The objective of the programme is to design adequate procedures to protect and to conserve Yemen's rich and valuable urban cultural heritage. The focus is on an integrated approach: Linking conservation and development of the built environment of the historic cities in Yemen. This includes historic buildups as well as the General townscapes which are considered to be of special interest and importance.

Financing: The programme is mainly funded by the Netherlands' Government, which has made YR 275 million available (USD 1.7 million) and the government of Yemen. A small fund is created to finance innovative approaches and new initiatives in the field of urban cultural heritage protection and conservation. The duration of the programme is five years, including its preparation phase which started November 1, 2000.

Executive Body: The Ministry of Culture, together with the General Organisation for the Protection of Historic Cities in Yemen, the General Organisation for Antiquities, Manuscripts and Museums, and the Ministry of Public Works and Urban Development, will be directly involved in the execution of this programme. Other public institutions, community organisations and the private sector will be approached to collaborate.