This module is the largest element of the programme, and the aim is to set a new approach to World Heritage Site management, by recognising the interconnected biocultural character of natural, cultural and social values, in the context of the wider heritage place.
The focuses of this priority area are:
Recognize that all World Heritage sites carry values related to cultural and natural heritage, and thus management needs to acknowledge the interplay between the protection of Outstanding Universal Value and all other levels of heritage significance (local, national or international) that may not be necessarily seen as of OUV.
Implement measures to secure each site’s contribution to sustainable development, in ways that do not undermine protection and conservation goals. This specifically aims at implementing the new Sustainable Development Policy that was adopted by the World Heritage Convention’s General Assembly in 2015.
Engage and empower local communities as actors for better conservation, and where relevant, recognizes the rights communities have in relation to World Heritage Sites.
Module Activities
- Resource Platform on World Heritage management
With the objective of improving effectiveness of World Heritage sites management worldwide, the programme aims to produce integrated resource materials on World Heritage sites and their wider landscapes, whether listed as cultural or natural properties.
While promoting World Heritage sites as flagships of best practice, it will offer principles, methods and tools that will be applicable to wider management of cultural and natural sites. The new approaches will be tested in multiple regions and different languages through workshops, meetings and courses.
- Capacity Building courses
ICCROM has long been engaged in responding to these challenges, most recently within its programme Promoting People-Centred Approaches to Conservation (2011-2017). People-centred approaches are not only a question of increasing participation within a given management system. The approaches must also ensure that the people most connected to heritage are at the core of its conservation, while underlining the dynamic and mutually beneficial role of heritage in society.
World Heritage Leadership has developed a curriculum focusing on linking natural and cultural values. Combined together with the People-centred approach, World Heritage Leadership provides an integrated capacity building course on People, Nature and Culture.