The Future Babylon Project.

Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the area around Babylon came under the control of US forces. Much damage was done by military vehicles; however, the US are now working with Iraq leaders to restore Babylon.

This project is called the Future Babylon project. (2009)

Those involved will involve the local community and work to create a sustainable situation. Jeff Allen of the US side said, “The idea is to develop something that is going to be here 30 – 40 years from now and has benefits for the local people. We don`t want something that will only benefit outsiders.”

“If you have 200, 000 people a year coming to this site, you will have people staying at hotels, visiting restaurants, buying souvenirs,” Allen said. “The site is in some ways a revenue generator for the local community.”

The State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) is the main authority responsible for the conservation of the archeological site. They are assisted by Antiquity and Heritage Police and maintain a permanent presence there.

The World Monuments Fund is also involved in research and conservation. The SBAH Provincial Inspectorate headquarters is located within the boundaries of the ancient inner-city walls on the east side and several staff members and their families reside in subsidized housing in this area.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is spending millions of dollars into protecting and restoring – Babylon and some other ancient ruins. UNESCO has printed up a well-produced brochure, with Babylon listed as the premier destination, to hand out to wealthy donors.

The Babylon project is Iraq`s biggest and most ambitious by far, reflection of the ancient city`s fame and its resonance in Iraq`s modern political and cultural heritage.