Conference Water and Heritage: Protecting Deltas

Conference Water and Heritage: Protecting Deltas: Heritage Helps!

ICOMOS Netherlands will be organising the conference ‘Protecting Deltas, Heritage Helps’ on 23 - 28 September 2013 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ICOMOS Netherlands has adopted the water and heritage theme as its main focus for the coming years.

The increasing challenge that water poses to heritage worldwide is an important reason for this adoption. Raising awareness of this challenge is an important step in protecting deltas and their historic values. ICOMOS Netherlands has therefore committed itself to organising the conference ‘Protecting Deltas, Heritage Helps!’ in 2013 in Amsterdam, the year in which the renowned Amsterdam Canal District World Heritage Site celebrates its 400 th anniversary.

Facing water threats

In the coming decades, the impact of climate change will threaten low-lying delta areas and cities. Historically established as trade centers at river mouths, delta cities may experience severe flooding as a result of rising sea levels, heavy rainfall and land subsidence. The history and heritage of these areas create difficulties but also opportunities. Heritage has the ability to inspire urban planners in defining protective strategies. The economic value of heritage can be a motivator for protecting delta areas. Furthermore, the position of heritage in urban areas can play a part in planning drastic measures against the effects of climate change. Water management and heritage management thus have a common interest and mutual goal; an integrated approach to protect delta areas.

Cooperation

Cooperation will be of great importance in protecting deltas and their outstanding historic values against the impending water challenges. Water managers and urban planners will have to work together with heritage professionals to inspire each other creating effective adaptation measures that respect the unique quality of specific delta areas. Cooperation also includes the exchange of knowledge on delta protection strategies, which are often based on historical methods.

Aim

The conference aims to connect water management and heritage professionals to discuss the contribution of heritage and its management in meeting water challenges. An overarching aim is to raise awareness of the mutual interests of water management and heritage management in creating future perspectives for the urban deltas of the world.

Programme

Among many others, international guests include speakers from ICOMOS International, UNESCO, UNESCO-IHE and the World Bank. Representatives from New York, Venice, Brazil, Indonesia, Egypt, Korea and Cambodia will discuss strategies to protect monuments and sites in delta areas and the role heritage can play in delta flood protecting strategies. A strong delegation will represent the Netherlands with speakers from various participating organizations such as the Cultural Heritage Agency (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science), Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Utrecht University, VU University of Amsterdam, RMIT Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University and various other associations concerned with water and heritage management.

Statement of Amsterdam

Drawing on knowledge from inspirational lectures and interesting discussions, the conference will result in a statement to be forwarded to the 7 th World Water Forum in Korea in 2015 and the ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium in Florence, 2014.

ENDS

© Scoop Media