Heritage Malta is embarking on a project funded by the EEA/ Norwegian Financial Mechanisms to carry out a detailed documentation of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. The study will provide an interpretative and analytical tool that will ensure that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is preserved on behalf of the community and will identify and address threats through an innovative and long-term approach. The project will see the creation of a 3D digital model of the site recording all its features in high detail, together with extensive monitoring of the environment within the site.

The Hypogeum was first opened to the public in 1908. By 1910 concerns were being expressed regarding the infiltration of water within the site. In 1965 it was reported that green algae were growing near the electric lights. By 1978 the algae had become a threat to the wall paintings.

Between 1990 and 2000 a programme for the conservation of the Hypogeum was undertaken in collaboration with UNESCO. This included the identification of the main causes of deterioration and the installation of an air handling system in order to control environmental conditions, together with the management of visitors to ensure minimal impact on the site.

As part of the EEA/Norwegian Financial Mechanisms Grants Project MT0014 Conservation of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum World Heritage Site , extensive monitoring will be carried out in order to identify problems and how the environment within the site is coping during seasonal changes. The information gathered will then help in identifying requirements for fine-tuning the air handling system so as to provide the best conditions for the preservation of the site. Data acquired will also be used to identify conservation issues and needs, and therefore contribute towards the drafting of a Conservation Plan for the site.

The 3D model of the site will have multiple purposes with both conservation and interpretative applications. It will provide a definite record of the site’s current state of preservation, will be used for the analysis of the actual structure of the site, an analysis of the relationship between the various deterioration and natural phenomena and will also provide a tool to be used as an interpretative medium.

Heritage Malta has already issued a call for tender for the 3D Documentation, and soon will follow that for the Environmental Monitoring Equipment Supply, Installation and Commissioning of the project which will be launched by the first quarter of 2009

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