Call for applications: Capacity Building Workshop on Nature-Culture Linkages in Asia and the Pacific (CBWNCL)

Heritage Conservation is an evolving practice, and one of the current debates focuses on identifying and recovering the connections between nature and culture sectors. This exchange has become instrumental for the interpretation, conservation and sustainable management of both natural and cultural heritage sites.

The purpose of the Capacity Building Workshops on Nature-Culture Linkages in Asia and the Pacific (CBWNCL) is to contribute to the World Heritage Capacity Building Programme led by ICCROM and IUCN, in consultation with ICOMOS and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, in developing new approaches towards integrated conservation of cultural and natural heritage. These workshops, started in 2016, explore nature-culture linkages with focus on theory and practice in Asia and the Pacific Region. The visit to Japanese heritage sites forms a core component of the programme, where participants conduct practical work. Participants will be able to understand issues and explore approaches being adopted in the field.

Organized by the UNESCO Chair on Nature-Culture Linkages in Heritage Conservation at the University of Tsukuba, in cooperation with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, IUCN, ICCROM and ICOMOS.

Application deadline: 6 May 2019
Dates: September 24 – October 4, 2019
Place: University of Tsukuba, Japan

Objectives

• To provide the existing knowledge on Mixed sites and the implications of their nominations and post-inscription management aspects by dividing nature and culture within a single site.
• To provide the knowledge being developed about sites as landscapes recognizing the nature-culture linkages and the benefits of working together for effective management of Mixed sites in general, and in participants’ own sites/case studies in particular.
• To visit and exchange experiences with local managers and residents and learn how cultural and natural heritage values have been protected and conserved with different approaches, initiatives and governance systems. 
• To establish networks among heritage practitioners in the region.

Methodology
The workshop is an intensive programme combining theory and practice, through lectures, presentations and roundtables in Tsukuba at the University Campus, and a field trip to the “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration”, World Heritage property since 2013, where participants will get in contact with local managers and local communities.

Participants
The workshop is open to a maximum number of 15 professionals from Asia and the Pacific region involved in the management of Mixed Cultural and Natural World Heritage sites, Mixed Sites on the Tentative List of their respective country, or potential Mixed Sites. Mid-career heritage practitioners with a minimum of 5 years of experience from both natural and cultural heritage sectors currently engaged in managing/working in cultural heritage sites with natural values, and natural heritage sites with cultural values are eligible to apply. 

Lecturers
International and Japanese professionals and academics in the field of heritage conservation (nature and culture sectors).

Working language: English

Course Fee: Free

Certificate: A certificate of attendance given by the University will be awarded to participants who satisfactorily complete the workshop.

Travel, accommodation and living expenses
Organizers will cover the cost of accommodation and living expenses in Japan for the selected participants and a limited number of scholarships will be available to cover the international travel costs of selected participants from developing countries.

To apply
Applications should be e-mailed to applicationscbwncl@gmail.com
Please see the Guidelines for Application for more details at http://nc.heritage.tsukuba.ac.jp/UNESCO-Chair/
Application deadline: 6 May 2019