In the past 20 years, one of the most important developments in regard to the planning and implementation of activities at ICCROM has been the gradual adoption of the programmatic approach. This approach has been developed over time, beginning with PREMA and GAIA/TERRA in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These programmes have usually fallen into two typologies. The first type has an international scope and focuses on a particular theme of importance to conservation. Examples of this type include GAIA/TERRA (earthen architecture), ITUC (urban conservation), and SOIMA (sounds and image conservation). The second type aims to improve conservation in particular regions of the world. Examples are PREMA and AFRICA 2009 (Africa), NAMEC (North Africa and Near and Middle East countries), ATHAR (Arab States), CollAsia 2010 (Southeast Asia), and the new LATAM initiative (Latin America). The two core ICCROM units, Sites and Collections, have also reorganized their activities into a programmatic approach (see the Collections and Built Heritage Programmes). ICCROM always tries to maintain a balance between the two typologies to ensure that its overall programme meets the needs of Member States.

Most ICCROM programmes are developed with partners. These partners are selected to add capacities to complement ICCROM’s own strengths, and to increase the overall reach of the individual programmes. In the case of the regional programmes, it is important, as much as possible, to include regional institutions where they exist.

Another important feature of ICCROM programmes is that they are designed and implemented together with stakeholders in a participatory manner. A participatory process ensures that the programmes, in their content and in their approach, will meet the needs of their target audiences.

All ICCROM programmes are designed using a similar base methodology (described below). This methodology is then adapted to meet the specific situation related to the theme or region in question.

Needs Assessment: This phase of programme development is crucial for understanding the existing situation in the field. A study is also made of the existing provisions for training and capacity building. Knowing the needs and existing provisions allows ICCROM staff and its partners to design a programme relevant to real problems to be addressed, while ensuring that it takes advantage of and does not overlap existing initiatives. Where relevant, this needs assessment may take advantage of already existing studies (such as the regional World Heritage Periodic Reports) to reduce the time and costs associated with it.

Development of Objectives, Outputs, and Target Audiences: This second phase of programme development allows for the creation of a clear set of objectives and outputs taking into account the desired target audience. In most cases, mid-career professionals will be one of the main target audiences, but in many programmes this group may be supplemented by decision-makers, craftsmen, community members, and others. With clear objectives and outputs, the advancement of the programme can be evaluated over time to ensure progress and to allow for necessary changes.

Development of Activities to Achieve the Stated Objectives and Outputs: Once objectives and outputs have been set, a series of integrated activities can then be designed. It should be emphasized that ICCROM programmes do not function as a basket into which any activity in a particular region or regarding a specific theme can be placed. Activities must be designed to work together over time to achieve the desired objectives. In general, the mixture of activities will include (but is not limited to):

• professional development opportunities (courses, seminars, internships, fellowships, scholarships, exchanges, etc.);
• an active network of professionals taking part in various activities (including using former participants as resource persons for later activities);
• provision of access to information, publications, and equipment;
• other activities (for example, research activities) are included depending on the needs of the particular region or theme.

Regular evaluation: Another important aspect of programme design is the inclusion of regular evaluation opportunities. As already mentioned, such evaluations allow for ICCROM and partners to examine progress to date and to make necessary changes to ensure that the objectives and outputs will be achieved by the end of the programme. Such evaluations may, at times, be carried out by independent bodies.

updated on: 27 January, 2010