Illicit trafficking of heritage undermines national identity

Illicit trafficking of heritage "undermines national identity and collective memory," participants at the national conference on smuggling said Wednesday in Tlemcen. Pieces, including masterpieces, from the local heritage have not been spared by smugglers, said Arezki Chergui, an academic from the University of Tlemcen (580-km west of Algiers), who presented a paper entitled "Immunizing Algeria's Cultural Heritage in Algeria against Smuggling Risks." Algeria, which is not safe from such smuggling, has taken a series of measures to protect and secure its cultural heritage, through a long-term prospective strategy, a master scheme for the archaeological and historical areas. The strategy also includes joining of international conventions and specialized organizations, according to Chergui.