In Memoriam: Professor Walter Santagata

The World Heritage Centre has learnt with deep sadness of the recent passing away of Professor Walter Santagata, a long-time collaborator of UNESCO and the creator, among many other scientific programmes, of the Turin Category 2 centre for training and research on the economics of World Heritage (ITRECH, 2011).

The establishment of this institution, aimed at exploring the economic dimension of heritage work, filled a much felt gap in the sector and, notably through its academic Master Programme “World Heritage at Work”, contributes to building the capacity of many students from all regions of the world in this critical area of knoweldge. 

Professor Santagata was also the author and co-author of many publications on the economics of culture and creativity, which have significantly advanced the reflection on ways to bring the conservation sector closer to the social and economic realities of our time.

The World Heritage Centre would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Walter Santagata. He will be deeply missed by all those who appreciated his friendly character, intellectual passion and civil commitment.