Focus on local communities & civil societies at world heritage meet

BHOPAL: 'The Bhopal Vision Statement' that emerged from the UNESCO Sub-Regional Conference emphasizes the role and active participation of local communities and civil society in World Heritage conservation. The delegates at the conference said the statement will be a vehicle for innovation and best practices in heritage conservation around the world, including the South Asian region.The two-day sub-regional conference concluded with a pledge to increase mutual coordination and cooperation for the conservation and development of cultural and natural heritage.
The statement as well as the impact of climate change on heritage, important views and suggestions of representatives of South Asian countries have been included on important topics like incorporating traditional knowledge into modern practices. In this, sustainable and sustainable development has been described as possible only through strong relations between people and heritage.
During the conference, in the thematic sessions, representatives of countries and organizations deliberated on the impact of climate change on heritage, development through new technology and cultural conservation. In the session on the theme "World Heritage and Cultural Landscape", Sanjeev Shankar and December Khongsdam from Meghalaya spoke on "Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscape Community and Science-Based Approach for Nurturing Sustainability", OP Mishra and Dr Vishakha Kavthekar on "The Relic Landscapes in India's World Heritage Sites: The Journey from Sustainability to Responsibility" and Mr Jhanvij Sharma on "Project Mausam Maritime Cultural Landscape." In the session on “Historic Cities and Story Carbon Landscape”, Nishant Upadhyay, Ran Ippich and Junhi Han on “UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape Pilot Project on Gwalior and Orchha”, Ashish Trambedia on “Historic City Ahmedabad the City of Heritage and Sustainable Growth" and Khwaja Tauseef Ahmed made a presentation on "Achieving Sustainable Development through Urban Regeneration Project in Lahore by Aga Khan Historic City Programme."
The last session was held on the theme "World Heritage and Climate Change and Intangible Cultural Heritage". In the session, Vishakha Kavthekar made a presentation on "Water Resource Management of Ancient India and its Applicability for Preparedness of Climate Change" and Mr. Munish Pandit made a presentation on "Climate Change and its Impact on Cultural Heritage." Principal secretary tourism and culture and managing director MP Tourism Board Sheo Shekhar Shukla expressed gratitude to the delegates who came to Bhopal to attend the conference .