Cultural Preservation

Our Approach

At CDV Cares, we believe that cultural heritage is the foundation of community identity and resilience. Our Cultural Preservation initiative works to document, protect, and celebrate local traditions, crafts, and historical sites that might otherwise be lost to time. By supporting artisans and preserving cultural knowledge, we help communities maintain their unique identity while creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Documenting Local Traditions

We preserve cultural knowledge for future generations through:

Oral history projects capturing stories from community elders
Digital archives of traditional recipes, songs, and celebrations
Documentary films showcasing cultural practices and ceremonies
Multilingual publications that record local dialects and expressions
Workshops where elders can teach traditional skills to youth

Supporting Artisan Cooperatives

We help traditional craftspeople thrive in the modern economy through:

Business development training for artisan cooperatives
Marketing support to reach broader markets for handcrafted goods
Equipment grants to improve production while maintaining authenticity
Apprenticeship programs pairing master craftspeople with young learners
Cultural tourism initiatives that create sustainable income for artisans

Historic Site Restoration

We preserve physical spaces that embody cultural heritage through:

Restoration grants for buildings with historical and cultural significance
Technical expertise for preservation using authentic materials and methods
Community engagement to determine restoration priorities
Educational signage and materials to share site histories with visitors
Adaptive reuse planning that maintains historical integrity while serving community needs

Our Impact

150+

Cultural Traditions Documented

18

Artisan Cooperatives Supported

12

Historic Sites Restored

Success Stories

Traditional Recipes Archive

Our digital archive has preserved over 200 traditional recipes from five regions, capturing cooking techniques that were at risk of being lost. The archive has been accessed by over 50,000 people and is now being used in local schools to teach cultural heritage.

Weaving Cooperative

The San Marco Weaving Cooperative, which was down to just three elderly artisans, now has 15 members including 8 under the age of 30. Their traditional textiles are now sold internationally, providing sustainable income while preserving ancient patterns and techniques.

Old Town Square Restoration

The restoration of the historic fountain and surrounding plaza in Old Town has revitalized the area, increasing local business revenue by 35% and creating a renewed sense of community pride. Weekly cultural events now take place in the space, celebrating local traditions.