Huangshan dialogue advances sustainable development of heritage sites

Huangshan dialogue advances sustainable development of heritage sites
by Staff Writers
Huangshan City, China (SPX) Jul 01, 2023

The International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST), in collaboration with several other organizations, recently hosted the 4th Huangshan Dialogue on UNESCO-designated Sites and Sustainable Development in Huangshan City, located in China's eastern Anhui Province. Commencing on June 29, 2023, this convention brought together over 200 individuals from across 20 countries, representing a broad spectrum of international organizations such as UNESCO, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM).

Aligned with the theme, "Digital Technologies Enabling Sustainable Development of UNESCO-designated Sites", the forum offered a platform for experts, policymakers, and practitioners. Their shared objective was to exchange their experiences in managing and preserving more than 2,000 UNESCO-designated sites across the globe, which comprise World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. The dialogue presented an opportunity to shape the future vision for enhanced protection of these heritage sites and augment their contribution to the World Heritage Convention and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Prof. Guo Huadong, Director of HIST, shed light on the key role played by the HIST in monitoring and conserving UNESCO-designated sites, thus enabling effective implementation of the World Heritage Convention and the 2030 Agenda. He also underscored the necessity of applying digital technologies to better manage and protect these sites and invited international collaboration on transdisciplinary research and digital technology capacity-building.

Dr. Qu Xing, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, through a video message, expressed gratitude towards HIST for utilizing satellite imagery to oversee heritage sites such as East Rennell in the Solomon Islands and Angkor in Cambodia. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of UNESCO World Heritage, emphasized the significance of innovative technologies in safeguarding these irreplaceable UNESCO-designated sites, a common heritage of humanity.

Throughout the course of the dialogue, the attendees delved into a wide array of subjects through eight sessions. These included digital conservation, disaster risk reduction, climate change, and the integration of culture and heritage, among others.

A crucial highlight of the event was the unveiling of a map named "Environmental Context of World Cultural Heritage along the Silk Road". This map marks the spatial distribution of 801 world cultural and mixed heritages along the Silk Road, providing valuable insights into the natural and humanistic background of these heritage sites.

In addition to this, the dialogue saw the release of the "Recommendations on Climate Action for Heritage Conservation". This document urges stakeholders to employ advanced technologies to mitigate the risks and potential adverse effects brought on by climate change.

To recognize and honor exemplary efforts in managing these sites, the "HIST Award on Best Practice in Sustainable Development of UNESCO-designated Sites" was also introduced. This award aims to acknowledge the innovative practices of site managers, research institutes, and other organizations from UNESCO Member States.

Conducted in the scenic backdrop of Huangshan, a World Heritage Site in itself, the dialogue series epitomizes the progressive efforts of HIST in fostering a global platform to discuss the preservation and sustainable development of UNESCO-designated sites, a common legacy for all humanity's present and future generations.