UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation

Throughout Asia and the Pacific, cultural heritage sites are under threat. As heritage buildings and properties are largely in private ownership, the role of private individuals and institutions in protecting these vulnerable sites is paramount. Recognizing this, UNESCO seeks to encourage private sector involvement and public-private collaboration in conserving the region’s cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.

Since 2000, UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation (#HeritageAwards) have been recognizing the achievement of the private sector and public-private initiatives in successfully conserving or restoring structures, places and properties of heritage value in the region. In 2020, UNESCO introduced the Special Recognition for Sustainable Development and an updated set of Awards criteria to highlight the contribution of cultural heritage to sustainable development. In addition, UNESCO Bangkok is developing capacity-building activities using exemplars of the award-winning projects and creating opportunities for youth to learn from experienced heritage practitioners through an apprenticeship programme. 

The project will focus on achieving the following main following results:

• Identification and promotion of exemplary practices in the heritage conservation through the UNESCO Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation with increased participation from under-represented areas (East Asia, Central Asia, and Pacific countries) and a wide representation of various forms of heritage;
• Improved exchange of research and professional practice related to heritage;
• Capacity building in heritage conservation using the exemplars and standards of the UNESCO Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation;
• Improved engagement of youth, both professionals and the public, in protecting and promoting cultural heritage;
• Improved knowledge management of Asian heritage, including regional best practices from the UNESCO Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, through video, online and print formats.

#CultureForSustainableDevelopment #HeritageAwards