1 August. The launch meeting for the long-term programme for conservation of cultural heritage in Latin America and the Caribbean (LATAM), held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia on 14-17 July 2007, provided an occasion for participants to visit this site, a World Heritage city since 1984. The organized visits, led by well-informed young guides, introduced the participants to a successful Colombian initiative:  'Vigías del Patrimonio Cultural'.

This initiative, promoted by the Dirección de Patrimonio of the Colombian Ministry of Culture, is based on the methodology developed by UNESCO for 'World Heritage in Young Hands', a programme enabling young people to become involved in the protection of the world's natural and cultural heritage, while voicing their concerns about the issues and impacts on their own lives.

Since its creation in 1999, the group 'Vigías del Patrimonio Cultural' has attracted increasing numbers of professionals to work together with young volunteers. The group of young vigías in Cartagena de Indias live for the most part in the areas surrounding the historical centre. The children are trained as guides, guardians and interpreters for historic sites and collections.  The project aims to involve the community actively from an early age in the conservation, promotion and protection of their heritage. The model is intended to be reproducible and sustainable over the long-term.

updated on: 29 August, 2008