hosts, limited funding, and a lack of deep integration with North Africa’s postcolonial landscape hindered its success. This case study reveals the complexities of archaeology in international development assistance, highlighting the mixed achievements of UNESCO and U.S. efforts in Tunisia.

Luke, C., & Leeson, M. (2023). UNESCO-UNDP’s “Save Carthage” Campaign: Americans and Internationalisation of Heritage in Tunisia. Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 25(4-6), 128–155. https://doi.org/10.1080/13505033.2023.2266888