Workshop of National Focal Points of Nordic/ Baltic states and Western Europe countries on the Preparation of the Second Cycle of the Periodic Reporting Exercise (Reykjavik, Iceland, 19 - 21 October 2011)

CLT/WHC-11/21

To: Permanent Delegations and National, Focal points for the Periodic Reporting Exercise (Nordic/ Baltic States and Western
Europe)

Madam, Sir,

In the framework of the Preparation of the Second Cycle of Periodic Reporting in Europe and North America Region, the national Focal Points for Periodic Reporting from Nordic/ Baltic states and Western Europe countries will meet in Reykjavik from 19 to 21 October 2011, a meeting hosted by Iceland and organized with the collaboration of the Nordic World Heritage Foundation and the World Heritage Centre. The Focal Points have already received an invitation from the Icelandic authorities on 24 August 2011.

Please note that the meeting will take place on 19 and 20 October, followed by a site visit to the World Heritage site of Thingvellir in the morning of 21 October. Participants may wish to arrange their travel dates accordingly. Please also note that the working language during the meeting will be English.

I would like to draw your attention to the importance of this workshop for the preparation of national Periodic Reports by the countries of the above-mentioned sub-regions. National Focal Points will be expected, after this meeting, to organize national workshops/seminars with national authorities in order to train site managers with a view to preparing the Periodic Reporting in their countries, including the retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). 

Furthermore, the national Focal Points for the Periodic Reporting Exercise should be in charge of the coordination and overall preparation of this reporting throughout the whole process, in collaboration with site managers and other relevant national and local authorities.

To facilitate the participation of Focal Points from all the countries of the subregions, the host country will cover some meals during the workshop (one/two participant by country). All other expenses including accommodation for each participant should be covered by the participants themselves. 

Logistical details as well as the agenda of the workshop will be communicated shortly to your Focal Points by the host country. For any further information please contact Ms Ragnheidur Helga Thorarinsdottir, from the Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Department of Cultural Affairs and the national cultural Focal Point for World Heritage sites (ragnheidur.h.thorarinsdottir@mrn.is, phone: (+354) 545 9500). 

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your cooperation and support in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. 

Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Kishore Rao
Director
World Heritage Centre

Cc: Permanent Delegation of Iceland to UNESCO

National Commissions (Nordic/ Baltic States and Western Europe)
NWHF
ICOMOS, ICCROM, IUCN