At UWE Bristol, we are proud to support the Flowing Up project, an innovative educational initiative that places children at the heart of heritage and environmental protection. Launched in March 2025 with funding from the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA), this project embodies a vital step towards building long-term awareness of cultural identity, environmental responsibility, and sustainable interaction with historic sites.
Engaging youth: Education at the heart of heritage and environmental protection
Flowing Up focuses on engaging younger generations in Taiz, Yemen, through immersive educational experiences within the historic Al-Qahira Castle. This fortress, perched above the city, is not only a symbol of Yemeni identity but also a testament to centuries of history now threatened by the combined forces of climate change and conflict. The project’s approach is holistic, linking environmental protection with the safeguarding of cultural heritage, recognising that these challenges are deeply interconnected.
Students from preparatory schools in Taiz participate in field visits to the castle, where they explore the impacts of climate change on the site, including the risks posed by climbing plants to the stone fabric and the effects of drought on traditional water systems. These activities are complemented by practical engagement, such as simple agricultural practices that encourage planting as a response to environmental challenges. This hands-on involvement fosters a sense of responsibility towards both nature and heritage, nurturing a new generation of custodians.
The educational initiative is led by seven final-year architectural engineering students from Taiz, supervised by UWE Bristol’s Professor Lisa Mol. The project is implemented in partnership with Heritage for Peace, represented by Dr Isber Sabrine and architect Mariam Abdullatif, alongside field support from the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums in Taiz. This collaboration exemplifies a respectful and compassionate approach to heritage preservation, combining local expertise with academic knowledge.
Restoring Al-Qahira Castle: A collaborative effort for cultural and climate resilience
Flowing Up is part of a broader effort to restore and protect Al-Qahira Castle, a site of immense cultural and historical significance. Restoration works have made significant progress, particularly on the main entrance’s southern façade, where 95 per cent of the damage has been repaired using original stones and traditional materials such as lime mortar and clay. The restoration respects the principle of authentic preservation, integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern scientific methods to ensure the castle’s structural stability for future generations.
This wider restoration project is supported by the United States Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), in partnership with the U.S. Mission to Yemen, Heritage for Peace, and the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums in Taiz. The work is not only about conserving stone and mortar but about preserving stories, traditions, and community identity amid ongoing conflict and environmental stress.
UWE Bristol’s involvement reflects a commitment to sustainability and dignity, recognising that cultural heritage is a foundation for social cohesion, recovery, and resilience. As climate change intensifies and conflicts disrupt communities, protecting heritage sites like Al-Qahira Castle becomes essential for maintaining a sense of continuity and hope.
The Flowing Up project also addresses a critical gap in climate adaptation strategies by emphasising cultural resilience. Through education and capacity building, it empowers young people to become active participants in safeguarding their heritage and environment, ensuring that these treasures remain vibrant and relevant.
As the project continues, five pilot initiatives are being developed to further protect the castle and raise community awareness. These efforts represent a beacon of hope and agency for Taiz’s youth, offering practical pathways to engage with heritage preservation amid complex challenges.
UWE Bristol is honoured to contribute to this meaningful work, standing in solidarity with Yemeni communities and partners who strive to protect their cultural memory and natural environment. The Flowing Up project is a testament to the power of education, collaboration, and compassion in building a sustainable and dignified future for heritage and humanity alike.
