Over 60% of museum collections worldwide are at risk because of overcrowding and poor storage conditions. In this situation, museums cannot ensure the protection of their collections, especially in emergency situations. In addition, with up to 90% of their collections hidden away and unaccessible in storage, museums are missing out this essential resource for connecting with their communities.

The People, Nature, Culture course aims at providing an overview of how the management and conservation of heritage places can give them a dynamic and mutually beneficial role in society today and long into the future. This stems from an increasing recognition that heritage places are cared for, used and enjoyed by a wide array of people. Contributions to management, conservation and use of a heritage place come from a variety of sources, including: heritage-sector practitioners; policy makers within institutions; and representatives of communities and networks.

Addressing emerging conservation challenges in the Arab region and integrated approaches to heritage management, ICCROM through its regional office in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, in partnership with the University of Sharjah, is offering an inter-disciplinary MSc programme in “Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage”.

The 2021 Training Course on Impact Assessments for World Heritage will introduce the updated Guidance on Impact Assessment for World Heritage, which has been prepared by the three Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Convention, ICOMOS, ICCROM and IUCN, in partnership with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Therefore, the course will explore how Impact Assessment can be applied to both natural and cultural World Heritage. With the support of the Government of Japan, practical experience will be gained and lessons will be shared during the field assessment of the World Heritage Site of Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region.