Events

GHF, Asia Society Host “The Forum on Global Heritage in a Developing World: Focus on Asia”

GHF had a day to remember at the Asia Society in New York on May 3rd, hosting The Forum on Global Heritage in a Developing World: Focus on Asia, a discussion of development challenges facing Asia’s most important and endangered heritage sites. The event featured a diverse program of speakers and panelists, and was well-attended by leading experts in conservation, development, venture philanthropy, technology, travel, academia and media.

Dr. Vishakha N. Desai, President of Asia Society, welcomed participants and attendees with an introductory speech about the current state of heritage and development in Asia. She was followed by Shirley Young, Chair of the US-China Cultural Institute and Governor of the Committee of 100, who spoke about the importance of protecting global heritage sites.

GHF IN THE NEWS

CNN Interviews GHF’s Jeff Morgan About Asia’s Heritage

GHF Executive Director Jeff Morgan was interviewed by CNN about the state of global heritage sites, what we can do to protect them, and their potential to drive sustainable local economic growth.

“If things are done well and there’s a broad diffusion of income, no monopolization of the site, there’s a great opportunity for thousands of people to participate in the cultural industries, the tourism, and the development of the site. Entire regions can be flourishing.”

View the video interview >>

Publications

Saving Our Vanishing Heritage:
Asia’s Heritage in Peril

GHF has released a new report highlighting 10 of Asia’s most significant archaeological and heritage sites facing irreparable loss and destruction due to five accelerating man-made threats: development pressures, unsustainable tourism, insufficient management, looting, and war and conflict. The list includes:

- Ayutthaya, Thailand
- Fort Santiago and Intramuros, Philippines
- Kashgar, China
- Mahasthangarh, Bangladesh
- Mes Aynak, Afghanistan
- Myauk-U, Myanmar
- Plain of Jars, Laos
- Preah Vihear, Cambodia
- Rakhigari, India
- Taxila, Pakistan

Each of these sites, like hundreds of others around the developing world, represents a vast, untapped economic opportunity for its host nation and local communities in need. The list was compiled by GHF experts based on the 2010 study, Saving Our Vanishing Heritage, which surveyed 500 major sites in developing countries to evaluate current loss and destruction, conservation and development.

Click here to read Asia’s Heritage in Peril >>

GHF in the News

GHF and Current World Archaeology (CWA)
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of World Heritage

To celebrate the 40-year anniversary of UNESCO World Heritage, Current World Archaeology (CWA), a popular British world archaeology magazine, has launched a new webpage in partnership with GHF to raise awareness of important and endangered cultural heritage sites, what we can do to save them, and how they can improve the lives of future generations across the developing world. CWA’s World Heritage page features a brief history of the convention and links to stories about global heritage sites recognized and not recognized by UNESCO World Heritage.

Click here to find out more >>

Global Heritage Network

Announcing Global Heritage Heroes!

A number of Global Heritage Network (GHN) members have been doing great work to document and preserve Global Heritage Sites, including Emma Cunliffe, Kawshik Saha and Joanie Meharry (right). GHF appreciates all of their efforts to document and preserve our global heritage! Learn more.

Learn more about How You Can Help >>

Join GHN >>

GHF Project Update

Ciudad Perdida, Colombia Project Progress

Suspension bridge built over the Buritaca river by FIAAT and Fundacion Puentes de la Esperanza, funded by the Conservation Landscapes Program, Fondo Patrimonio Natural-USAID.

2012 is off to a great start for the GHF Project in Ciudad Perdida, Colombia. A new bridge has just been built over a dangerous section of the Buritaca River, significantly decreasing danger to the area’s inhabitants and visiting tourists. A new Conservation Report has also just been posted on Global Heritage Network, while a 2011 Project Progress Update has been added to the project webpage.