The EUI Cultural Heritage Working Group hosts a discussion by Alesia Koush (RASHID International).
Looting and trafficking of archaeological artefacts causes irreversible damage to the cultural heritage of communities. However, few effective crime deterrence strategies are currently being employed to curb this phenomenon. Forensic invisible traceable liquids technology is a recent tool in heritage protection providing an object with a unique DNA-like mark, guaranteeing its traceability, increasing a certainty of being caught dealing with illicit material, and proactively tackling source and market sides of the illegal chain.
In 2020, forensic traceable liquid was applied to mark over 273,000 non-organic archaeological artefacts in two major museums in Iraq within the international project funded by the British Council and led by the University of Reading, UK. This conversation hopes to unpack the potential deterrent effect of forensic invisible liquids by showcasing novel empirical data obtained from a survey and individual interviews with over 40 international specialized law enforcement agents in over 20 countries.
Alesia Koush is an expert in heritage protection, illicit antiquities trafficking and cultural values education, and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Reading (UK). Her PhD project explores the human rights implications of the illicit antiquities trafficking in Iraq. Alongside her PhD, Alesia is a Researcher with RASHID International (Research, Assessment and Safeguarding of the Heritage of Iraq in Danger) and lectures at the Palazzo Spinelli Institute of Art and Restoration in Florence. She also collaborates with CAMNES Centre for Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies, UNESCO Office of the Municipality of Florence, Rondine Cittadella della Pace, Association MUS.E and Commission for the Protection of Italian and Foreign Cultural Heritage of the Academy of Arts and Drawings in Florence. Alesia holds three masters degrees in EU Politics and Administration (College of Europe, Belgium), Art History (University of Florence, Italy) and Human Rights, Migrations and Development (University of Bologna, Italy). She is also a member of ICOM, ICOMOS, and UNESCO Centre of Florence Onlus.
The event will be held via Zoom.