9 June. In the last 10 years, interest in decision-making processes in conservation has grown significantly, as evidenced by the increasing number of conservation related articles and meetings that address this topic. Over the same period, one of ICCROM’s flagship courses has focused on 'Sharing Conservation Decisions'.

ICCROM is hosting a seminar in July on this subject, and has invited a small group of former course participants and teachers, in addition to a few guest speakers. The aim is to reflect on progress made in the last decade and to identify the paths to more sustainable and more effective decisions for future conservation.

But before the Seminar begins, ICCROM would like to hear YOUR thoughts on this topic – your ideas and reflections on the issues outlined below:

Challenges posed by the expanding notion of heritage

In our ever-growing understanding of cultural heritage, there are categories that challenge our thinking, for example, contemporary art, living heritage, or digital heritage along with many others. How well prepared is the conservation community to address the challenges posed by the expanding notion of heritage?

Methods and mechanisms for engaging communities

Thirty years ago, community involvement was hardly discussed. Today it is a must in many conservation projects. However, much remains to be explored in terms of methods and mechanisms for engagement. Who is the 'community', and who represents it in decision-making processes? How to integrate consideration for local values and use with the ‘universal’ value of cultural heritage?  How can conservation contribute to the sustainability of the local community? How can we balance the needs of future generations with those of the present?

Working towards interdisciplinary dialogues

Interdisciplinary dialogue has long been a topic of discussion and a challenge. Where are we today when the number and variety of institutions, agencies, and professionals who claim involvement in conservation decisions have multiplied? How can we ensure that these multiple voices lead to genuine dialogue and shared decisions? Will all of these efforts lead to better conservation?

Developing decision-making tools

The last 10 years have witnessed the conservation profession borrowing decision-making tools such as multiple criteria decision-making, risk management, cost-benefit analysis, and performance indicators, from other fields such as health or finance.
Are these tools and approaches applicable and relevant to our field? Do they contribute to transparency and effectiveness? What else could be usefully explored?

Also of interest is the way in which conservation decision-making can be taught to the present and the next generation of conservation professionals. These are some of the questions which will be discussed and debated during the seminar.

Your comments and opinions will nurture and enhance the seminar discussions. Please e-mail us at sharing2010(at)iccrom.org by 30 June. The results will be posted on this website after the seminar.
 
Note: ICCROM thanks the Institut National du Patrimoine, France, and the Italian institutions (Istituto Superiore di Conservazione e Restauro, Opificio delle Pietre Dure, Centro di Conservazione e Restauro Venaria Reale) for their strong partnership in the design and organization of the four courses in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008.

updated on: 13 June, 2011