The project, presented by the ConservarteEcuador Foundation, will receive funding to restore water wells, stairways, walls, and archaeological assets, in order to protect the vestiges of a pre-Columbian culture.
INPC technician meticulously cleans the foundations of the architectural structures.
Interpretation Center of the Site Museum, which is a full-scale reproduction of a Manteño ceremonial structure.
Quito, August 30, 2023. The United States Government, through its Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Heritage Preservation (AFCP) program, continues to support projects to preserve cultural heritage. This year, the project Preservation and Conservation of the Sacred Mountain of Cerro de Hojas Jaboncillo, presented by the ConservarteEcuador Foundation, has been awarded the Fund. The winning project will receive $123,000 to protect this archaeological site in Manabí. The project will begin at the end of September and will be implemented for 12 months. The ConservarteEcuador Foundation will coordinate with the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) to establish a methodology for the technical work.
“The U.S. Government’s support for cultural heritage resonates strongly with Ecuadorians and strengthens bilateral relations between the two countries. Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage is recognized for its diversity worldwide. We are very proud to be able to support Fundación ConservarteEcuador,” said Michael J. Fitzpatrick, U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador.
As part of the project’s activities, water wells, stairways, walls, and archaeological assets such as two U-chairs will be restored to protect the vestiges of a pre-Columbian culture. In addition, the local community will be involved through protection training to combat illicit trafficking in archaeological artifacts.
Through the Fund, the U.S. government has helped Ecuador preserve archaeological sites, restore historic buildings, and conserve collections and artifacts from pre-Hispanic times. Ecuador has been awarded a total of 12 grants from the Fund since 2002, totaling nearly $1.1 million.
For the United States, Ecuador’s cultural heritage is very important because it is a fundamental part of its identity, tells a story and provides an understanding of its culture today. It also shows the people’s relationship with their ancestral legacies.
The Fund was created to support other countries in preserving their cultural heritage and to demonstrate the respect the United States has for other cultures, their prosperity, and stability. Through the Fund, the State Department supports projects between $10,000 and $500,000 to preserve cultural heritage.
The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Heritage Preservation solicitation usually opens each year in October. For more information, visit our website at https://ec.usembassy.gov/.
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