WHIPIC News

    2024 Capacity-Building Workshop for East-Asia on Holistic Approach to Heritage Management

    29 Oct 2024

    Group photo of all participants


    Under the theme “Tangible and Intangible Synergies,” the capacity-building workshop on Holistic Approach to Heritage Management was successfully held from 21-23 October 2024 at Peking University, Beijing. This opportunity provided a platform for discussing integrated approaches to heritage management through diverse case studies and interactive sessions.

     

    Workshop Outline

    Theme : “Tangible and Intangible Synergies”

    Date : 21-23 October 2024

    Location : Peking University, Beijing

    Co-Organizer : WHIPIC, UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia(UNESCO Beijing), WHITR-AP Beijing, School of Archaeology and Museology of Peking University

     

     

    Lecture by Dr. Gamini Wijesuriya


    Over the past 50 years, the World Heritage Convention has made significant progress in addressing the preservation and management of world heritage sites. However, many challenges and hardships still persist, especially as the boundaries between tangible and intangible heritage, as well as natural and cultural heritage, have become blurred. To address these challenges, there is a growing need for a more people-centered and inclusive approach toward heritage management. This workshop brought together heritage managers from China, Japan, Mongolia, and South Korea, who participated in teams of two. The participants shared their experiences and explored how integrated approaches can help overcome the challenges facing heritage management today. A key focus was on developing methodologies that reflect the unique characteristics of the East Asian region, making this event a meaningful learning and also networking experience for all involved.


    Group Work Presentation by a participant


    On the first day, participants from 12 different regions each prepared five-minute presentations. Through team presentations and group activities, people actively exchanged thoughts and ideas. Unlike a traditional lecture-based format, the workshop was designed to foster interaction and collaboration, creating a more open and participatory atmosphere that set a positive tone for the entire event. The second day continued with lectures and group activities, followed by a field visit to Beijing Central Axis, a World Heritage site in China. On the final day, participants paired up for discussions and presentations, reflecting on what they had learned throughout the workshop.


    This workshop was a successful mean for sharing knowledge and experiences about holistic heritage management in the East Asian region. Participants expressed that they gained valuable insights into management and preservation. The diverse case studies and discussions during the workshop are expected to contribute to the development of new heritage management models for the East Asian Region. Furthermore, the connections made between participants and collaborating institutions are expected to continue, fostering long-term cooperation and progress in preserving the world’s heritage.