UNESCO’s efforts to develop guidance on renewable energy in the context of World Heritage will be extended to solar energy projects

In partnership with the Walloon Heritage Agency, from 5 to 6 March - the UNESCO World Heritage Centre will gather some 30 experts, including the three Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Committee (ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN), the European Commission and the International Renewable Energy Agency, in Namur, Belgium, to define a comprehensive framework for the development of guidance for solar energy projects in a World Heritage context, with the aim of supporting States Parties in balancing renewable energy goals with heritage conservation imperatives, ensuring that solar projects are consistent with sustainable development principles and respect the prerogatives of World Heritage protection.

Climate change is an urgent global challenge, the effects of which are increasingly being felt at natural and cultural World Heritage sites and by communities all around the world. Renewable energy is one of the key solutions to mitigate climate change and substantially increasing its share in the global energy mix by 2030 is one of the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Namur expert meeting is part of a wider programme on World Heritage and renewable energy supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the first outcome of which is the online Guidance for Wind Energy Projects in a World Heritage Context. Developed in collaboration with experts and stakeholders, this resource provides valuable insights into navigating the complexities of renewable energy integration. Drawing on lessons learned, the upcoming workshop will build on this foundation and offer tailored guidance specific to solar energy projects.

The aim of the Namur expert meeting is to extend and complement the existing tool by creating a framework for the development of user-friendly guidance, including information on the specificities of solar energy projects and their compatability in a World Heritage context. The new tools will help ensure a balance and ensure a win-win situation by achieving energy transition through solar projects while safeguarding heritage sites and mitigating environmental risks.