Cultural Heritage Project Mostar The World Bank Larry Hannah

Background Ottoman Bridge Built in 1566 Long time and well known symbol of multi-ethnic harmony in Mostar Destroyed in 1993 as a typical event in this ethnic conflict Much of the city and the local economy was also destroyed Multi-ethnic city government for Mostar was established (1995) Various local & international institutions started grass roots work Promoting reconciliation was the common goal Two of our subsequent partners started early Bridge and old town was agreed as a symbol of reconciliation UNESCO established International Committee of Experts in 1998 World Bank joined this effort in collaboration with UNESCO A credit of $4 million out of total project cost of $15 was approved in 1999

The Project Objective is to improve the climate for reconciliation in Mostar Components are bridge complex, adjoining historical monuments and neighborhoods Bridge to be rebuild as an exact replica of original with same techniques Funding from many donors Special feature is Partnership in support of local leadership Project is managed and implemented by City Hall through a temporary PCU International partners are AKTC and WMF who had been working in Mostar with various local groups First year spent in preparation studies and creation of design for contracting Enormous coordination job among many actors Bank role extensive on fund raising and greatly affected by political situation

The Project and CDD Is this a CDD project? Would stronger CDD orientation help? How was community involved? Social Assessment at time of appraisal Through work of project partners Overall strategy is to address the community through the city government (not municipalities) Two-way public relations campaign for project Sustainability of project and longer-term importance to community – management of old town New initiative of Mostar to prepare a City Development Strategy which has support from Cities Alliance