In 1982, ICOMOS established 18 April as the International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS) or World Heritage Day, followed by UNESCO adoption during its 22nd General Conference. Each year, ICOMOS proposes a theme for activities to be organised by its members and partners – and anyone who wants to join in marking the Day.
In keeping with the spirit of open, innovative, constructive intergenerational dialogue, and the strategic focus of ICOMOS Triennial Scientific Plan 2021-2024, as well as the 2020 ICOMOS resolution on Approaches to Cultural Heritage, the 2023 World Heritage Day focuses on:
HERITAGE CHANGES.
World Heritage Day provides a timely opportunity to showcase strategies demonstrating the full potential of heritage research and practices which deliver climate-resilient pathways, while advocating for inclusive transitions to low-carbon futures.
How can traditional knowledge inform innovative and transformative climate action?
- Consider the integration of traditional, historic building conservation, adaptive reuse, and/or energy efficiency of heritage buildings and landscapes
- Feature innovative infrastructure development to showcase the ways in which traditional knowledge, practices and cultural heritage can be part of solutions
- Capture traditional philosophy and rationale in dealing with the environment (both land and water) and the climate as manifested in built vernacular heritage and cultural landscapes
ICOMOS Committees, members and all those wishing to celebrate the IDMS are warmly invited to showcase the myriad ways in which traditional knowledge is/can be employed to address climate change in transformative ways.
The theme of HERITAGE CHANGES offers the opportunity to respond to questions regarding learning about traditional ways of knowing and knowledge systems in relation to climate action, and how to use a cultural heritage focus to support equitable protection of vulnerable communities through climate action, while responding to the UN Decade of Action.
Click here for more details on how to get involved.