15 November. The course began by introducing participants to the psychological aspects of the decision-making process with an emphasis on the theory of rational choice, as well as various decision-making models applicable in context of an organization.

Following this introduction, the teaching team led the sessions on theory, history and ethics in conservation practice, specifically the notion of value associated with cultural heritage and the issue of conservation principles. Participants were also given an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the COM System for moderation, in order to further develop their communication skills and acquire particular problem-solving techniques.

At the end of the first week, the core case study of the Sacred Mount of Varallo was introduced, preceded by a session on sacred mountains worldwide, thus revealing common characteristics, ideas, as well as historical and social issues of this type of cultural sites.

The first week of the course was concluded with a mini-conference on anatomy of decisions, held in the Accademia di San Luca in Rome. Participants and resource-persons presented and discussed their specific experience of conservation decisions in order to share critical reviews of past conservation decision-making approaches in various contexts. 

The inaugural reception of the course was hosted at the Istituto Italo-Latino Americano (IILA) in Rome. 

Member States represented: Albania, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China, Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Estonia, Guatemala, Iran, Israel, Italy, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Romania, Serbia, United Kingdom, United States

updated on: 26 November, 2008