CONFERENCE SAYS PROTECTION OF HERITAGE MUST BE CENTRAL TO COPENHAGEN CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT

Protecting our heritage – both natural and built – should be a core commitment arising from the UN Conference on Climate Change that will take place in Copenhagen in December.

Opening the 13^th International Conference of National Trusts in Dublin today (14.09.09), Simon Molesworth, Chairman of the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), said that conservation was a vital strategy in addressing climate change.

 “Iconic buildings and landscapes all around the world are at risk because of climate change.  Time is against us, and it is critical that world leaders listen and put solid measures in place at Copenhagen to protect our heritage so that it can be enjoyed by future generations,” said Mr Molesworth.

The theme for the International Conference of National Trusts is ‘Conservation in a Changing Climate’.  The event is being attended by over 200 representatives from heritage trusts from around the globe, and is being hosted by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland.

“There are some obvious examples to demonstrate the impact of climate change: the disappearing Maldives Islands are one.  While things may look near-perfect here in Ireland, a report published by the UK National Trust in 2008 predicted that the sea level around Northern Ireland will rise by up to one metre by the end of the century, threatening the Giant’s Causeway,” said Mr Molesworth.

“Strategies to conserve and protect our heritage need global leadership.  At the end of our conference on Thursday, we will produce a declaration which will set out ways in which national governments from around the globe can promote heritage protection.  This declaration will be communicated to the world leaders who will attend December’s Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. 

“Chief among the actions that can be taken is to run education programmes for visitors to heritage sites, so awareness of the risks and impact of climate change on these sites can be communicated.  Furthermore, getting communities and individuals involved in protecting local heritage sites is an effective way of growing awareness of the importance of these sites, as well as promoting responsibility in protecting and conserving them. 

“While the Copenhagen Conference is likely to be dominated by discussions on energy by the world’s most powerful nations, this should not distract from the importance of other issues, such as heritage protection, which is of interest to every individual in every community across the globe.” 

Delegates attending the 13^th International Conference of National Trusts signed a declaration today, entitled the ‘Dublin Declaration’, which sends a clear message to world leaders and those attending Copenhagen to prioritise heritage protection in strategies on climate change.  The Declaration specifically calls on world leaders to reach agreement in Copenhagen on greenhouse gas reductions (limiting global average temperature rise to less than two degrees Celsius); to agree to promote policy frameworks at national and international levels that encourage investment in low carbon technologies; and to support measure which protect heritage sites, both in the natural and built environment.

Mr Molesworth said that national trusts share the responsibility of maintaining our global heritage for future generations: “National trusts can set the standards for sustainable property custodianship, ensuring we have a neutral carbon footprint: we can be responsible exemplars in a world facing great change.  How we respond to this new world order will vary from country to country as climate change manifests itself in differing ways around the globe.

“This conference is an opportunity for national trusts to learn from each other about enhancing their work and promotion of heritage.  In the UK, the National Trust owns, operates and protects hundreds of heritage sites, and is responsible for ensuring that so many UK citizens get actively involved in their protection, including maintaining pathways on important walk-ways and keeping coastlines litter-free.  Meanwhile, heritage groups from Uganda, Ethiopia and Taiwan are growing tourism around local heritage and the principles of sustainability.  Here in Ireland, An Taisce has given children and teachers the tools to reduce their carbon footprint – all the while saving thousands of euro each year – through the Green Schools programme.  This is a shinning example of something which could be replicated in other countries.”

Addressing the conference, the new Honorary President of An Taisce, Professor John Sweeney, said, “In the context of the challenges facing heritage groups around the globe, we are very fortunate, in Ireland, not to be exposed to the same threats to our natural and built heritage.  Nevertheless, we cannot be complacent, and this conference will offer some important lessons that can be transported from other nations into Ireland’s policy on heritage and climate change.

“For one, provision could be made in legislation to enable non-governmental groups – such as groups who protect and promote awareness of our heritage and biodiversity – to have greater capacity to become involved in the protection of our built and natural environment.  Right across the globe, An Taisce’s peer organisations benefit from legislation and tax reliefs to enable them to hold property and important sites in trust.  This, in turn, allows for greater public participation in the maintenance of these heritage sites.

Ireland is small and flexible.  The current economic crisis offers us an opportunity to recalibrate our values and rebuild our economy and society in a more sustainable way, which protects our heritage and meets the challenges of climate change,” he added.  “An Taisce was chosen as the host organisation by our international colleagues in recognition of our 60^th anniversary and also because other countries feel they have a lot to learn from Ireland about heritage conservation.”

Delivering a keynote address at the opening of today’s conference was 16-year old transition year student, Eamonn Hayes from Ballina, Co. Tipperary.  He told delegates that the actions of adults were critical in determining the type of world that will be left behind for his generation.   “It is obvious to me that many adults pay no attention to preserving our natural resources and the environment.  It is because of this that I have agreed to share my experience and concerns with those attending the International Conference of National Trusts.  I hope that those who hear my speech – including people like the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, John Gormley, and former President, Mary Robinson – can spread the message that the world is not just for this generation.

“Melting ice-caps, spreading deserts and flooding may seem like far-away problems, but if we don’t take action now, they will be a reality for every citizen of this world in generations to come. Do you want your legacy to be a damaged world that you pass onto my generation, and the generation after me?”

Also addressing the opening of today’s conference were: Mary Robinson, Director of Realising Rights, who delivered a paper on the impact of climate change on human rights; Richard Moe, President of the US National Trust for Historic Preservation, who delivered a paper on conserving and improving our existing built resources to combat climate change, and Dame Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the UK National Trust, who presented a paper on how the current economic climate offers challenges and opportunities for the heritage movement. 

The conference was officially opened by the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley TD.  It was funded with the support of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Getty Foundation and continues until Thursday, 17^th September, when it is expected that the conference declaration will emerge.

ENDS

 * The Getty Foundation fulfills the philanthropic mission of the Getty Trust by supporting individuals and institutions committed to advancing the understanding and preservation of the visual arts locally and throughout the world. Through strategic grants and programmes, the Foundation strengthens art history as a global discipline, promotes the interdisciplinary practice of conservation, increases access to museum and archival collections, and develops current and future leaders in the visual arts. The Foundation carries out its work in collaboration with the Getty Museum, Research Institute, and Conservation Institute to ensure that the Getty programmes achieve maximum impact.

ICNT 13 Newsletter edited 4 5

We invite organisations to join with other National Trusts and similar heritage NGOs from around the world in endorsing the INTO/ICNT Declaration on Climate Change, which will be a key outcome of the International Conference of National Trusts being held in Dublin from 13-17 September 2009.

We are confident that the ‘Dublin Declaration’ will become the definitive statement from the non-governmental heritage movement ahead of the crucial United Nations climate change negotiations this December in Copenhagen.

The Dublin Declaration demonstrates the consensus within the international heritage movement in support of an ambitious, robust and equitable deal on climate change, and will provide world leaders with the support they need to reach such an agreement in Copenhagen.

The Dublin Declaration on Climate Change

OUR MISSION

1.1 The International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) is a Non-Governmental Organisation, founded in 2007, with the following object: ‘to promote the conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural heritage of all nations for the benefit of the people of the world.’ INTO has close links with, inter alia, UNESCO, UNEP, ICOMOS, IUCN and Europa Nostra.

1.2 INTO currently represents about 5 million individual members, and countless millions of visitors to sites and properties, across more than 25 countries.

1.3 As such, INTO and its members are well placed to work with governments and agencies to:

• conserve and enhance existing built resources, most notably by the viable re-use of historic and older buildings, greening of existing building stock, and reinvestment in older and historic communities;

• manage land in a sustainable way;

• pilot and implement low carbon technologies;

• assist in the implementation of International Programmes and Conventions, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UNEP Convention on Biological Diversity; and the UNESCO World Heritage Committee programme to protect the outstanding universal value, integrity and authenticity of World Heritage sites from the adverse effects of climate change; and

• reach citizens around the world with key messages about climate change mitigation and adaptation, including through education programmes at heritage sites.

1.4 We, the members of the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) and affiliated and associated bodies, urge world leaders gathering at Copenhagen for the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15) to take immediate action to tackle global climate change and to protect the world’s natural and cultural heritage from its negative impacts.

THE FACTS

2.1 Our natural and cultural heritage is of fundamental significance to all humankind, irrespective of race, creed or nationality, for its inspirational, artistic, scientific, economic, spiritual and other values. This heritage is composed of both tangible assets and resources, such as landscapes, monuments, buildings, artwork and artifacts, as well as intangible assets (‘living heritage’), such as languages, stories, music, dance, ceremonies, traditional medicine, and other traditional cultural practices.

2.2 Climate change is impacting on both natural and cultural heritage. Impacts include:

• destruction of or damage to natural ecosystems, including loss or movement of animal and plant species;

• destruction of or damage to heritage sites, historic buildings and monuments;

• damage to or destruction of sacred sites or the viability of traditional cultural practices, disproportionately affecting indigenous peoples;

• damage to historic landscapes;

• failure and loss of traditional agricultural practices; and

• changes to the lives of individuals and communities resulting in disruption to or loss of aspects of intangible cultural heritage, and potential displacement of entire communities.

2.3 Changing rainfall patterns are resulting in more frequent and severe floods, storms, droughts and wildfires. These extreme weather events are destroying or damaging natural and cultural heritage worldwide.

2.4 Rising global temperature threatens small island states, coastal settlements and historically significant and iconic coastal structures, especially those on river deltas, coastal barrier islands and coral atolls. These places are at risk from significant coastal erosion and inundation and will be increasingly vulnerable to major or catastrophic damage due to the combined effects of sea level rise and more intense and frequent storms. Thawing permafrost in many parts of the world also endanger traditional settlements.

2.5 Climate change poses a threat to the well-being of all peoples of the world, but its impacts will disproportionately affect the developing world. It threatens the viability of many traditional practices – indeed, entire cultures – that have evolved in harmony with their natural surroundings.

OUR REQUEST TO WORLD LEADERS

3.1 We therefore urge world leaders to take strong and decisive action to address climate change and its impacts on heritage through mitigation strategies that reduce climate change and adaptation strategies to cope with its unavoidable consequences. It is essential that these actions take into account the effect of climate change on global heritage.

3.2 Specifically, we request world leaders to:

• reach global agreement on greenhouse gas reduction targets (limiting global average temperature rise to less than 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels ) and the policy mechanisms and timescales for implementing these targets in order to stabilise the global climate (establishing a credible trajectory for reducing global emissions by at least 50% on1990 levels by 2050);

• create policy frameworks, at international and national levels, that encourage investment in low-carbon technologies and promote energy efficiency; and

• ensure that any agreement or policy framework takes into account considerations of intergenerational and inter-regional equity.

3.3 In addition, we call on world leaders to promote and undertake mitigation and adaptation measures that specifically take advantage of the contribution heritage can make in mitigating climate change and that alleviate the effects that climate change has on global heritage.

3.3.1 GLOBAL HERITAGE AND CLIMATE CHANGE – MITIGATION

We call on governments and agencies worldwide to:

promote sustainable land use practices by:

• reducing deforestation and other harmful environmental practices through the development and promotion of sustainable agriculture that supports local communities, traditional cultural land use, and traditional food sources;

• creating incentives for ensuring more sustainable management of soils in the landscape, given their important role as carbon stores;

• promoting and supporting ecosystem restoration projects that use indigenous species and take into account traditional knowledge and expertise; and

• investing in existing urbanized areas in order to reduce the harmful environmental impacts of development on previously undeveloped land.

promote investment in historic buildings by:

• promoting and supporting the re-use and re-investment in historic and older buildings in order to reduce the negative environmental impacts of new construction; and

• increasing the energy efficiency of historic and older buildings and communities.

3.3.2 GLOBAL HERITAGE AND CLIMATE CHANGE – ADAPTATION

We call on governments and agencies worldwide to:

increase recognition of impacts of climate change on heritage by:

• giving greater recognition to the effect that the impacts of climate change will have on heritage values, particularly intangible cultural heritage and heritage in developing nations; document heritage resources, conduct risk assessments and develop adaptation strategies through:

• researching and recording natural and cultural heritage assets and resources, which will preserve the knowledge to humanity, now and in perpetuity, of, for example, important archaeological and historical remains, or traditional cultures or ways of living, that are particularly at risk from the impact of climate change;

• completing risk assessments of the likely impact of climate change on natural and cultural heritage;

• incorporating considerations about heritage into disaster response programmes;

• developing appropriate strategies to alleviate and adapt to the impacts identified by:

• promoting the importance of maintenance and other measures to enable natural and cultural heritage to withstand climate change;

• promoting research on the impacts of climate change on heritage, including the development of new technologies and techniques for the conservation sector; and

• providing financial and technical support to developing nations to help them undertake adaptation measure to protect heritage from climate change impacts.

3.3.3 GLOBAL HERITAGE AND CLIMATE CHANGE – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We call on governments and agencies worldwide to:

• support educational programmes for visitors to heritage sites about the impact of climate change on these sites and what can be done to both prevent further climate change at a global level and to reduce impacts on that site;

• educate people, especially those in areas particularly at risk, about threats and about adaptation measures that they can take; and

• ensure that climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies relating to heritage engage, involve and have the ownership of local communities.

_______________________________

The Dublin Declaration on Climate Change was written and agreed by the members of the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) many of whom were gathered in Dublin, Ireland from 13 to 17 September 2009 for the 13th International Conference of National Trusts, the theme of which was ‘Heritage of the World in Trust: Conservation in a Changing Climate’.

INTO member organisations have pledged to work with governments and agencies worldwide to tackle climate change and thereby to protect the world’s natural and cultural heritage now and for future generations. Conscious of their role as custodians and repositories of heritage, INTO member organisations have also pledged to take action to address their own organisation’s carbon emissions and thereby to be exemplars of best practice in this regard.

Signatories

This declaration has been signed by:

[To be inserted]

September 13-17, 2009

The 13th International Conference of National Trusts

Dublin, Ireland

Registration Form

An Taisce Issues Call for Papers for 13th International Conference of National Trusts

An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland and the host for the 13th International Conference of National Trusts in 2009, has issued a call for papers.  Individuals interested in speaking should click on the link to access the information.  Abstracts are due by 14 February 2009.

Bursary Applications Available for 13th International Conference of National Trusts

An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland and host for the 13th International Conference of National Trusts, has released application forms for bursaries for the ICNT13.  Click on the link to access the form.  Applications for bursaries are due by 14 February 2009.

View the conference recommendations from the 12th International Conference of National Trusts on the web site of the Indian National Trust for Arts & Culture.  The central theme of “Heritage and Development” was divided into 9 sub-themes for detailed discussions:

1.  Heritage and Globalisation

2.  Conservation of Heritage in Regions of Conflict and Natural Disasters

3.  Heritage Tourism and Conservation

4.  Funding for Conservation Projects

5.  Regional Cooperation and Role of National Trusts

6.  Heritage and Conservation Management and Urban Renewal

7.  Legislation

8.  Heritage Education

9.  Intangible Heritage

You can also review the ICNT E-Newsletters from the New Delhi Conference on the web site.

Presentation for the Inaugural Ceremony of the 12th International Conference of National Trusts by David J. Brown, Executive Vice President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (U.S.) in New Delhi, India.

Mankind’s cultural heritage is amazingly diverse and incredibly rich.  Its diversity identifies us as citizens of many nations.  Its richness unites us as members of one human race.

Our challenge is to keep this amazingly diverse, incredibly rich heritage intact and alive so that generations to come can learn from it and be inspired by it, just as we are.

It is, of course, an enormous job….

INTACH Conference Newsletter #6 for the 12th International Conference of National Trusts (November 2007)

INTACH Conference Newsletter #5 for the 12th International Conference of National Trusts (September 2007)