Ireland has just launched its new strategy for World Heritage. The Strategy for World Heritage in Ireland 2024 – 2034 will set out a vision for World Heritage in Ireland with an aim to ensure that it is developed and managed in line with the requirements of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
Ireland ratified the World Heritage Convention in 1991 to ensure that their shared irreplaceable cultural and natural heritage is protected for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The National Monuments Service (NMS) in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the Government’s Focal Point for engagement with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and its lead agency for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in Ireland.
The Strategy sets out seven goals to achieve over the next ten years and emphasises the role of local communities and key stakeholders in World Heritage processes, management, conservation, protection, presentation, and interpretation. The NMS is seeking the views of individuals and organisations with regard to the draft vision and goals, what the biggest challenges are across the key areas of its work, and any other feedback that should be taken into account as the Strategy is developed.
NMS have launched a public consultation for the strategy and welcome any views or comments on its vision and goals. Click here to contribute via an online questionnaire. Deadline for comments is Wednesday 10th April 2024.
WHUK’s President Chris Blandford was a co-author of the strategy.