Dates: 24 November - 6 December 2008

Place: Shanghai, China

Partners

• UNESCO World Heritage Institute of Training and Research – Asia and Pacific, Shanghai, China
• ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property)

Sponsors

• Tongji University, China
• Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning & Design Institute, China
• Tongji National Research Center of Historic Cities, China

Background and content
In line with Global Training Strategy for World Cultural and Natural Heritage (WHC-01/CONF. 208/14) and the UNESCO Periodic Report for Asia and the Pacific, there is a need for training in developing and implementing effective management plans for cultural heritage sites.  This management is important to ensure the protection of Outstanding Universal Value and to ensure sustainable development.  The Asia –Pacific region, well known for its cultural diversity and distinguished World Heritage sites, faces various challenges for long-term management.

The course on Management Planning for Cultural Heritage will take place in Shanghai, China with participants who have a wide range of experience and expertise in conservation of cultural heritage of the region.  The course builds on the success of past ICCROM training activities on management planning and will address the principles, methodology, analysis and procedures for preparing an appropriate management plans.

Objectives
The course aims to equip participants with practical knowledge to initiate and develop management plans in their own countries. It will also encourage participants from different countries in Asia and Pacific to communicate and share ideas and experiences in practices, in order to develop an understanding of management planning in different contexts.

Programme
The course comprises classroom and on-site lectures given by experienced local and international teaching staff and professionals. Learning strategies that draw upon participants’ own professional knowledge will also constitute an essential part in the program, through case studies, discussions, presentations, and group work.

The course includes a preparatory phase prior to arrival in Shanghai which will allow participants to increase their background knowledge in key topics. Participants are requested to prepare a presentation on management issues of cultural heritage sites in their own counties.

Participants
The international course is designed for a maximum of 20 professionals in the field of cultural heritage conservation, including architects, planners, conservators, archaeologists, historians, topographers, engineers, surveyors, restorers and other conservation professionals with at least five years of experience. Priority is given to people working at World Heritage sites or associated institutes/organizations. Additional criteria are as follows:

• Participants should be in a position to influence practice in the field or have the potential to do so in the short or medium term, including carrying the messages of the course to a broad audience;
• Participants should be proficient in English, including reading, writing, making presentations, and participating in discussions.  All course content and outputs will be in English for ease of communication among the participants and for possible future publication;
• Participants should be in good health, and able complete all the activities of the course;
• Participants should be capable and willing to follow-up with the programmes at the UNESCO World Heritage Institute of Training and Research – Asia and Pacific.

Teaching team
The teaching staff includes leading heritage conservation professionals with rich practical experience and theoretical knowledge from ICCROM, UNESCO, and regional institutions.  These experts will present a broad international perspective in their fields of expertise. Distinguished professors from Tongji University, Peking University, Tsinghua University and experts from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage and other national institutes will contribute to specific topics.

Working language: English. Participants are required to certify their proficiency.

Certificate
A certificate of attendance given by both the UNESCO World Heritage Institute of Training and Research – Asia and Pacific and ICCROM will be awarded to participants who satisfactorily complete the course.

Travel, accommodation and living expenses
Candidates are strongly encouraged to seek financial support from sources such as governmental institutions, employers, and other funding agencies. UNESCO World Heritage Institute of Training and Research – Asia and Pacific is able to offer a limited number of scholarships to selected candidates who have been unable to secure funding.

Application
Please fill the application form and send it together with the following by mail to the contact address below:

• A full professional curriculum vitae (in English)
• A brief report (3-5 pages) on project(s) concerning cultural heritage conservation with which you have been or are currently involved. Your analysis should identify the project(s), provide appropriate contextual background (objectives, partners, support, etc.) describe difficulties encountered and strategic responses developed. The report should conclude by suggesting how this training would contribute to enhance your professional skills. You will also be asked to present your experience as a case study during the training programme.

Ms Ping KONG
Unit Director and Program Specialist
World Heritage Institute of Training and Research - Asia and Pacific (Shanghai)
3F Wen Yuan Building
Tongji University
No.1239 Siping Road
Shanghai 200092
P.R.China
Tel/Fax: 0086 21 6598 7687
www.whitr-ap.org

Deadline for receiving applications: 1 June 2008