Palestine is the geographic region between the Mediterranean Sea and the banks of the Jordan River, with various adjoining lands. It has a population of 3.8 million (UN, 2005). During the period 1996 – 2001 there was increase in the rate of destruction of old and historic houses due to the huge boom in construction sector. Riwaq-centre for architectural conservation-an NGO-was established in 1991 to address this problem. The priority then was to document and conserve the cultural heritage. Only archaeological sites and buildings dated before 1700 AD are protected. In 2000, different pilot projects were initiated to preserve the historic identity, change people’s attitudes towards conservation and generate income through job creation related to preservation. Riwaq’s building register was one of the main activities undertaken, the others were; lobbying for the government to institute protective planning ordinances and to adopt new laws on the preservation of historic sites, empowering people at all levels to protect cultural heritage; expanding and cataloguing Riwaq’s archive, undertaking the protection of historic centres by involving national and local government as well as local organizations; and training people in labour intensive restoration techniques to create as many jobs as possible among local people. Five years since the initiative began, 29 buildings for community based facilities have been completed, providing significant temporary and permanent employment.