Press Releases

Global Heritage Fund Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer and Chief Development Officer

November 28, 2011

 

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Global Heritage Fund Welcomes New
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Development Officer

Bob Stanton and Bob Woods tapped to take GHF into its
second decade of growth and excellence in global heritage
conservation and community development

PALO ALTO, CA — Global Heritage Fund (GHF), an international conservancy devoted to saving endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new executives: Bob Stanton as Chief Financial Officer and Bob Woods as Chief Development Officer. Their executive experience, expertise and leadership are a welcomed addition to the GHF team, and will be especially valuable in the fields of organizational development, fundraising, financial management, volunteer and donor engagement, public affairs, communications, and strategic planning.

Bob Stanton will join as Chief Financial Officer. Stanton is an accomplished financial operational leader with international experience ranging from start-ups to multinational enterprises. From 1992 to 1998, he served as a Senior Director of Finance for Apple, managing all aspects of international finance including accounting, contracts, sales agreements, financing and IT operations. In 1998, he became Senior Director of Finance and Assistant Treasurer for Intel Corporation, where he worked closely with Intel’s large institutional shareholders and managed a worldwide marketing and sales budget of more than $3 billion.

He became CFO of Riverstone Networks in 2002, a Santa Clara-based start-up for which he helped raise more than $350 million before its eventual sale to Alcatel. Most recently he has worked in merger and acquisitions and as a strategy consultant for Marcus & Millichap, one of the five largest commercial real estate companies in the United States. “I look forward to build upon GHF’s strong financial controls and further build out its efficient project management capabilities,” said Bob Stanton.

Bob Woods will join as Chief Development Officer. For over 30 years, has worked in the Advancement field at major universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government institutions. He is a principal of Stewart Woods & Associates, a development consulting firm focused on improving fundraising, implementing organizational change, and pursuing best practices in development for public benefit corporations. Since 1991, he has been a chief development officer for universities, art museums and national organizations. During this time, he has helped organizations raise almost $300 million and has helped thousands of volunteers and donors engage more effectively with the organizations they wish to support.

Woods began his career in 1979 when he joined the staff of U.S. Senator Alan Cranston. In 1985, he joined the Development Office at Stanford University as a major gifts fundraiser working with donors located in Silicon Valley. In 1991, he became President and CEO of California Leadership, a statewide leadership development organization, and in 1992 he was appointed to the position of Director of Development at San Francisco State University. In 1996, he became Vice President of University Advancement at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles. From 1999 until 2003, Woods was Chief Development Officer at the San Jose Museum of Art. He served as Vice President and Chief Development Officer at the Trust for Public Land, a national land trust, from 2004 to 2008.

“I am delighted to be working with donors and staff who wish to preserve the world’s key heritage sites while encouraging the local economic development and land conservation necessary to make these sites sustainable,” commented Bob Woods.

“The addition of Bob Stanton and Bob Woods to our team shows the continued growth and success of GHF,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director. “Both bring decades of world-class experience to our organization, having contributed at the highest levels to some of the most successful institutions in the world. Their expertise and leadership will help GHF develop our management team, grow even more, and get to where we need to be to effect maximum positive change. Our mission is to reach as many people around the world as possible, from appealing to donors to improving the lives of local people in developing countries. Bob Stanton and Bob Woods will help GHF achieve its goals and show the entire world how important cultural heritage is to global development.”

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is an international conservancy whose mission is to protect, preserve and sustain the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in the developing world. GHF utilizes our 360-degree Preservation by Design® methodology of community-based planning, science, development and partnerships to enable long-term preservation and sustainability of global heritage sites. Since 2002, GHF has invested over $25 million and secured $20 million in co-funding for 18 global heritage sites to ensure their sustainable preservation and responsible development.

For more information, visit http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

International Conference to Focus on Libyan Heritage Sites Endangered by Current Conflict

June 28, 2011

 

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International Conference to Focus on Libyan Heritage Sites
Endangered by Current Conflict

Dr. Serenella Ensoli, Project Director for GHF Cyrene, to Speak
About Africa’s Largest Ancient Greek Site

PALO ALTO, CA — Global Heritage Fund (GHF), an international conservancy devoted to saving endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries, will be represented by Dr. Serenella Ensoli, Project Director for GHF Cyrene, and John Hurd, Director of International Conservation, at a conference focusing on Libyan heritage sites endangered by current conflict in the region.

The conference, to be held July 1-2 in Naples, will take place in two parts, with the first day devoted to archaeological missions in Libya and the second day to the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage. Dr. Ensoli, a professor at the Second University of Naples, will speak about Cyrene, where she has been working for 25 years, as well as moderate a discussion about possible interventions and future prospects for Libya’s heritage sites.

Cyrene, Africa’s largest ancient Greek site, has thus far been untouched by the current conflict in Libya, but conservation and tourism, which last year saw approximately 10,000 tourists visit the site from countries all over the world, have come to a halt. Security also remains an issue for the site, which was looted in 2001 and 2009. Cyrene is considered one of the most important Classical Greek sites outside of Greece, yet it is one of the most neglected and endangered UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Mediterranean Basin.

GHF has been working at Cyrene since 2005, leading a historic partnership between the Second University of Naples, the Libyan Department of Antiquities, and the Libyan Ministry of Culture. A program of master planning, scientific conservation, community development, training and new partnerships is being implemented to preserve Cyrene, which is located in one of Libya’s least developed provinces. This includes local workers learning conservation and restoration techniques from Italian engineers and archaeologists. GHF has thus far secured over $320,000 for master planning and engineering for the Sanctuary of Apollo amphitheater, and secured $500,000 in co-funding from in-country partners.

“We are grateful for the vision and support from GHF in our work to preserve Cyrene”, says Dr. Ensoli. “Private sector investment, technical and scientific assistances, and international partnerships are critical to our efforts to protect and successfully preserve Cyrene, one of Africa’s finest archaeological jewels.”

“We are pleased to participate in this extremely important conference about the state of Libya’s heritage sites,” said GHF Executive Director Jeff Morgan. “For too long, Cyrene and other Libyan sites have been ignored and left to deteriorate, or excavated with little regard for conservation. Now is an important time for the future of Libyan heritage—not only in terms of safeguarding against threats caused by the current conflict in the region, but because change may well be on the horizon, meaning greater opportunity for sustainable preservation of these global treasures.”

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is an international conservancy whose mission is to protect, preserve and sustain the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in the developing world. GHF utilizes our 360-degree Preservation by Design® methodology of community-based planning, science, development and partnerships to enable long-term preservation and sustainability of global heritage sites. Since 2002, GHF has invested over $20 million and secured $18 million in co-funding for 16 global heritage sites to ensure their sustainable preservation and responsible development. For more information, visit http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

GHF, PACUNAM and Prince Albert Foundation Host Opening of Maya Exhibition at Quai Branly Museum in Paris

June 20, 2011

 

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GHF, PACUNAM and Prince Albert Foundation Host Opening of
Maya Exhibition at Quai Branly Museum in Paris

“Maya: From Dawn to Dusk” Highlights Discoveries Made at
Mirador and Brings Guatemalan Maya to the World

PALO ALTO, CA — Global Heritage Fund (GHF), an international conservancy devoted to saving endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries, will co-host a private opening on June 21st for “Maya: From Dawn to Dusk,” a new exhibition at Quai Branly Museum in Paris that prominently features GHF project site El Mirador.

The exhibition, which runs June 21 to October 2, features more than 160 items, including painted ceramics, stelae, finely carved stones, funerary elements, architectural remains and ornaments, most of which have never left their country of origin. In an attempt to promote the protection of Guatemala’s national heritage, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to discover the Guatemalan Maya, one of the major civilizations that shaped the history of pre-Columbian America, and highlights the recent significant archaeological discoveries at sites such as El Mirador, where GHF has been working with a focus on conservation and community development since 2003.

El Mirador was recently the subject of a 14-page Smithsonian Magazine cover story that details the efforts of Dr. Richard Hansen, who has dedicated his life to saving Mirador and solving the mysteries behind this 2,500-year-old “Cradle of Maya Civilization”, home to Mesoamerica’s oldest and largest Preclassic archaeological sites. Dr. Hansen is director of the GHF Mirador Project, which has received over $5 million in funding from Global Heritage Fund (GHF) for conservation and community development in the past six years. Dr. Hansen, founder of the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES), is also Scientific Advisor for the Quai Branly Maya exhibition.

GHF has partnered with FARES and the Foundation for Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM) to protect Mirador against rampant deforestation and looting, preserve its archaeological treasures, and ensure it becomes a sustainable economic source for local communities. Today, thanks to contributions from GHF, FARES and PACUNAM, a new 880,000-acre Mirador Archaeological and Wildlife Preserve has been proposed—the largest park in Central America—and a new Archaeological Management Plan for the Mirador Natural and Cultural System has been completed with the cooperation of all major stakeholders and government ministries.

GHF funding has also helped to employ hundreds of local conservation workers, park guides and guards (some of whom are former looters), provide literacy classes to workers, provide local schools with computers and computer training, and install water-purification filters in villages. A key goal of the Mirador project is to aid the Guatemalan government in securing permanent protection and UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the park, which would place it on an international stage for large-scale conservation and promote significant tourism growth.

GHF’s partners for the June 21st event are PACUNAM and Prince Albert Foundation, both of which are also key partners in the GHF Mirador project. PACUNAM has raised over $2 million in funding from 13 companies and families in Guatemala—one of the most successful conservation projects in the country’s history—while Prince Albert recently visited Mirador and signed an agreement to support PACUNAM and conservation of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, which is still very threatened by deforestation.

The Quai Branly Maya exhibition is compiled from the National Collections of Guatemala and has been created in close collaboration with the Guatemalan Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Ethnología in Guatemala. Organized chronologically, it is divided into four sections, the first three corresponding to the primary periods in Maya history: Preclassic, Classic, and Postclassic. The fourth section draws a portrait of contemporary Maya culture via photographs and a multimedia presentation.

“It is our pleasure to host this special event in support of the incredible Maya exhibition at Quai Branly,” said Jeff Morgan, Founder and Executive Director of GHF. “Soon, thousands of people will discover for themselves what we have been conserving and studying for the past six years, and what Dr. Hansen has been working tirelessly to save for more than three decades—the cradle of Maya civilization, one of the most important founding civilizations of the world. Many artifacts in this exhibition have come out of these excavations, as has much of what we know about the Guatemalan Maya. It is imperative that we continue to preserve these endangered sites. This momentous exhibition brings great exposure to Maya and Guatemalan heritage, and marks major progress in our mission to preserve it for future generations.”

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is an international conservancy whose mission is to protect, preserve and sustain the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in the developing world. GHF utilizes our 360-degree Preservation by Design® methodology of community-based planning, science, development and partnerships to enable long-term preservation and sustainability of global heritage sites. Since 2002, GHF has invested over $20 million and secured $18 million in co-funding for 16 global heritage sites to ensure their sustainable preservation and responsible development. For more information, visit http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

Global Heritage Fund Announces Recipients of 2011 Global Heritage Preservation Fellowships

June 20, 2011

 

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Global Heritage Fund Announces Recipients of
2011 Global Heritage Preservation Fellowships

16 Grantees Will Begin Preservation Projects at Heritage Sites
in Developing Countries Across the World

PALO ALTO, CA — Global Heritage Fund (GHF), an international conservancy devoted to saving endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries, is pleased to announce the 16 recipients of its 2011 Global Heritage Preservation Fellowships. The program supports projects in the disciplines of archaeological conservation, historic preservation, heritage management, conservation science, site management planning, GIS and mapping, and sustainable tourism and community development.

Among this year’s grantees, seven will work at GHF sites: Jonathan S. Bell will focus on socio-economic changes occurring at Pingyao Ancient City as a result of increased tourism and development pressures; Anica Mann will study the yoginis who once resided at Banteay Chhmar; Morgan Campbell will study urbanization at Hampi and its effect on local communities; and Claudia Vega Millican and Deisy Elisa Dextre Palomino will each conduct comprehensive documentation of GHF’s newest site, Marcahuamachuco.

Returning to GHF project sites are 2010 Preservation Fellows Haiming Yan and Matt Sayre. Yan, who last year studied the effects of World Heritage Status at Fujian Tulou, will examine the recently completed conservation plan and determine whether it meets the needs of both the site and local residents. Sayre will begin implementing methods (based on recommendations he made last year) of protecting against erosion and removing and replacing invasive species at Chavín de Huántar.

Daniel Castele and Betty Prime (a 2010 Preservation Fellow), both Masters candidates in Historic Preservation at the University of Pennsylvania, will assist in the construction and condition survey of walls and terrace buildings at Gordion in Turkey. Their fellowships are in honor of Mark Goodman, a passionate conservator who died while working for GHF at Gordion. Also working together are Ghulam Mustafa Baloch and Rustam Khan, who will focus on the documentation and stabilization of the Lahore Fort in Pakistan.

Ashima Krishna will examine the effectiveness of India’s urban renewal efforts in Agra; Joanie Meharry will research Afghanistan’s Mes Aynak to demonstrate its archaeological significance to the international community; Katherine A. Seikel will conduct mapping at Nan Madol, the largest prehistoric monumental site complex in Micronesia; Margrethe Felter will provide on-site conservation training for the local community and heritage professionals at the Ancient City of Merv, Turkmenistan; and Nadia Glassup will assess the socio-economic impact of sustainable development projects at San José de Moro, Peru.

Inaugurated in 2010, the Global Heritage Preservation Fellowship Program aims to support cultural heritage conservation and community development work with the potential for significant contributions to the long-term preservation of endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries by international and in-country scholars and students. Grants of approximately $2,000 are awarded annually to 10-20 applicants whose proposals demonstrate the greatest potential for long-term conservation and community benefits.

“We feel strongly that by supporting today’s up-and-coming conservators, we can help to secure endangered sites for future generations,” says Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF. “Last year’s Preservation Fellows demonstrated the overwhelming promise of today’s generation, which will be responsible for ushering in new methods of sustainable preservation and reversing the trend of loss and devastation at so many cultural heritage sites in developing countries. This year’s Fellows were selected from a broad array of strong applications, and we are very excited to track their progress.”

Click here to learn more about the Global Heritage Preservation Fellowship Program

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is an international conservancy whose mission is to protect, preserve and sustain the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in the developing world. GHF utilizes our 360-degree Preservation by Design® methodology of community-based planning, science, development and partnerships to enable long-term preservation and sustainability of global heritage sites. Since 2002, GHF has invested over $20 million and secured $18 million in co-funding for 16 global heritage sites to ensure their sustainable preservation and responsible development. For more information, visit http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

Global Heritage Fund Project Site Göbekli Tepe Featured on Cover of National Geographic

June 17, 2011

 

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Global Heritage Fund Project Site Göbekli Tepe
Featured on Cover of National Geographic

“The Birth of Religion” Tells Story of 11,600-Year-Old Temple and
How it is Reshaping Ideas About the Dawn of Civilization

PALO ALTO, CA — Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is pleased to announce the publication of National Geographic’s “The Birth of Religion,” a cover story about GHF project site Göbekli Tepe that discusses the significance of its massive pillars and how they are reshaping today’s ideas about the Neolithic Revolution and the dawn of civilization.

The article, which appears on the cover of the magazine’s June 2011 issue, begins by describing the 11,600-year-old temple and its monumental T-shaped pillars, which predate Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids by several millennia. The piece also tells the story of archaeologist Klaus Schmidt, who discovered Göbekli Tepe in 1994 and who has devoted his career to excavating and studying it. Schmidt believes that modern accepted theories about the Neolithic Revolution—that it was sparked by the emergence of agriculture, with civilizations and religion following—can be proven wrong by Göbekli Tepe, an ancient ceremonial site miles away from any sign of habitation, agriculture, or water source.

“Twenty years ago everyone believed civilization was driven by ecological forces,” Schmidt says. “I think what we are learning is that civilization is a product of the human mind.” He estimates that only a small part of the site has been excavated, meaning many artifacts and details, such as the dating of the site’s true beginning, remain unearthed. The major aim of the excavations is to uncover a part of the site large enough to understand it, avoiding unnecessary exposure of the structures. “In 10 or 15 years,” he predicts, “Göbekli Tepe will be more famous than Stonehenge. And for good reason.”

Schmidt is also director of GHF’s Göbekli Tepe project, a multi-year initiative announced in 2010 as the first conservation program in the site’s history. In partnership with the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), German Research Foundation (DFG), Şanlıurfa Municipal Government and Turkish government, GHF’s goals for the project are to support the preparation of a Site Management and Conservation Plan, construction of a shelter over the exposed archaeological features, training local community members in guiding and conservation, and helping Turkish authorities secure UNESCO World Heritage status.

GHF’s involvement has been a major positive development in the long-term sustainability of Göbekli Tepe, as it ushers in the first conservation plan in the site’s history. While the DAI and DFG will continue to support research and excavation at the site, they have been unable to fund conservation, which, according to Schmidt, illuminates GHF’s presence and contributions. “We are easily getting money for research,” Schmidt says, “but we don’t easily get money for conservation. Global Heritage Fund is an ideal partner.”

“Göbekli Tepe is not just the world’s oldest temple, but one of its most important documents for the study of human history,” says Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF. “With proper conservation, this is a place that will tell us more than we have ever known about the birth of civilization and religion. Klaus Schmidt and his team have done an exceptional job of exploring it thus far, and National Geographic’s article has helped bring Göbekli Tepe to the world. GHF and its partners are committed to implementing a conservation strategy and preserving the monumental potential of Göbekli Tepe.”

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is an international conservancy whose mission is to protect, preserve and sustain the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in the developing world. GHF utilizes our 360-degree Preservation by Design® methodology of community-based planning, science, development and partnerships to enable long-term preservation and sustainability of global heritage sites. Since 2002, GHF has invested over $20 million and secured $18 million in co-funding for 16 global heritage sites to ensure their sustainable preservation and responsible development. For more information, visit http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

Global Heritage Fund Selects Marcahuamachuco for Second New Conservation and Community Development Project in Peru

June 08, 2011

 

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Global Heritage Fund Selects Marcahuamachuco for Second New Conservation and Community Development Project in Peru

After Two-Year Review of 30 Major Archaeological Sites, Monumental Pre-Incan Site in Northern Highlands Joins
GHF Chavín de Huántar

PALO ALTO, CA - June 8, 2011 - Global Heritage Fund (GHF), an international conservancy for endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries, has approved its newest GHF Project at Marcahuamachuco, considered by many to be the “Machu Picchu of the North” and the “Jewel of La Libertad.” GHF will provide critical private sector matching funding and technical expertise to support scientific planning, GIS and mapping, archaeological conservation, community development and training of guides and artisans to promote sustainable preservation utilizing GHF’s Preservation by Design® methodology.

Marcahuamachuco is set atop the nexus of three mountain valleys at over 10,000 feet (3,200 meters), overlooking satellite sites and the rivers below.  Celebrated for its massive “castillo” (castle) and unique circular double-walled archaeological structures that predate the imperial expansion of the Incas and the Huari, Marcahuamachuco was constructed between 400-800 AD and became northern Peru’s most important political, economic and military center.

With excellent potential to be one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the northern highlands of Peru, Marcahuamachuco will provide a major focus for economic development in an area with few opportunities for local communities. Marcahuamachuco is considered endangered and faces accelerating threats as the ruins degrade from grazing of livestock, lack of conservation, weathering, plant growth and the continued unchecked effects of natural elements on the ancient structures.

At the invitation of the Government of Peru and the new Unidad Executivo de Marcahuamachuco (UEM) established for regional development of the site and its satellites, Marcahuamachuco becomes GHF’s second project in Peru, joining Chavín de Huántar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Huaraz in the high mountains of the Andes. GHF has been working in partnership with Stanford University’s Dr. John Rick and the Institute National de Cultura (INC) for the sustainable preservation of Chavín de Huántar since 2004. GHF’s multi-stage methodology, called Preservation by Design®, has ensured Chavín de Huántar has the highest-caliber science, planning and training for archaeological conservation and community development. GHF funded the cataloging and conservation of thousands of Chavín artifacts, which now are displayed in the new $4 million National Museum of Chavín.

GHF engages its Senior Advisory Board and other experts when investigating potential GHF Projects. To be selected as a GHF project, a site must be an endangered cultural heritage site (World Heritage Inscribed, Tentative List or Potential), be located in a developing country or region, offer a strong team of local and global partners, have in place or support the development of effective conservation planning, and demonstrate significant potential for sustainability in conservation with community involvement and development.

“After intensive investigations, we are pleased to announce Marcahuamachuco as our newest GHF Project,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF. “It is one of Peru’s most important archaeological treasures, and like so many of the country’s top heritage sites, it has suffered in the shadow of Machu Picchu for too long. As our work at Chavín de Huántar has shown, GHF understands not only the need for responsible planning and development, but the sustainable economic potential of cultural heritage sites—not just in Peru, but in developing countries all over the world. We see Marcahuamachuco meeting this potential, and we are excited to get to work in partnership with the Unidad Executivo Marcahuamachuco.”

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is an international conservancy whose mission is to protect, preserve and sustain the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in the developing world. GHF utilizes our 360-degree Preservation by Design® methodology of community-based planning, science, development and partnerships to enable long-term preservation and sustainability of global heritage sites. Since 2002, GHF has invested over $25 million and secured $20 million in co-funding for 18 global heritage sites to ensure their sustainable preservation and responsible development. For more information, visit http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

 

Global Heritage Fund’s Mirador Project Profiled in Smithsonian Magazine Cover Story

April 25, 2011

 

Global Heritage Fund’s Mirador Project
Profiled in Smithsonian Magazine Cover Story

“El Mirador, the Lost City of the Maya” Tells Story of GHF Project Director Richard Hansen’s Efforts to Preserve
2,500-Year Old Mayan Metropolis

PALO ALTO, CA — April 25 2011 — Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is pleased to announce the Smithsonian publication of “El Mirador, the Lost City of the Maya,” a 14-page cover story in the May 2011 issue.

The Smithsonian cover story details the efforts of Dr. Richard Hansen, who has dedicated his life to save Mirador and solve the mysteries behind this 2,500-year-old “Cradle of Maya Civilization”, home to Mesoamerica’s oldest and largest Preclassic archaeological sites.

Written by award-winning journalist Chip Brown, the story—one of the longest in the magazine’s history—follows Hansen, Brown and two photographers into the heart of the 2,475-square-mile Mirador basin. Dr. Hansen is director of the Mirador Project, which has received over $5 million in funding from Global Heritage Fund (GHF) for conservation and community development in the past 6 years.  GHF’s Guatemalan partner- PACUNAM, has raised over $2 million in funding from 13 companies and families in Guatemala, one of the most successful conservation projects in the country’s history.

Hansen took them to the summit of La Danta, one of the world’s largest pyramids, showed them a spectacular stucco frieze depicting heroes from the Popul Vuh creation story, and told the story of the ancient city, which once served as home to an estimated 200,000 people.

Dr. Hansen, who founded the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES), has been studying and preserving Mirador since 1979. That year, as a graduate student, he was excavating a room on Structure 34 (“Jaguar Paw Temple”) when he discovered undisturbed pot fragments that revealed the site as centuries older than originally thought. In the article, he tells Brown: “I realized at that moment the whole evolutionary model for the economic, cultural and social history of the Maya was wrong. The idea that the Maya slowly became more sophisticated was wrong. And I thought, ‘Man, I’m the only person in the world at this moment who knows this.’” Since then, Hansen has excavated, mapped and explored 51 cities in the Mirador basin.

GHF has supported the Mirador project focused on conservation and community development since 2003, partnering with FARES to protect the site against rampant deforestation and looting, preserve its archaeological treasures, and ensure it becomes a sustainable economic source for local communities. Today, thanks to $5 million in funding from GHF, FARES and the Foundation for Cultural and Natural Maya Heritage (PACUNAM), a new 880,000-acre Mirador Archaeological and Wildlife Preserve has been proposed—the largest park in Central America—and a new Archaeological Management Plan for the Mirador Natural and Cultural System has been completed with the cooperation of all major stakeholders and government ministries.

GHF funding has also helped to employ hundreds of local conservation workers, park guides and guards (some of whom are former looters), provide literacy classes to workers, provide local schools with computers and computer training, and install water-purification filters in villages. A key goal of the Mirador project is to to aid the Guatemalan government in securing permanent protection and UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the park, which would place it on an international stage for large-scale conservation and promote significant tourism growth.

“Smithsonian did an amazing reporting on the Mirador project showing clearly how far we have come since GHF and PACUNAM began working here,” said GHF Executive Director Jeff Morgan. “Raising awareness of this irreplaceable treasure — home to some of the world’s earliest, largest and most striking examples of Preclassic Maya civilization — is the next step in making Mirador a sustainable cultural and natural heritage site for Guatemala, and a great source for new economic opportunities for nearby villages like Carmelita and Uaxactún. We are very pleased that Smithsonian came to visit and see this irreplaceable treasure, and make it know to the world.”

On May 25th, 2011, Smithsonian magazine and FARES will host a special event in support of the Mirador project at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City.

Click here to read the full magazine article at http://www.smithsonianmag.com

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is an international conservancy whose mission is to protect, preserve and sustain the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in the developing world. GHF utilizes our 360-degree Preservation by Design® methodology of community-based planning, science, development and partnerships to enable long-term preservation and sustainability of global heritage sites. Since 2002, GHF has invested over $20 million and secured $18 million in co-funding for 16 global heritage sites to ensure their sustainable preservation and responsible development. For more information, visit http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

About PACUNAM
PACUNAM’s work focuses on facilitating scientific and archaeological research, encouraging the development of productive activities, contributing to environmental conservation and supporting the nomination of cultural properties and / or natural assets of Guatemala as World Heritage. The Foundation seeks to support specific projects in each of these areas, in order to promote the sustainable development of the country. See: http://www.pacunam.org

About Smithsonian Media
Smithsonian Media comprises Smithsonian magazine, Air & Space, goSmithsonian, Smithsonian Media Digital Network and the Smithsonian Channel. Smithsonian Media’s flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, is one of the nation’s largest magazines with a circulation of more than 2 million and nearly 7 million readers. Smithsonian Media is a division of Smithsonian Enterprises, the revenue-generating business unit of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. Approximately 30 million people from around the world visited the Smithsonian in 2009.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Visits Mirador to Support Conservation and Sustainable Development Efforts

April 20, 2011

 

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Prince Albert II of Monaco Visits Mirador to Support
Conservation and Sustainable Development Efforts

Prince’s Foundation to Join Coalition to Support “Conservation Incentives and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the Maya Biosphere Reserve”

PALO ALTO, CA — April 20 2011 — Prince Albert II of Monaco visited Mirador to witness the tremendous conservation progress led by Dr. Richard Hansen of FARES (Foundation for Anthropolgical Research and Environmental Studies), and to show his support for the Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM) in the Mirador Project, Global Heritage Fund’s (GHF) conservation partner in Guatemala.

“We have to save this place,” the Prince said during his visit, before signing a cooperation agreement with PACUNAM. His foundation, The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, adds the Mirador conservation initiative in the Maya Biosphere Reserve to its nine forestry projects. Mirador is jointly funded by PACUNAM-FARES-GHF. PACUNAM is comprised of thirteen (13) corporations and families committed to the preservation of Guatemala’s natural and cultural heritage through sustainable development for the benefit of future generations.

For Mirador, PACUNAM has secured $3 million in funding for conservation and sustainable development in Guatemala as part of the $6 million funded by GHF to the project. A key goal of the GHF Mirador project, which began in 2003 under the direction of Dr. Richard Hansen, of FARES, is to aid the Guatemalan government in securing permanent protection and UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the park, which would place it on an international stage for large-scale conservation and promote significant tourism growth.

Situated in the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve in northern Guatemala, Mirador is often referred to by archaeologists as “The Cradle of Maya Civilization.” For decades, the site has been plagued by deforestation and rampant looting, but by 2010, the Mirador has secured over 80 full-time rangers and funding for enforcement.  Thanks to over $3 million in scientific conservation, the site of El Mirador was opened to the public for the first time. A new 880,000-acre Mirador Archaeological and Wildlife Preserve has also been proposed—the largest park in Central America—and a new Archaeological Management Plan for the Mirador Natural and Cultural System has been completed with the cooperation over all major stakeholders and government ministries.

“Prince Albert’s support for the Mirador project as a partner with PACUNAM is a sign of how far we have come since GHF began working here,” said GHF Executive Director Jeff Morgan. “Raising awareness of this irreplaceable treasure — home to some of the world’s earliest, largest and most striking examples of Preclassic Maya civilization — is the next step in making Mirador a sustainable cultural and natural heritage site for Guatemala, and a great source for new economic opportunities for nearby villages like Carmelita and Uaxactún. We are very pleased that Prince Albert came to visit and see the remarkable progress made so far, as well as share his own great experience with the team.”

For more information, visit http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is an international conservancy whose mission is to protect, preserve and sustain the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in the developing world. GHF utilizes our 360-degree Preservation by Design® methodology of community-based planning, conservation science, development and partnerships to enable long-term preservation and sustainability of global heritage sites. Since 2002, GHF has invested over $20 million and secured $18 million in co-funding for 16 global heritage sites to ensure their sustainable preservation and responsible development.

About PACUNAM
PACUNAM’s work focuses on facilitating scientific and archaeological research, encouraging the development of productive activities, contributing to environmental conservation and supporting the nomination of cultural properties and / or natural assets of Guatemala as World Heritage. The Foundation seeks to support specific projects in each of these areas, in order to promote the sustainable development of the country. See: http://www.pacunam.org

About The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation supports and develops the initiatives of public and private organisations and companies, in the fields of research and studies, technological innovation and socially-aware practices.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is intent on acquiring the means necessary to act as an accelerator. In order to play a major role in the protection of the environment on a global scale, the Foundation wishes to set up and collaborate with networks of researchers, companies and individuals willing to work together towards one common goal. In order to stimulate and develop innovation, the Foundation supports scientific and technical monitoring at an international level. Together with the actors and projects involved, the Foundation stays tuned to the problems, challenges and solutions within the area of the environment.

The foundation favours the creation of forums for environmental players (including researchers, project managers, companies and institutions), raises funds and develops socially responsible investment tools. See:  http://www.fpa2.com

 

Global Heritage Fund Launches Innovative Early Warning and Threat Monitoring System for Cultural Heritage Sites in Developing Countries

March 15, 2011

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
GHF Press Relations
650-325-7520
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Global Heritage Fund Launches Innovative Early Warning and Threat Monitoring System for Cultural Heritage Sites in
Developing Countries

Global Heritage Network (GHN) Enables Worldwide Expert and
Stakeholder Collaboration Using Satellite Imaging Technologies
to Save Earth’s Most Significant and
Endangered Cultural Heritage Sites

PALO ALTO, CA, March 15, 2011 – Global Heritage Fund (GHF) today launched Global Heritage Network (GHN), the first early warning and threat monitoring system exclusively devoted to saving endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries.

“GHN serves as an early warning system for our irreplaceable global heritage sites on the brink of being lost by engaging a broad community of conservators, archaeologists, local communities, government officials, donors, and volunteers to save our global heritage for future generations,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF.

Using Google Earth and social networking, combined with scientific mapping from Esri, satellite imagery from DigitalGlobe and imagery analysis software from ITT Visual Information Solutions, GHN enables international experts, local communities, funders, volunteers and travelers to help protect, preserve and sustain global heritage sites facing accelerating and simultaneous threats in developing countries.

“Advances in satellite imagery make it possible to regularly monitor and analyze the impact of the business, market, environmental and political changes that impact people around the world,” said DigitalGlobe Chairman and CEO Jill Smith. “Now, working with the Global Heritage Fund and its partners, we can use our high tech witnesses in the sky for an even greater purpose, and help the fund’s work to protect and preserve some of the most ancient sites in the world.”

GHN is comprised of a geospatial database using Google Earth, high-resolution satellite imagery and detailed mapping of the most significant archaeological and cultural heritage sites in the world’s poorest countries, while the GHN Community is a growing social network of professionals that enables discussion and contribution of up-to-date documentation of threats and conservation efforts at global heritage sites.

“GHN enables our conservation team to work together with international experts and local community leaders to conserve sites like Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia’s leading nomination for UNESCO World Heritage designation”, said John Sanday OBE FSA, Director of the Banteay Chhmar project. “Our Khmer conservation team can now work closely with international experts around the world to monitor threats and propose innovative solutions to save one of Southeast Asia’s most significant heritage sites.”

Threats reported from the field by professional site monitors, international experts, local communities, volunteers and travelers. DigitalGlobe has donated multi-year satellite imagery for 600 sites at the highest resolution available and Esri has donated advanced mapping software for GHN site conservation teams valued at nearly $1 million.

“At Esri, we believe that technology can empower every person to make a difference in the world, and geographic information systems like Global Heritage Network gives them the needed information to accomplish large-scale conservation and development,” said Jack Dangermond, Founder, President and CEO of Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). “We are proud to support Global Heritage Fund and applaud their innovative approach to global heritage conservation. GHF’s new technology-based Global Heritage Network will enable it to scale and amplify the value of its own critical work to protect, preserve and sustain global heritage sites in developing countries.”

GHN uses Preservation by Design® methodology to protect, preserve and sustain each global heritage site through an integrated process of master planning, scientific conservation, community development and partnerships for co-funding and sustainability. Heritage conservation leaders need sustained assistance from outside experts to be successful in the preservation process, but often these heroes in conservation work in difficult, remote locations. GHN provides the first collaborative platform needed to enable the long-term preservation of endangered global heritage sites, which have the potential to generate over $100 billion in visitor revenues annually by 2025, in addition to millions of dollars in new jobs, business and investment opportunities.

“Preservation of key heritage sites is critical for our learning as a society, and we at ITT Visual Information Solutions are pleased to support Global Heritage Fund’s efforts to create a global conservation mindset for historic sites,” said Richard Cooke, President of ITT Visual Information Solutions. “Image and data analysis technologies play a vital role in GHF’s philosophy to improve the long term success of conservation efforts around the world by applying the latest technologies to improve planning methods and encourage community involvement. We salute and support GHF in its mission.”

For more information, see:

Global Heritage Network (GHN)
ghn.globalheritagefund.org

Most Endangered Global Heritage Sites from Space – Satellite Imagery Briefing
http://www.globalheritagefund.org/ghn/briefing

GHN Overview Brochure
http://www.globalheritagefund.org/ghn/brochure

About Global Heritage Network (GHN)
http://www.globalheritagefund.org/ghn/about

Report: Imperiled, Underfunded Global Heritage Sites a $100 Billion Opportunity for Developing Nations

October 17, 2010

 

Press Contact:
Global Heritage Fund
+1.650.325.7520
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Report: Imperiled, Underfunded Global Heritage Sites a $100 Billion Opportunity for Developing Nations

“Saving Our Vanishing Heritage” Details the Loss of and Threats to
Major Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Sites in Developing
Countries Over the Past Decade – and Successful Models of Preservation

Twenty Sites Identified as “On the Verge” – of Vanishing
and Losing Their Potential to Be Engines for Development
for Local Communities if Not Protected and Preserved

SAN FRANCISCO – Global Heritage Fund (GHF) today released a new report, Saving Our Vanishing Heritage: Safeguarding our Cultural Heritage Sites in the Developing World, detailing the state of conservation for the planet’s most significant and endangered cultural sites over the past decade (2000-2009) – and the $100 billion opportunity these sites are for developing nations.

Vanishing surveys the 500 major archaeological and heritage sites in developing countries to evaluate the current loss and destruction, conservation and development of these irreplaceable treasures. The report and accompanying online database identify nearly 200 sites in the developing world as “At Risk” or “Under Threat,” and 20that are “On the Verge” of irreparable loss and destruction.

Vanishing illuminates the simultaneous and accelerating threats facing global heritage sites in developing countries from five man-made threats: development pressures, unsustainable tourism, insufficient management, looting, and war and conflict. Vanishing identifies the critical lack of monitoring of heritage sites a primary reason for their demise, and calls for a new Global Fund for Heritage comprised of emergency funding from governments, foundations and corporations to save our remaining heritage sites – specifically focused on the poorest countries and regions of the world.

With Vanishing, GHF is launching a new early warning and threats monitoring system, Global Heritage Network (GHN), using state-of-the-art satellite imaging technology and ground reports to enable international experts and local conservation leaders to clearly identify and solve imminent threats within the legal core and protected areas of each global heritage site. Only 76 of the sites in GHN are designated UNESCO World Heritage, but all are clearly visible from space and are registered national treasures in their respective countries.

A Major Economic Opportunity for Developing Countries
Vanishing estimates that there is a potential $100 billion per year opportunity by 2025 for the developing world to help achieve their UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to eradicate poverty if global heritage sites are protected and preserved. Already, economic analysis shows total annual revenues for the 500 heritage sites to exceed $24.7 million in 2009.

Vanishing identifies 20 heritage sites that are “On The Verge”: facing major irreparable loss and destruction while offering the promise of being economic engines for their regions and communities if rescued, restored and managed responsibly. They include:

While hundreds of global heritage sites are under threat or are at risk, the 20 “On the Verge” sites were identified by GHF and the Vanishing report’s Editorial Committee as 1) in the most danger due to the five man-made threats; 2) having great potential to become an economic engine for the region and local communities if protected and preserved; and 3) having high potential for sustainable tourism and responsible development. 

The Report’s Editorial Committee is comprised of 24 experts in global heritage conservation and sustainable development from leading universities, institutions and interntional agencies including the World Archaeological Congress, Archaeological Institute of America, ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, University College of London and others.

Vanishing also identifies over 120 global heritage sites under imminent threat or at risk from over 500 sites being monitored by Global Heritage Network (GHN), a newly launched early warning, threats monitoring and expert collaboration system (ghn.globalheritagefund.org).  Through the joint efforts of hundreds of international experts, GHN is identifying sites and threats attacking legal core and protected areas, ranking those most in need of intervention, as well as identifying best practices and solutions that can save these irreplaceable treasures.

“Global heritage sites are mankind’s history – a link to the past, our common humanity and the basis for scientific and aesthetic inquiry – but they’re also sources of national identify and important economic assets for sustainable development,” said Dr. Ian Hodder, professor of Cultural and Social Anthropology at Stanford University. In addition to conducting the excavation of the 9,000 year-old site of Catalhoyuk in Turkey – one of GHF’s 16 Projects – Dr. Hodder has played a central role in founding GHF and shaping its mission and approach.

GHF specifically focuses its funding and conservation efforts on the developing world because of the scarce human and technical resources in those countries to protect their historical treasures, and for the economic promise global heritage sites have as community-based, responsibly managed tourist destinations.

Developing countries also face a dangerous imbalance in international recognition by international heritage conservation institutions. For example, while Italy and Spain have 44 and 41 cultural UNESCO World Heritage designations respectively, Peru with 4,000 years of history and hundreds of major sites – has only nine. Guatemala, the cradle of Maya civilization, has just three.

“The world of heritage preservation must move from older government-to-government models that are often slowed by bureaucracy, corruption and dependence to one that is dynamic, grounded in local partnerships, supported by government and private donors, and is consistently focused on long-term sustainability,” said Jeff Morgan, executive director of GHF. “To save our vanishing global heritage, we must immediately address the lack of attention and anaemic funding levels that these irreplaceable treasures of humanity receive, especially those facing rapid changes in tourism growth or modern development. Overuse without reinvestment and equal investments in management equals disaster.”

Key findings of the study include:

Heritage sites in the developing world are in peril. More than 300 sites have experienced damage during the last decade as a result of man-made threats including development pressures, unsustainable tourism, insufficient management, looting and war and conflict. 

Preserving and sustaining heritage sites is a $100 billion opportunity a year for the developing world. The cumulative economic value to GDP (jobs, regional growth, foreign exchange earnings) of the top 500 global heritage sites surveyed is $20-30 billion annually. Heritage sites in 180 developing countries are expected to generate over $100 billion a year by 2020.

Global heritage should be a core strategy for international development. Tourism to heritage sites in many developing countries now generates more foreign revenue than any other industry, and an estimated 32-39 percent of all international travel is cultural heritage related. In 2010 alone, tourism revenue to these sites is projected to be $300-400 billion.

Despite the opportunities, funding for preservation remains anemic. Current funding for heritage conservation from major foundations and corporations is a fraction of what is needed to solve the crisis facing the developing world. Less than one percent of total U.S. philanthropic funding today goes to domestic cultural heritage preservation.

The following are some of the key recommendations made in Vanishing:

Multiply international private-sector and government funding. Through targeted philanthropic, government and business investments, create a multi-billion dollar fund to assist the poorest, most vulnerable countries with the most endangered and significant sites. The fund, managed by a joint executive board of government and private-sector leaders, could support international experts in providing technical and financial resources, and require in-country matching funding from the national government and private-sector.

Reinforce our global institutions. Global institutions for heritage preservation in developing countries are grossly underfunded. The UNESCO World Heritage Center has less than $30 million annually to plan, provide training and support its sites in over 150 countries. The U.S. government made voluntary contributions of just $694,100 in 2009 to the UNESCO World Heritage Fund, and funding from other governments is meager and sporadic.

Promote new models for sustainable preservation and development. New models are needed to better define the economic and cultural value of heritage sites, and to guide effective investments. One example is GHF’s Preservation by Design® methodology that assists site leaders in a multi-year, process of master planning, scientific conservation, community training and development, and in-country partnerships for sustainability.

Advance Innovative Solutions and Technologies. Heritage conservation currently lacks baseline assessments and standard monitoring system to measure efforts to protect and catalyze the economic potential of endangered sites. Solutions include building an “Early Warning and Threats Monitoring System” that combines satellite technology, imagery analysis and change detection with on-the-ground monitoring; creating online collaborations to enable training with international experts; establishing “Archaeological Protected Areas” (like national parks); funding “Subsidies for Preservation and Responsible Development” so businesses and communities have incentives for long-term sustainability; and integrating “Communities and Heritage Preservation” so sites are considered part of a larger “ecosystem” with living populations, natural and cultural assets. 

Increase Public-Private Partnerships. New private-sector associations made up of leaders in industry and civil society has emerged in recent years to save endangered sites. These are led by leading families, business leaders and corporations in partnership with the public sector.

About Vanishing
Vanishing evaluated sites on their potential for sustainable preservation and responsible development, while identifying best practices in master planning, site management, training, historic urban preservation and integrated community development. The research was overseen by an Editorial Committee comprised of 25 leading experts in heritage conservation and international development from universities, preservation groups, international development agencies and the private sector.

About Global Heritage Fund (GHF)
GHF is an international conservancy protecting and preserving the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in the developing world. Deploying our proven Preservation by Design methodology, GHF provides timely funding and technical expertise to 1) develop comprehensive master conservation plans, 2) enable sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) ensure excellence in conservation, and 4) secure complementary funding and long-term partnerships. GHF is a 501c(3) nonprofit based in Palo Alto, California.
Web site:  http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

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Saving Our Vanishing Heritage — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between UNESCO and Global Heritage Fund?
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), established in 1945, is a specialized agency whose stated purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and the human rights along with fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the UN Charter.

Global Heritage Fund, founded in 2002, is a non-profit organization and international conservancy whose stated mission is to save the earth’s most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries and regions through scientific excellence and community development.

What is the difference between a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global heritage site, according to Saving Our Vanishing Heritage?

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of 911 worldwide properties (including cities, buildings, monuments, forests, mountains, lakes, deserts, etc.) officially recognized by UNESCO as having special cultural or physical significance to the world. Nearly half of all UNESCO-inscribed sites can be found in North America or Europe.

A global heritage site, as defined by GHF in Saving Our Vanishing Heritage, is one of 500 major archaeological and cultural heritage sites in developing and emerging countries and regions that are national treasures and of universal significance to mankind. Today, more than 200 of these sites are endangered and facing irreversible loss and damage, while fewer than 80 have been UNESCO-inscribed.

Why does GHF focus exclusively on global heritage sites in developing and emerging countries and regions?

GHF sees the unfavorable imbalance in the UNESCO World Heritage List against the developing world as a key reason for lack of corresponding funding and assistance to enable preservation and protection of sites in these countries. For example, while Italy and Spain have 44 and 41 cultural UNESCO designations, respectively, Peru—with 4,000 years of history and hundreds of important cultural sites—has only nine. Guatemala, the cradle of Maya civilization, has just three.

Furthermore, GHF believes that by focusing on sites in low-income countries—places where the per capita income is less than $3 to $5 a day—it can help alleviate poverty by creating long-term jobs, income, and recurring investment. In Saving Our Vanishing Heritage, this is called the “$100 billion opportunity.”

How did GHF estimate the $100 billion opportunity for global heritage sites? What are the assumptions?
A GHF-sponsored analysis of 500 global heritage sites by a team of Stanford University economics graduates estimates that global heritage sites in the developing world are expected to generate over $100 billion a year by 2025, up from $24.6 billion today.

The analysis found that more than 50 global heritage sites today each have annual revenues of over $100 million, up from a fraction of that number twenty years ago. Worldwide tourism to global heritage sites is also increasing on average at 8 to 12 percent per year, according to United National World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with many sites doubling or tripling in visitation and revenues every ten years.

The $100 billion opportunity assumes a worldwide effort will be made for the preservation and responsible development of global heritage sites.

How were the twelve “On the Verge” sites chosen?
While hundreds of global heritage sites are under threat or are at risk, the twelve “On the Verge” sites were identified by GHF and the Vanishing report’s Editorial Committee as: 1.) in the most danger due to the five man-made threats; and 2.) having great potential to become economic engines for their respective regions and local communities if protected and preserved.

Who would be the primary donors to the Global Fund for Heritage? How would it be administered?
The Global Fund for Heritage would target philanthropic, government, and business investments to support global heritage. It would be managed by a joint executive board of government and private-sector leaders and donors, including archaeologists and heritage law and policy experts. It would support international experts, provide emergency assistance and technical and financial resources, and secure matching in-country funding.

What is the Global Heritage Network?
Global Heritage Network (GHN) is an early warning and threats monitoring system that uses state-of-the-art satellite imaging technology, combined with online community software, to enable collaboration between international experts and local conservation leaders to identify and mitigate man-made threats to global heritage sites. Click here to learn more.

What is Preservation by Design?
Preservation by Design is GHF’s integrated conservation and development methodology—a living framework that combines long-range planning, conservation science, community engagement, and monitoring and evaluation. It incorporates the latest methods and technologies, combined with a partner-driven conservation strategy, to increase the prospects for long-term successful and sustainable conservation efforts.  Click here to learn more.

Can I speak with anyone on the Editorial Committee?
Absolutely. Please contact Mike Smith at Fenton Communications for more information.

What are the next steps for GHF?
With the release of Saving Our Vanishing Heritage, GHF hopes to alert the international community to the need for greater investment in global heritage conservation, a strategy that has proven to be one of the most effective and targeted ways to help alleviate poverty by creating long-term jobs, income, and recurring investment in developing countries.

Going forward, GHF will continue with its following goals:
• Work with local communities on world-class conservation projects
• Promote internationally GHF’s Preservation by Design methodology as a recognizable and replicable approach to project design, management, monitoring and evaluation
• Develop Global Heritage Network, an internet database and technology platform for use by all GHF projects, international experts and the public
• Engage the world’s leading archaeological conservation and community development experts in planning, projects and programs
• Develop a strong, stable and growing global network to support GHF through guidance and advice to management, generous and sustained funding and advocacy, leadership and best practices in governance
• Continue to build a committed and effective Board of Trustees and Senior Advisory Board with diverse expertise
• Advocate on behalf of significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries

What can I do to support GHF? How can I get involved?
There are a number of ways to support GHF and become involved. Please have a look at our Support GHF page to learn how to make a donation, become a member, join the conservation society, join the leadership council, and more.

You can also join the Global Heritage Network to participate in discussions about global heritage, and to learn more about GHF’s mission.

Chavín de Huántar in Peru Received Major Grant for Sustainable Conservation and Community Development

July 20, 2010

 

Contact:
Global Heritage Fund
+1.650.325.7520
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CHAVÍN DE HUÁNTAR IN PERU RECEIVED MAJOR GRANT FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Endangered UNESCO World Heritage site to receive a major boost in support thanks to a new grant of US$300,000 from Antamina

 
July 20, 2010 - Palo Alto, California USA – The conservation project at the archaeological complex of Chavín de Huántar will have a major boost thanks to a new grant of $300,000 from Antamina.

The archaeological complex of Chavín de Huántar is located in the Chavín district, Huari province in the Ancash, 462 Kilometers northeast of Lima, on the eastern flank of the Cordillera Blanca and Conchucos Valley. This pre Inca site dates from 1300 BC to 500 BC and marks one of the highlights in the development of Andean civilization.

The announcement was made on July 7th, 2010 by the Director General of the National Institute of Culture (INC), Dr. Cecilia Bakula and the Vice President of Environmental and Corporate Affairs of Antamina, Pablo de la Flor.

Pablo de la Flor of Antamina said that thanks to this initiative led by the INC, it became possible to allocate the funds for the site of Chavín. Mr. de la Flor said, “It is extremely satisfying to join in this effort. The project that we want to support happened not only because we are providing this timely donation of nearly US$300,000, but also because of the nearly half a million dollars that have been invested over the past six years.”

The $300,000 grant from Antamina was provided as a direct in-country match to Global Heritage Fund’s (GHF) $300,000 commitment to the Chavin Project over the next 3 years after discussions and consultations between the two organizations over the last 6 months. These funds provide the majority of the $750,000 total budget required by the Chavín Project over the next 3-4 years. 

“In-country matching support for the preservation of Chavín de Huántar is critical to long-term preservation of Peru’s rich wealth of cultural assets. GHF and our donors applaud Antamina for their vision and support of this important project.” said Jeff Morgan, GHF Executive Director. “The Chavín project is focused on the sustainable preservation of this unique heritage site through an integrated process of planning, conservation and local economic improvement. Complementary programs in handicraft and sustainable tourism improvement ensure local income diffusion and revenue capture from visitation.”

Dr. Cecilia Bákula, Director General of the INC, thanked Antamina for its contribution. She also thanked Dr. John Rick, a professor at Stanford University, and Christian Mesía, Director of the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, who are the leaders of this project to achieve conservation success.

She emphasized that “all these investments and contributions are part of a strategic alliance that requires the presence and formal participation, efficiency and transparency of the State.”

Drs. Christian Mesía and John Rick spoke about the conservation work that will take place in the ceremonial center that has been negatively impacted by lack of drainage and critically needed site conservation for this impressive monument.

About Global Heritage Fund (GHF)
GHF is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered World Heritage Sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth.

To achieve this, GHF deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California and London, U.K. 

Visit of His Royal Highness, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester to The Banteay Chhmar Conservation Training Project, Cambodia

June 30, 2010

 

THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE & FINE ARTS
IN COLLABORATION WITH
AND THE GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND

26th – 28th June 2010

The Global Heritage Fund team in Cambodia had the honor of hosting the private visit of HRH the Duke of Gloucester to the Banteay Chhmar Conservation Training Project in Banteay Meanchey Province Cambodia from the 26th to the 28th of June.

Present during the visit was H.E. Oung Ong, the Governor of Banteay Meanchey Province, HE Andrew Mace the British Ambassador, representatives of the Ministry of Culture led by HE Ok Sophon and members of the Banteay Chhmar Commune.

Following an introduction to the staff and work force of the Project, John Sanday, GHF Field Director for Asia and James Hooper Manager of GHF UK London ably assisted by Kousom Sarun GHF Assistant Director Administration escorted HRH the Duke and HE the Governor on a two hour tour of the project identifying all the on going activities at the site.  John Sanday emphasized the importance of training both professional staff and craftsmen in the principles and procedures of conserving and repairing a site of great historical and architectural significance as Banteay Chhmar, whilst demonstrating several of the specialized conservation activities under way at the site.  James Hooper outlined the other activities that GHF has developed relating to the preparation of a masterplan and the Community Based Tourism programme that GHF is supporting as a complement to the renovation of the temple complex.

HRH the Duke,  HE the British Ambassador and John Sanday arrived by helicopter from Siem Reap on the morning of the 27th June having flown over several of the adjacent historical sites and hydrological features and were welcomed by HE the Governor and the GHF team.

Checking the stone Database

We first visited the Project workshops to see examples of stone repairs and conservation techniques.  Looking primarily at the work being undertaken to repair and conserve the bas reliefs,  a demonstration of drilling and pinning a broken stone block, the repair of a damaged section of decorated stone using specially formulated mortars and the replacement of missing sections of stone with new. There was also a demonstration of how a simple stone rice mill had been adapted to produce powdered clay which is used as part of the mix with sand and lime for a dry mortar used to set the tones on the platform.  At the Project forge, the blacksmith demonstrated his skills in making the various chisels required for working the stone.

Following extensive discussions concerning the section of Bas Relief at present under conservation and repair, we visited the Hall of Dancers at the East end of the temple complex, which provides an interesting vista across is a sea of fallen stone blocks towards the central shrine.  GHF has started constructing a walkway into this section of the temple as here there are some of the priceless remains of significant sculptures unique to Banteay Chhmar.

The entourage then skirted the northern sector of the temple complex to show HRH the Face Tower 18 – one of the few face towers still standing and threatening collapse.  The GHF team was in the process of erecting a steel scaffolding around the tower as part of an emergency procedure to dismantle the threatening structure. We explained the procedures which were of great interest to HRH as an architect and because of his involvement with English Heritage and ICOMOS UK.

The entourage continued the tour around the inner circle of the temple complex to give HRH some idea of the scale of the project. We then did a drive around in the back of the truck to show HRH the Bas Reliefs – a very good way to see the reliefs without having to clamber over the collapsed stone blocks that once were the vaults over the bas relief walls.  We paid particular attention to the Avaloketeswara images which will be the next section of bas reliefs that the project will work on. 

On our way out of the temple complex we stopped on the damaged East Causeway where we discussed the extensive hydrological study that the GHF team has been undertaking, in collaboration with Sydney University, and described the threats caused by recent flooding to the causeway.  This is another of the emergency projects that we are having to tackle before the onset of the monsoon. 

James Hooper then took HRH to the Community Based Tourism offices and introduced him to the various activities that GHF has initiated with the CBT – the Solid Waste Management Project, the English language and guide training and the upgrading of the Homestays.

After sampling a special Khmer lunch at the GHF house,  the GHF team left by Helicopter and Truck to Siem Reap to attend the reception given by the British Ambassador, Andrew Mace for the British community resident in Siem Reap.

The following day we had the opportunity of showing HRH around some of Angkor, especially the projects that I and many of the GHF Khmer staff had worked on, in particular Preah Khan and Ta Som, the Bayon and Angkor Wat. 

It was a very successful visit and HRH will no doubt be an excellent promoter of the GHF Banteay Chhmar Conservation Training Project in Cambodia.

 

Read the Press Release
Visit Featured in the News

Global Heritage Fund (GHF) and British Ambassador Andrew Mace to host His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO At Prasat Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia

June 24, 2010

 

Contact details:
James Hooper
Global Heritage Fund – UK Manager
+44 (0)7970 034 535
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

London 24th June 2010

 

The British Embassy in Cambodian and the Global Heritage Fund (GHF) today announced that HRH The Duke of Gloucester will visit GHF’s flagship project at Prasat Banteay Chhmar, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia. The Duke last visited Cambodia in October 1969. His own professional qualifications in architecture and his long-lasting relationship with heritage and conservation, evidenced by his Patronage of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) -UK are leading factors in his deep and personal interest in the work of organisations such as GHF.

James Hooper, UK Manager of GHF, expressed the importance of the Royal visit, “This visit by a member of the British Royal Family is a true reflection of the huge importance of Prasat Banteay Chhmar and all the great Angkorian temples. This admiration is something we can all share with the people of Cambodia and GHF is honoured to be conserving this temple and working towards a better future for the region.”

 

The Duke will tour the Global Heritage Fund’s project at Banteay Chhmar on 27th June with a press photo opportunity at 13:30hrs.

Read about his visit in the News

About HRH The Duke of Gloucester
The Duke of Gloucester is a grandson of George V and a first cousin to The Queen.

Prince Richard had planned a full-time career in architecture but, on the death of his elder brother, he became his father’s heir and took on increased royal duties and the responsibility for the family estate at Barnwell, in Northamptonshire; he therefore resigned his partnership.

Some of The Duke’s public duties relate to architecture and conservation, in which he is still keenly interested. He was elected a corporate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1972 and he is President of the Society of the Architect-Artists. His fellowships include those of the Institute of Clerks of Works for Great Britain Incorporated, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. The Duke is also President of several architectural preservation societies, including the Pevsner Memorial Trust and the Victorian Society. He is Patron of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, UK National Committee.

The Duke has also produced three books of architectural photographs: On Public View (1970) which illustrated London statues, The Face of London (1973) and Oxford and Cambridge (1980).

About Global Heritage Fund
GHF is an international heritage conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing regions and thereby improving lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and monuments and creates new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a “Preservation by Design” approach, which consists of: 1) comprehensive master planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships for matched funding.
http://www.globalheritagefund.org

About Banteay Chhmar Conservation and Training Project
Since 2008, GHF have worked with the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on the Banteay Chhmar Conservation and Training Project. This collaboration is producing essential management planning and architectural conservation work on the temple of Banteay Chhmar and its immediate surroundings. As a catalyst for private and public sector involvement and support for major Cambodian heritage sites, GHF has been able to invite NGO partnerships including the South Asian Conservation and Restoration Agency, Friends of Khmer Culture International and Heritage Watch International.
Learn more about Banteay Chhmar

Preservation by Design: Safeguarding the World's Cultural Heritage Opens at Meridian International Center March 20, 2010 - May 16, 2010

March 20, 2010

 

International photo exhibition of 77 works chronicles preservation efforts of endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries.

Click here to learn more about the event.

WASHINGTON, March 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/—Meridian International Center and California-based Global Heritage Fund announce the opening of an international photographic exhibition, Preservation by Design: Safeguarding the World’s Cultural Heritage on Saturday, March 20, 2010. The 77 images, which have never been seen by the general public, contain works by talented local photographers living in or near archaeological and cultural sites in China, Colombia,India, Peru, and Turkey. Photographs from Cambodia and Libya, drawn from the Global Heritage Fund archives, were taken by GHF field staff intimately familiar with these locales and the difficulties the sites face.

“Preserving and protecting our global cultural inheritance is a responsibility that we all share. In recent years, we have seen the tragic consequences of neglect and conflict on some of these irreplaceable treasures,” said Ambassador Stuart Holliday, President of Meridian International Center. “Meridian is proud to host and co-present Preservation by Design with Global Heritage Fund to showcase the important work being done by local communities in preserving their cultural legacies for the world.” 

Meridian International Center has built global partnerships through leadership exchanges and international collaboration for 50 years. Its Art for Cultural Diplomacy program organizes high-quality exhibitions as educational tools to share aspects of other cultures with audiences in the United States and elements of American culture with people abroad.

Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to save the most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries. Carried out through scientific excellence and community involvement, these efforts focus on conservation and responsible growth at key World Heritage Sites. GHF projects are selected using strict criteria and each initiative follows a comprehensive methodology termed Preservation by Design®. There are currently twelve GHF projects in ten countries. 

“The GHF-Meridian Exhibition begins a global exhibit tour to showcase the cultural diplomacy and economic benefits from saving endangered archaeological and heritage sites in developing countries. Only by involving local communities in their sustainable preservation, can we hope to save and preserve these priceless treasures for future generations,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund.

To create this exhibition, a series of criteria was developed for the kinds of images each photographer should share, including people-to-people interactions, the tangible benefits of conservation work, and the ways in which problems endemic to each locale are being addressed through the efforts of GHF. The resulting exhibit represents the partners’ efforts to reach out to people from other countries and underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy in laying the foundation for increased global understanding.

Artists represented in Preservation by Design include Wang Xiaodong, a native of Pingyao, China, who is considered the unofficial photographer of this ancient city. Pingyao also is depicted by Luo Yongjin, who, having portrayed great Chinese cities altered by modern construction, focuses on smaller rural centers. Images of the characteristic roundhouses – or “Tulou” – common to Fujian Province were captured by GHF China Heritage Program Manager Kuanghan Li.

Amado Villafane is a member of the indigenous Arhuaco group and his cultural background permits him to candidly portray members of the Tayrona tribe at the remote Colombian site of Ciudad Perdida. Jose Luis “Pepe” Cruzado Coronel is gaining notoriety for his skill in revealing subtleties about Andean peoples and their environs. His photographs of Chavin de Huantar offer a glimpse into the restoration of a major pre-Inca site in Peru.

The extensive temple complex of Hampi in southern India is rendered by Sourav De who seeks to identify cultural continuity from the ancient world while depicting challenges that confront contemporary groups in this rapidly developing country. Cavit Erginsoy, a photographer from Istanbul, has traveled extensively to capture images chronicling ordinary people and his images of Kars shed light on the history and culture of Turkey’s eastern region.

Cyrene, Libya is represented by Serenella Ensoli, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission of the Seconda Universita degli Studi in Naples and talented GHF staff photographers. Photographs of Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia are courtesy of GHF.

Click here to learn more about the event.

About Meridian:
Meridian International Center’s mission is to strengthen international understanding through the exchange of people, ideas and culture.

Meridian’s Art for Cultural Diplomacy program organizes high quality, international exchange-oriented exhibitions in collaboration with government ministries, museums, artists, collectors and experts around the world. Meridian has employed art to build bridges among people worldwide and its exhibits have traveled to 320 cities in 44 U.S. states and 50 countries. http://www.meridian.org

About Global Heritage Fund:
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Deploying our proven Preservation by Design methodology, GHF provides timely funding and technical expertise to 1) develop comprehensive master conservation plans, 2) enable sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) ensure excellence in conservation, and 4) secure complementary funding and long-term partnerships. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California. http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

Global Heritage Fund Invests in Archaeological Conservation and Sustainable Community Development in Ciudad Perdida

February 10, 2010

 

Press Contact:
Jasmin Arneja, Vice President of Development
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Global Heritage Fund Invests in Archaeological Conservation and Sustainable Community Development in Ciudad Perdida

GHF Leads Joint Effort to Save One of Colombia’s Most Important Archaeological Sites of the Tayrona Civilization-Ciudad Perdida

Bogota, Colombia - February 10, 2010 - Global Heritage Fund (GHF), in partnership with the Instituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia (ICANH) and the Ministry of Culture of Colombia, is undertaking a five year Preservation by Design program of integrated planning, scientific conservation, community investment and training, and in-country private-sector partnerships to preserve Ciudad Perdida (‘Lost City’) and surrounding archaeological sites. Ciudad Perdida represents a monumental example of the ancient Tayrona civilization that flourished in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, one of the country’s four national archaeological parks. Ciudad Perdida is currently on the Tentative List for nomination to UNESCO World Heritage.

Facing acute threats from growing tourism into the Burritaca Valley, lack of site management capacity, ongoing maintenance, and unchecked erosion and deterioration, Ciudad Perdida requires immediate scientific intervention for archaeological conservation. Integration and support for indigenous and peasant communities to be an integral part of the tourism development program for Ciudad Perdida is a core program goal.  Extensive mapping, as well as the design and approval of a master conservation and management plan for Ciudad Perdida that will guide future site conservation, community-based development and tourism management, will be completed during the first phase of the project.
Since 2008, ICANH and Global Heritage Fund have worked on a pilot project that has relocated visitor facilities to outside of the fragile archaeological site, published a new guidebook, and established an archaeological maintenance program for the site. 

“Ciudad Perdida is in the heart of every Colombian. Over the past twenty years, Dr. Santiago Giraldo, GHF’s Project Director, and other leading archaeologists, have illuminated the incredible history and importance of the Tayrona civilization and the monumental cities they built high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF. “In partnership with the National Institute of Colombian Archaeology and History (ICANH), local community stakeholders, and the Ministry of Culture, we hope to establish a world-class program for archaeological conservation and sustainable development for the key sites of the Tayrona civilization.”

GHF and its partners will invest US $580,000 over 5 years for the protection and conservation of archaeological heritage in the Sierra Nevada in partnership with local communities, the national park service, regional law enforcement, and national and international private sector sponsors. The program supports agreements by the Ministry of Culture and ICANH established since 2008 with the indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta including the Kogi, Arhuaco, Kankuamo and Wiwa people in the region.

“This agreement constitutes a very promising model for international cooperation in the conservation and protection of the vast archaeological wealth of Colombia and represents a major boost to the cultural heritage of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the entire nation,” said Diego Herrera, director of ICANH.

The co-investments of ICANH and GHF for Ciudad Perdida are expected to improve site management of preservation and tourism, bring new income and sustainable development opportunities for the local communities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and prevent looting and further destruction of the archaeological heritage of the region.

For more information:
GHF’s Ciudad Perdida, Colombia Project click here.

About the Instituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia (ICANH)
The Instituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia (ICANH), since its creation from the National Archaeological Service (1938) and the National Ethnological Institute (1943), is the lead agency of the Ministry that oversees the preservation and responsible development of the anthropological and archaeological heritage of Colombia. The Ministry of Culture is responsible for the Colombian cultural sector and aims to formulate, coordinate, implement and monitor government policy on cultural, heritage and archaeological resources.

Websites:  http://www.icanh.gov.co and
http://www.mincultura.gov.co

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Deploying our proven Preservation by Design methodology, GHF provides timely funding and technical expertise to 1) develop comprehensive master conservation plans, 2) enable sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) ensure excellence in conservation, and 4) secure complementary funding and long-term partnerships. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California. 

Web site:  http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

For more news coverage of GHF’s Investment in Ciudad Perdida, Colombia read the articles below:
Ministry of Culture

El Heraldo

Colombia Reports

El Espectador

 

 

 

Global Heritage Fund and Heritage Watch International announce landmark agreement to support Prasat Banteay Chhmar

January 11, 2010

 

Contact:
James Hooper
Global Heritage Fund – UK Manager
+44 (0)7970 034 535
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Global Heritage Fund (GHF) and Heritage Watch International (HW) announced a new partnership that will strategically align the two organisation’s work in Cambodia closer and maximise the benefits for the people of Banteay Chhmar and the historic monuments of Cambodia.  GHF and HW have agreed to a multi-year partnership that will begin with joint support for Banteay Chhmar’s Community Based Tourism organisation in Guide Training and English Language, with further components to be added through 2010-12. 

Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF, commended the vision of the GHF Banteay Chhmar Conservation Programme in developing the initiative, “Heritage Watch has done a tremendous job mobilizing local communities and authorities in Cambodia to stem the tide of looting occurring at archaeological sites, says Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund.  We look forward to working closely with Heritage Watch in the northern province of Banteay Meanchey around Banteay Chhmar and achieving “zero tolerance” for looting whilst building a strong conservation ethic in the local communities through training and advocacy.”

Dougald O’Reilly, Director of HW, commented that “we are very pleased to have the opportunity to work in collaboration with the Global Heritage Fund in developing community based tourism at the important Banteay Chhmar temple site and we are especially grateful to the Archaeological Institute of America for providing support through its Site Preservation Grant.”

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international heritage conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing regions and thereby improving lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and monuments and creates new opportunities for economic growth.  To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven “Preservation by Design” approach, which consists of: 1) comprehensive master planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships for matched funding. 
http://www.globalheritagefund.org

About Heritage Watch
Heritage Watch is an non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the tangible and intangible cultural heritage through research, education, and advocacy. Its mandate is to:

 

 

 

 

Global Heritage Fund (GHF) announces Cambodia Corporate Council to support Banteay Chhmar Conservation and Training Project

December 03, 2009

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
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Global Heritage Fund – UK Manager
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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND (GHF) announces Cambodia Corporate Council to support Banteay Chhmar Conservation and Training Project
GHF Celebrates award from USAID for Community Based Tourism, Banteay Chhmar

 

UNESCO World Heritage Site Cyrene in Libya Honored with 2009 World Tourism Award for Integrated Cultural Heritage Preservation

October 20, 2009

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE CYRENE IN LIBYA HONORED WITH 2009 WORLD TOURISM AWARD FOR INTEGRATED CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION

International Conservancy Global Heritage Fund Leads
Consortium of Partners In Historic Preservation, Management and
Maintenance of Cyrene

October 22 2009 - Palo Alto, California USA – Cyrene received the 2009 World Tourism Award for its integrated heritage preservation and management of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cyrene in Libya. Global Heritage Fund, an international conservancy focused on protecting cultural heritage sites in developing countries, leads the consortium of partners dedicated to the preservation, management and maintenance of Cyrene. 

The 2009 World Tourism Award, co-sponsored by American Express (AMEX), International Herald Tribune (IHT) and Reed Travel Exhibitions, will be presented at a special ceremony on November 10, 2009, at World Travel Market, Excel Centre, London.

The 2009 Honorees are being recognized for their dedication to sustainable tourism and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage.  The award honors “Libya’s unique approach in establishing an integrated model for North African Archaeological and Heritage Preservation and Management with an emphasis on the education and training of local nationals for employment in the development and maintenance of this site; and for Engineer Saif Shahat’s initiatives taken to ensure the protection of Libya’s Heritage Sites and the quality of its tourism.”

In Cyrene, the program is a Global Heritage Fund (GHF)-led partnership between the Second University of Naples (Italy), the Libyan Department of Antiquities, and the Libyan Ministry of Culture. As the first integrated project involving Libyans, Italians and Americans working together, it aims to implement the conservation work within a structured training program for site conservators, archaeologists, and site maintenance and park services personnel of the Libyan Department of Antiquities in Cyrenaica. 

During the course of the project, Libyan nationals from Cyrene’s surrounding area have been employed as both skilled and unskilled labor on site, while University groups from Benghazi and Baida will study the project as a unique case study in both African archaeology and heritage management.

“We are thrilled that Cyrene in Libya has received the prestigious World Tourism Award and excited to see Global Heritage Fund’s efforts to preserve one of Libya’s great historic treasures come to fruition,” said executive director of Global Heritage Fund Jeff Morgan.  “Our special thanks goes to our Project Director Dr. Serenella Ensoli and her team, and our partners in Libya, who have successfully developed a model for sustainable tourism in the area, engaged the neighboring community and employed Libyan specialists to protect the majestic Greek and Roman complex of the Sanctuary of Apollo at Cyrene and its spectacular amphitheatre.” 

About the World Tourism Awards
Inaugurated in 1997, the World Tourism Award was established to recognize “the extraordinary initiatives by individuals, companies, organizations, destinations and attractions for outstanding accomplishments in the travel industry.”  The World Tourism Awards are presented in the form of a specially designed Steuben Crystal bridge entitled PARTNERSHIP, which “celebrates the bond of a supportive partnership which, like a bridge, spans both time and distance.” 

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California and London, U.K..  Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

Global Heritage Fund Wins Prestigious 2009 Global Vision Award From Travel + Leisure Magazine for its Historic Preservation Work of Cambodia's Banteay Chhmar Temple Complex

October 16, 2009

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND WINS PRESTIGIOUS 2009 GLOBAL VISION AWARD FROM TRAVEL + LEISURE MAGAZINE FOR ITS HISTORIC PRESERVATION WORK OF CAMBODIA’S BANTEAY CHHMAR TEMPLE COMPLEX

Global Vision Award Winners Featured in November 2009
Issue of Magazine

October 16, 2009 - Palo Alto, California USA –­ Global Heritage Fund, an international conservancy focused on protecting cultural heritage sites in developing countries, received a 2009 Global Vision Award from Travel + Leisure magazine today for its “historic preservation” of the Temple Complex Banteay Chhmar in Cambodia.  A total of 17 Global Vision Award winners are featured in the November issue of the magazine in recognition of their work in cultural preservation, environmental conservation and community-based tourism.

Commissioned in the 12th century by the Khmer king Jayavarman VII, the stone temple complex of Banteay Chhmar has in recent years fallen victim to vandalism, looting, and disrepair.  Since 2008, Global Heritage Fund has led efforts to stabilize the complex and its elaborate bas-relief galleries.

“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious honor from Travel + Leisure magazine in recognition of our efforts to preserve one of Cambodia’s great historic treasures,” said executive director of Global Heritage Fund Jeff Morgan.  “Our special thanks goes to our Project Director John Sanday and his team who have successfully developed a model for sustainable tourism in the area, engaged the neighboring community and employed Khmer specialists to protect the majestic stone complex of Banteay Chhmar.”

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California and London, U.K..  Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

CNN International "World's Untold Stories" to Recognize Global Heritage Fund's Successful Conservation of Early Mayan Cultural Sites at Mirador in Guatemala

October 12, 2009

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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CNN INTERNATIONAL’S “WORLD’S UNTOLD STORIES” TO RECOGNIZE GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND’S SUCCESSFUL CONSERVATION OF EARLY MAYAN CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES AT MIRADOR IN GUATEMALA

Featuring New Discoveries and Never-Before Seen Footage of
Priceless Popul Vu Preclassic Maya Murals
and One of the World’s Largest Pyramids - La Danta

October 12, 2009 - Palo Alto, California USA -­ CNN International’s “World’s Untold Stories” will feature a moving half-hour special from October 13 through November 1, 2009, about Global Heritage Fund’s (GHF) integral role in saving the endangered Mirador Basin and its Preclassic Maya sites, temples and pyramids in Guatemala.

Air Dates for GHF Special on CNNi are as follows:

Tuesday, Oct 13       8:30 AM ET, 12:30pm ET
Saturday, Oct 17       12:30pm ET
Sunday, Oct 18         7am ET, 2:30pm ET, 10pm ET
Tuesday, Oct 27       8:30am ET 1:30pm ET
Saturday, Oct 31       12:30pm ET
Sunday, Nov 1         7am ET, 2:30pm ET, 10pm ET

Mirador Basin harbors one of the most important and earliest cradles of Maya civilization, and is located in the heart of the Maya Biosphere in northern Guatemala, one of the world’s last refuges for wildlife, including the endangered jaguar and orange breasted falcon.
Global Heritage Fund, an international conservancy focused on protecting cultural heritage sites in developing countries, has worked closely with the Guatemalan government and business partners to ensure proper conservation and community training at Mirador.  Renowned archaeologist Dr. Richard Hansen has served as GHF’s Project Director at Mirador and has been leading GHF’s conservation and community investments there for the past five years.  A total of $6 million has been raised to date, including $3 million in Guatemalan private sector support from PACUNAM.  Home to the earliest and largest Preclassic Maya archaeological sites in Mesoamerica, including one of the largest pyramids in the world - ­La Danta, Mirador is Guatemala’s leading nomination for UNESCO World Heritage designation.

CNNi’s “World Untold Stories” showcases courageous correspondents telling intimate stories of society’s most vulnerable people.  Mirador faces accelerating threats, such as massive fires and looting, illegal logging, poaching and encroachment.  GHF executive director Jeff Morgan and Dr. Richard Hansen are interviewed by CNNi on the challenges and solutions for Mirador’s future.

“Cultural heritage destruction is a global crisis, particularly in developing countries where resources are scarce.  GHF is proud to have worked over the last six years with its partners to protect one of the world’s most important bastions of Mayan civilization,” said executive director of Global Heritage Fund Jeff Morgan. “We are delighted that CNN International will share the courageous stories of heroes of conservation committed to bolstering the local economy in Guatemala and preserving their most important asset - their cultural heritage.”

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California and London, U.K..  Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

GHF Congratulates John Hurd on Re-election to President of the ICOMOS International Advisory Committee

October 12, 2009

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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GHF CONGRATULATES JOHN HURD ON RE-ELECTION
TO PRESIDENT OF THE ICOMOS INTERNATIONAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Global Heritage Fund’s Director of International Conservation Re-Elected unopposed for Another Three Years

October 12, 2009 – Valletta, Malta - At the recent meeting of the ICOMOS Advisory Committee in Malta, John Hurd was re-elected unopposed for another three years as the President of the ICOMOS International Advisory Committee.  ICOMOS, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, is an advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

“We are so proud of John Hurd and this recognition by his peers.  This is a direct result of his unwavering dedication to ICOMOS and its mission to save our global heritage,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund. “John Hurd represents the finest in conservation excellence and dedication to some of the most difficult and poorest countries and regions of the world.”

The Advisory Committee, which meets annually to update the implementation of the ICOMOS program, comprises the Chairs of the National Committees and International Scientific Committees. Its function is to advise the Executive Committee by bringing forth suggestions and recommendations and by responding to requests from the Executive Committee on program priorities and orientations.

Following a B.Sc. in the Geology of Clays Bristol (1969), John Hurd received a two-year Conservation Science diploma and a 2-year ‘objects’ conservation higher National diploma at Lincoln, leading to work as a sculpture conservator intern at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London from 1991. In 1992, John became a partner at Lincoln Conservation Studio, a busy atelier specializing in large Architectural objects conservation. In 1998, John formed Hurd Conservation International, an International field consultancy with architectural and archaeological projects, planning and training across Asia for several International agencies; he was a senior conservation consultant to UNESCO, Cultural Heritage division, on the Silk Roads cities of Central Asia.

In June 2006, John Hurd joined Global Heritage Fund as International Conservation Director, committing a large amount of his time to this work. John is deeply committed to GHF’s immediacy, effectiveness and ability to take well-targeted action quickly and with the highest quality of consultation.

John has a particular interest in the conservation of World Heritage Sites, both Archaeological and architectural, through his work with ICOMOS U.K. and ICOMOS International. He chaired the earth structures committee of ICOMOS U.K. 1994-2001.  In 2006, John was elected as President of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee for Earthen Architectural Heritage [ISCEAH].  In October 2006, John was first elected as President of the ICOMOS Advisory Committee and is an ex officio member of the ICOMOS International Executive Committee.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California and London, U.K..  Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

About ICOMOS
The International Council on Monuments and Sites is an association of professionals that currently brings together approximately 9500 members throughout the world. ICOMOS works for the conservation and protection of cultural heritage places. It is the only global non-government organization of this kind, which is dedicated to promoting the application of theory, methodology, and scientific techniques to the conservation of the architectural and archaeological heritage. Its work is based on the principles enshrined in the 1964 International Charter on the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (the Venice Charter).

ICOMOS is a network of experts that benefits from the interdisciplinary exchange of its members, among which are architects, historians, archaeologists, art historians, geographers, anthropologists, engineers and town planners.  The members of ICOMOS contribute to improving the preservation of heritage, the standards and the techniques for all types of cultural heritage property: buildings, historic cities, cultural landscapes and archaeological sites.

Global Heritage Fund Paticipates in Second International Conference to Achieve Conservation Support for The Banteay Chhmar Temple Complex

September 11, 2009

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND PARTICIPATES IN SECOND
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TO ACHIEVE CONSERVATION
SUPPORT FOR THE BANTEAY CHHMAR TEMPLE COMPLEX

Over 200 People Attend Conference to Discuss Planning, Conservation, Training, Sustainable Tourism and Protection of the 12th Century Cambodian Site

September 11, 2009 - Palo Alto, California USA – Global Heritage Fund together with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Government, Friends of Khmer Culture and UNESCO sponsored the Second International Banteay Chhmar Conference held August 8-10, 2009 in Sisophon, Cambodia.  The goal of the conference was to focus on tourism development, and the preparation of a masterplan for the tentatively listed World Heritage Site of Banteay Chhmar.

In 2008, GHF began working on site at Banteay Chhmar and is supporting the following initiatives: creation and implementation of a site master plan, preservation of the bas-relief galleries, stabilization of the central temple complex; aid to the community in developing tourism to the site and preparing for the increased impact on infrastructure; and assistance to the Cambodian government in the UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination and inscription process.  GHF joined with partners from Heidelberg University, the South Asian Conservation and Restoration Agency (SACRA), and the Community Based Tourism (CBT) organization in Banteay Chhmar to give a special tour to the more than 200 conference attendees, highlighting GHF’s accomplishments on August 8th.

“We congratulate our partners in organizing and hosting the conference to support our conservation efforts at Banteay Chhmar,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF.  “Our team is partnering with a special team of individuals from a cross-section of organizations – academic, technical, and government – to collaboratively protect the treasures of the temple by introducing programs for planning, conservation, responsible tourism and development.”

The Banteay Chhmar Temple is thought by scholars to be the most important Angkorian-period temple in existence after the Bayon and Angkor Wat itself, all built by King Jayavarman VII during the 12th Century AD.  Among Banteay Chhmar’s unique features are the galleries of bas-reliefs sculpted on a 750-meter long sandstone wall enclosing the complex.  The structures within the enclosed wall consisted of tower shrines, courtyards and linking corridors, many of which have collapsed.

As a dramatic opening to the event, the conference’s host, the Governor of Banteay Meanchey, Excellency Oung Oeung, released 50 endangered turtles in the moat around Banteay Chhmar.  The turtles had been confiscated from poachers trying to sell them across the border to Thailand.

“I would like to commend Governor Oung Oeung for his tireless efforts in supporting the event,” said Joyce Clark, Vice President, Friends of Khmer Culture “The conference was successful in engaging the interests of international and Cambodian scholars to further investigate the location of the site, its iconography, inscriptions, and ritual in their continuing discovery of Jayavarman VII’s role in Cambodian history.”

Special guests in attendance at the conference included H.E. Kim Sarith Secretary representing the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Dr. Helen Jessup, the President of Friends of Khmer Culture, and John Sanday, GHF’s Field Director.

“Integrating the local community into the project is key to success,” said John Sanday, GHF’s Field Director.  “We are engaging the community with our overall plan to train local people to manage and monitor the historic structures, and to protect the site from unplanned development and threats of mass tourism.”

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California and London, U.K..  Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

Global Heritage Fund Commends Preservation Partners for Role in Achieving UNESCO Approval of Sacred Wutai Mountain in China

July 16, 2009

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND COMMENDS PRESERVATION PARTNERS FOR ROLE IN ACHIEVING UNESCO APPROVAL OF SACRED WUTAI MOUNTAIN IN CHINA

Wutai Mountain’s Prized Foguang Temple is Current GHF Conservation Site

PALO ALTO, CA, July 16 – Global Heritage Fund is proud to be affiliated with a team of organizations that successfully worked to secure the designation of Wutai Mountain as a UNESCO world heritage site. The sacred Chinese mountain, located in Xinzhou City in the Shanxi Province, has been witness to centuries of Buddhist history and was added to the UNESCO list on June 26, 2009 by the World Heritage Committee in Seville, Spain.

Buddhist temples on the mountain were built between the 1st century AD and the early 20th century.  Mt. Wutai receives more than three million tourists annually, and the UN designation is expected to push that number higher.  As of 2008, China had listed 38 world heritage sites, including 27 cultural heritage sites, seven natural heritage sites and four cultural and natural heritage sites.

Among the 53 monasteries located in the sacred Buddhist Mountain, one of the most important sites is Foguang Temple; its main structure, Grand East Hall, is the highest surviving timber Building of the Tang Dynasty with life size clay sculptures.

One of the organizations instrumental in working toward receiving UNESCO approval for Wutai Mountain is the Shanxi Institute of Ancient Architecture Research and Conservation, a long-time GHF alliance.  Under the lead of National and Provincial governments, GHF joined with the Institute to carry out a multi-stage program to save the 1200 year old Foguang Temple.

“Throughout the years, GHF has witnessed the dedication and determination by the local partners, and the challenges they faced in protecting Foguang Temple and other key sites on Wutai Mountain,” said Jeff Morgan, executive director of GHF.  “Our organization is proud to participate and contribute to the process they have established, as we congratulate them on a superb conservation job for Foguang Temple.”

Until GHF’s initiative, Foguang Temple had not undergone major restoration or repair work since the 17th century. The architecture suffered extensive structural damage caused by landslide, water damage from a leaking roof, pests and foundation settlement, which threaten to cause permanent problems to Foguang Temple.

Initially, GHF supported the Foguang Temple Master Conservation Plan by Tsinghua University, as well as the conservation plan for the Grand East Hall.  In the field, GHF contributed to the restoration and repair work of all Foguang Monastery Complex buildings except for the Grand East Hall, and the environmental improvements of the main roadways, landscaping, drainage and flood prevention, and all necessary modernization updates to ensure a secure area.

Members of GHF’s team have also held lectures and training on conservation concepts and techniques representative of GHF’s Preservation by Design™ to the ground staff of Shanxi Institute of Ancient Architecture Research and Conservation.  In addition, GHF’s involvement has helped the Shanxi provincial authority to secure funding from the central government to support the restoration and scientific conservation of the Foguang Temple.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.  Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

 

Global Heritage Fund Receives Grant from the Tiffany & Co. Foundation to Further Preservation in Pingyao Ancient City - UNESCO World Heritage Site in China

July 09, 2009

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE TIFFANY & CO. FOUNDATION TO FURTHER PRESERVATION IN PINGYAO ANCIENT CITY– UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE IN CHINA

Funding Saves Historic Courtyard Buildings Dating Back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Palo Alto, CA (July 09, 2009) – In support of its mission to preserve cultural heritage sites in developing countries, Global Heritage Fund (GHF) today announced The Tiffany & Co. Foundation donated $100,000 to support the GHF Pingyao Cultural Heritage Development Program. The grant enables GHF’s ongoing work in Pingyao Ancient City to provide conservation and management plans, survey of cultural resources, preservation and rehabilitation of architecture and historic streetscapes, and the revitalization of traditional arts and crafts from the region.

“We are honored to have the critical support of The Tiffany & Co. Foundation for the GHF Pingyao Cultural Heritage Development Program,” said Jeff Morgan, executive director of Global Heritage Fund. “It is a privilege to partner with such a renowned and respected institution to preserve Pingyao Ancient City, a heritage jewel facing development and preservation challenges. The recognition by such a well-respected organization of our work in China and around the world is significant to growing our mission to save heritage sites from unprecedented threats in the developing world.”

Pingyao Ancient City in central Shanxi province is considered the banking capital of the country during the late Qing dynasty, and the best example of an intact walled city in China. Pingyao was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1997 for its exceptional preservation of an intact, classic Han Chinese city from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Pingyao’s almost 4,000 courtyards illustrate the evolution of architectural styles and town planning over five centuries, and provide an overview of cultural, social, economic and religious development.

With the recent development and economic pressure brought about by the rapid growth of mass tourism to the region, the Pingyao Government and GHF reached a cooperative agreement in 2006 for the conservation and protection of Pingyao Ancient City. GHF worked with the Pingyao Government in jointly appointing The Urban Planning Institute of Shanghai Tongji University to design the Pingyao Ancient City Master Conservation and Management Plans to resolve the difficulties in balancing development and protection of Pingyao.

“We embrace Global Heritage Fund’s vision to protect cultural treasures in developing countries, and we are pleased to partner in the effort to preserve Pingyao for future generations,” said Fernanda Kellogg, President of The Tiffany & Co. Foundation. “Pingyao has a unique cultural heritage that will endure, thanks to Global Heritage Fund’s collaborative and comprehensive approach to the restoration and revitalization of living ancient cities.”

The Pingyao Cultural Heritage Development Program is an innovative program that combines authentic conservation, community engagement and heritage preservation. The program will restore and reuse exemplary Qing and Ming era courtyards, forming a historic area of model courtyards and artisan workshops within the ancient city. The goal is to preserve Pingyao’s historic courtyard buildings, help revive the traditional arts and crafts traditions, and expand the city’s attractions to further economic benefits to Pingyao’s residents.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California. Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org

About The Tiffany & Co. Foundation
Established in 2000, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations working in two main program areas: the environment and the arts. The Foundation’s environmental conservation program promotes responsible mining, healthy marine ecosystems, the enhancement of urban environments and the preservation of culturally significant landmarks. In addition, the Foundation fosters design excellence by supporting organizations dedicated to the decorative arts. For more information on The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, please visit www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org.

Global Heritage Fund and Key Partners Invest $1.2 Million to Support Mirador Basin Community Development

May 29, 2009

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND AND KEY PARTNERS INVEST $1.2 MILLION TO SUPPORT MIRADOR BASIN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Investment With Key Organizations Establishes Community-Based Tourism in One of Central America’s Largest Natural Wildlife Reserve

May 29, 2009 - Palo Alto, California USA – Global Heritage Fund together with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Multi-Lateral Investment Fund (MIF), the Foundation for the Development of Guatemala (FUNDESA) and the Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM) today announced a $1.2 million financial investment in the Mirador Community Tourism Development Program.  The funds will provide essential training and community development for more than 300 families living in the gateway communities of the Mirador Basin.

Tourism is a primary source of income for Guatemala, with over 1.6 million visitors and approximately US $1.2 billion in revenues generated in 2007, according to INGUAT, the Institute of Tourism of Guatemala. The Mirador Basin contains the world’s oldest and largest Maya cities from 800BC to AD100 including major archaeological sites and massive ancient highway systems, some over 40 miles long. Located in the El Mirador National Park of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, the site of El Mirador contains the world’s largest pyramid, La Danta.  The Reserve faces serious threats of deforestation and forest fires, looting and poaching, and lack of resources for protection.  It is critical for the survival of the people and the Reserve to identity and support initiatives to improve the opportunities for sustainable income for the local communities.

“Two of the most important prerequisites for successful long-term global heritage protection are community involvement and private-sector leadership,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund. “We are working closely with our partners to protect Mirador’s Mayan cultural sites and provide the critical institutional framework required for the local community to thrive. Pivotal to Mirador’s long-term survival is building economic opportunities that enrich people’s lives as stewards of their cultural heritage, and end the negative destruction of looting, poaching, trafficking and logging.”

The Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) will be a lead executor of the program providing training for rangers, guiding, and conservation, as well as leading the improvement of trails and access, visitor services and monument conservation and interpretation signage.

Work at Mirador started over 30 years ago as an archaeological and research effort exploring the earliest Maya societies. In the past five years, with the support of GHF, FARES, PACUNAM, AND APANAC, Mirador has grown to one of the region’s largest integrated conservation and community development initiatives.

This year, Guatemala’s President Alvaro Colom declared his support for the “Cuatro Balam” national park and identified Mirador as the cultural heritage centerpiece—covering over 4,000 ancient Maya settlements, temples, pyramids, tombs and observatories. The project is expected to produce thousands of permanent jobs and to increase regional and national income from national and international tourism.

The Guatemalan government is now committing major new investments in park infrastructure, social services, security and park management. President Colom estimates the project will generate thousands of new jobs and will be a critical initiative to stop the destruction of the Maya Biosphere through deforestation, wildlife poaching and looting of artifacts which is destroying the last Maya forests and ancient cities.

About PACUNAM
Since 2006,  9 of Guatemala’s leading corporations (Cementos Progreso, Wal-Mart Centroamérica, Fundación Pantaleón, Cervecería Centroamericana SA, Banco Industrial, Telgua/Claro, Disagro, Blue Oil and Citi Latin America) have united with GHF and FARES to form the Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM) to support the conservation and sustainable development of the country’s cultural and natural patrimony. PACUNAM looks to become Guatemala’s leading foundation in the preservation of Mayan natural and cultural heritage by combining the efforts of companies, businessmen and individuals. With a long-range planning, its mission includes education, recovery, maintenance, protection and advertising of Mayan natural and cultural heritage, by promoting a responsible, sustainable and profitable Tourism.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.  Web site: www.globalheritagefund.org.

About FARES
The Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), scientific research institution and public charity formed in January 1996 whose primary function is to conduct scientific research on ancient and contemporary societies and associated environments and to utilize this research for development, conservation, and education. FARES is currently working in close collaboration with the government of Guatemala and numerous foundations and institutions throughout the world. The organization employs a comprehensive developmental approach to form a strong, multi-disciplinary, and systematic approach to understanding human behavior and cultural relationships with the environment from both an ancient and contemporary perspective.  Web site: http://www.miradorbasin.com, www.fares-foundation.org

About FUNDESA
The Foundation for the Development of Guatemala (FUNDESA) is a private, nonprofit formed by entrepreneurs in their personal capacity. The organization works to influence the development, sustainable and democratic development in a market economy and rule of law with a purpose and long-term vision on the key issues for development of Guatemalans.

About MIF and IDB
The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) is part of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and is a major source of non-reimbursable technical assistance for the development of micro and small enterprises in Latin America and the Caribbean.  The organization has a clear mandate: to promote economic growth through the development of the sector private—particularly micro and small enterprises. MIF II goes forward with a renewed focus on poverty reduction. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) provides solutions to development challenges in 26 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, partnering with governments, companies and civil society organizations. The IDB lends money and provides grants. It also offers research, advice and technical assistance to improve key areas like education, poverty reduction and agriculture. Our clients range from central governments to city authorities and small businesses. The Bank also seeks to take a lead role on cross-border issues like trade, infrastructure and energy.

Global Heritage Fund Celebrates Dr. Richard Hansen’s Award as Environmentalist of the Year

October 22, 2008

 

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Global Heritage Fund Celebrates Dr. Richard Hansen’s Award as Environmentalist of the Year

GHF’s Mirador Project Director to Receive Prestigious Latin Business Bravo Award

Palo Alto and Guatemala City – October 22, 2008. Global Heritage Fund (GHF) celebrates the award of Environmentalist of the Year to GHF Mirador Project Director, Dr. Richard Hansen, by the Latin Trade Bravo Business Awards.

Now in its 14th year, the Latin Trade Bravo Business Awards honors business and political leaders for their contributions to progress and excellence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Every year, business, political and social leaders are recognized for outstanding achievement with consultation by leading international experts, widely acknowledged as the “Oscars” of Latin American business.

At the black-tie gala this year, Dr. Hansen will be honored with an exclusive group of leaders from across the Americas, joining fellow awardees President Alvaro Uribe Velez of Colombia, Carlos Slim Helú, Chairman, América Movil, Telmex and Grupo Carso, and María Andrade Hernández, General Director, Pronatura.

More than 300 leaders from Latin America and the United States, including presidents, government ministers, CEOs of multinational and Latin American companies and financial institutions are expected to attend.

“We are proud of Dr. Richard Hansen for recognition by the Latin American community for his 25 years of dedication to the cause of saving the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Northern Guatemala, which has been devastated by fires, massive clearing for drug trafficking and illegal logging,” says Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF. “His work has helped create a bright future and secured long-term protection for El Mirador National Park and the Mirador Basin through major investments by GHF, FARES (the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies) and Guatemalan partner PACUNAM (Fundacion Patrimonio Cultrual y Natural Maya) into Mirador’s archaeological and nature conservation, community development, training and infrastructure. We are still under great threat, but Dr. Hansen has given the local communities new hope and helped create hundreds of new jobs based on sustainable tourism into the Mirador Basin, the Cradle of Maya Civilization.”

The Bravo Environmentalist of the Year is awarded to the individual with the highest achievements in the promotion of the environment in Latin America. Dr. Hansen is being awarded October 24th in Miami, Florida in the presence of hundreds of Latin American business, political and social leaders for his outstanding work to protect the environment and the archaeological sites of the Petén region in Guatemala.

About the Bravo Awards
Sponsored by Latin Trade, the Bravo Business Awards are The Bravo Business Awards are widely acknowledged as the “Oscars” of Latin American business. The pantheon of Bravo Award winners includes presidents, business and social leaders of the highest calibre and representing a broad spectrum of countries and interests. Sponsors include Citi, BMW, American Airlines, The Nature Conservancy, CNN and InterContinental Hotel Group. For more information, see: http://www.latintrade.com/bravo.asp.

Latin Trade Bravo Awards

LEADER OF THE YEAR
Álvaro Uribe Vélez, President of Colombia

ENVIRONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Richard Hansen, President, Foundation for Anthropological Research
and Environmental Studies

MOST INNOVATIVE LEADER
Rubén Blades, Minister of Tourism of Panama

FINANCIER OF THE YEAR
Henrique de Campos Meirelles, Governor, Central Bank of Brazil

CEO OF THE YEAR
Enrique Cueto Plaza, CEO, LAN Airlines

INTERNATIONAL CEO OF THE YEAR
Subramaniam Ramadorai, CEO, Tata Consultancy Services

MOST DYNAMIC CEO OF THE YEAR
Luis Fernando Santos, President, Casa Editorial El Tiempo

TECHNOLOGY LEADER OF THE YEAR
Marcelo Argüelles, Chairman, Grupo de Empresas Farmacéuticas Sidus

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
Vivian Pellas, Executive Director, Asociación Pro Niños Quemados de Nicaragua

Mirador Partners in Conservation

About FARES

Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies

The Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), scientific research institution and public charity formed in January 1996 whose primary function is to conduct scientific research on ancient and contemporary societies and associated environments and to utilize this research for development, conservation, and education. FARES is currently working in close collaboration with the government of Guatemala and numerous foundations and institutions throughout the world. The organization employs a comprehensive developmental approach to form a strong, multidisciplinary, and systematic approach to understanding human behavior and cultural relationships with the environment from both an ancient and contemporary perspective.
Web site: http://www.miradorbasin.com

About PACUNAM

The Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM) looks to become Guatemala’s leading foundation in the preservation of Mayan natural and cultural heritage by combining the efforts of companies, businessmen and individuals. With a long-range planning, its mission includes education, recovery, maintenance, protection and advertising of Mayan natural and cultural heritage, by promoting a responsible, sustainable and profitable Tourism.

The Foundation’s values are: To fulfill its vision and mission, to promote multisectoral cooperation, publication of information and of acquired knowledge and Archeological and Ecological investigations. Its primary objectives are to support the Cuenca Mirador Project in order to attract sustainable tourism that benefits Guatemalans’ wellbeing in general, and of Peten people in particular. Founding members since 2006 are Cementos Progreso, Wal- Mart Central América, Ingenio Pantaleón, Cervecería Centroamericana, Banco Industrial, Telgua/Claro and Disagro and Citi Latin America.

 

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered nonprofit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

Global Heritage Fund Celebrates U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Historic Visit to Libya

September 10, 2008

 

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Global Heritage Fund Celebrates U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Historic Visit to Libya

GHF Conservation and Funding from U.S. Embassy Recognized for Ancient Cyrene Amphitheatre and Sanctuary of Apollo

Tripoli and Benghazi, Libya – September 10, 2008. Global Heritage Fund (GHF) celebrates the historic visit by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Libya, a major break-through to help open the doors for visitors and improve diplomatic dialog with one of Africa’s most important countries. GHF has been working in Libya for the past three years, partly funded by U.S. State Department, to restore and preserve the ancient amphitheatre at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cyrene, in eastern Libya.

GHF is undertaking a multi-year project in collaboration with the University of Naples (Italy) and Libyan Department of Antiquities for master planning, scientific conservation, community development, training and new partnerships to preserve the endangered UNESCO World Heritage site of Cyrene, located in one of Libya’s least developed provinces. Saving the last remaining authentic Greek structures of the Sanctuary of Apollo at Cyrene, which was the largest Ancient Greek site in Africa, is the project’s main objective, combined with local community development and training initiatives. GHF is also working with international experts, UNESCO observers and the Libyan authorities to prepare a management plan for the site of Cyrene.

“While Leptis Magna receives most of the visitors to Libya, being located near Tripoli, the ancient Greek site of Cyrene lies nearly abandoned, with little budget and a handful of trained staff to protect the site and thousands of pieces of Greek statuary”, says Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF. “Our focus with the support of the U.S. State Department is to restore the main amphitheatre and Sanctuary of Apollo, which are some of the most stunning monuments in N. Africa. Looting, poor conservation techniques and lack of planning are all growing threats to the site. GHF hopes to set a new model with international standards and experts working together to save Cyrene.”

In addition to planning and a scientific conservation program at the Sanctuary of Apollo, GHF is supporting local community initiatives to train and educate the local population on the importance of preservation. With tourism to Libya increasing, visitation to Cyrene is expected to grow dramatically and there is a need to involve local stakeholders in manner that is mutually beneficial to the long-term sustainability and the site the surrounding communities.

“We are grateful for the vision and support from GHF in our work to preserve Cyrene”, says Dr. Serenella Ensoli, Director of the GHF Cyrene Project from the University of Naples. “Private sector investment, technical and scientific assistances, and international partnerships are critical to our efforts to protect and successfully preserve Cyrene, one of Africa’s finest archaeological jewels.”

John Hurd, GHF’s Head of Conservation, recently led a ten day GHF mission to Cyrene to begin work on assisting the Libyan Authorities to assemble a management plan for the whole site. GHF’s work at Cyrene was highlighted in the official U.S. State Department press briefings for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s historic visit to Libya, the first senior U.S. official to visit in nearly fifty years.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Deploying our proven Preservation by Design methodology, GHF provides timely funding and technical expertise to 1) develop comprehensive master conservation plans, 2) enable sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) ensure excellence in conservation, and 4) secure complementary funding and long-term partnerships. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California. GHF UK was established in the United Kingdom in 2007.
Web site: www.globalheritagefund.org

GHF UK adds new member to Board of Directors

July 16, 2008

 

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GHF UK adds new member to Board of Directors

Michael Thomas, Director General of the Middle East Association, has joined the Board of Directors of GHF UK.  “We are hugely fortunate to have someone of Mr. Thomas’s insight and experience on board to guide GHF’s partnerships in North Africa and the Middle East” said James Hooper, Manager of GHF UK.

Michael Thomas was born in India. On leaving school he joined Unilever from where he moved to British Oxygen. During this period he attended Cranfield University and completed successfully an MBA course.  In 1975 he joined the Kuwait Shipping Company in Kuwait, he was responsible for developing the company’s commercial interests at the highest Government level in the Middle East and opened offices throughout the Middle East region, appointing agents world wide. This company later became the United Arab Shipping Company. In 1995 Michael Thomas was invited to join the Committee for Middle East Trade (COMET) the British Government’s area advisory group on trade and investment with the Middle East, Turkey, and Iran. In 2001 following restructuring of the British Government’s trade promotion activities COMET was disbanded and he joined the MEA. Michael has acted as a consultant to UKTI on trade development with Iran.

Global Heritage Fund to Restore and Preserve Cambodia's Treasure in Multi-Year Conservation and Community Development Initiative

July 10, 2008

 

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Global Heritage Fund to Restore and Preserve Cambodia’s Treasure in Multi-Year Conservation and Community Development Initiative

Former Khmer Kingdom City and Temples Will Restore and Unveil Famous Bas Reliefs Showing Rich History of Khmer Civilization

Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia – July 10, 2008 - Led by one of the world’s most experienced architectural conservators, John Sanday (FSA OBE), Global Heritage Fund (GHF) and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Royal Government of Cambodia recently held an opening ceremony to inaugurate a major new initiative for the conservation and responsible development of the Banteay Chhmar temple complex in northern Cambodia. Banteay Chhmar is one of the country’s leading nominations for UNESCO’s World Heritage listing and is famous for its exquisitely sculptured bas relief enclosure wall, which is over one kilometer in length and details the history of the Khmer Kingdom of Jayavarman VII and his battles. The temple complex is surrounded by an impressive moat associated with an advanced hydraulic system connected to a massive baray, or man-made reservoir. The site has recently been cleared of civil war land mines, as the region was previously a center of operations for the Khmer Rouge. A new major highway under construction from Siem Reap and the world-renowned Angkor complex will soon open Banteay Chhmar up to international tourism, and GHF is working with the local communities surrounding the site to upgrade site protection, urban planning and to develop the local capacity for controlling and directly benefiting from the anticipated influx of tourists. “GHF is the first international conservation group to undertake scientific conservation at Banteay Chhmar,” said Jeff Morgan. “In partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia, we are dedicated to the site’s protection and interpretation, using scientific techniques for preservation, safety of visitors, together with sensitive and sustainable development and training while working closely with the local communities.” “The Government of Cambodia is committed to the scientific conservation and sensitive community development of Banteay Chhmar temples and the entire site, which spans over 12 square kilometers,” says His Excellency Chuch Phoeurn Secretary of State for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. “The Global Heritage Fund Project under the guidance of John Sanday brings extensive experience in restoring ancient temples and archaeological sites in Cambodia at Angkor and throughout Southeast Asia, whilst bringing a community-based approach to responsible development. We look forward to a successful private-public partnership with GHF and the successful conservation and long-term protection of Banteay Chhmar.” “To be given the challenge of bringing back to life one of the great Khmer Empire sites crowns all my previous experiences in Angkor,” said John Sanday, GHF Banteay Chmar Project Director and GHF Field Director of Asia and Pacific. “With eighteen years’ experience working in the historic city of Angkor, my team and I are confident that we can develop an exciting new experience for visitors to Cambodia. In addition to restoring the site and its famous bas reliefs, GHF’s involvement will enable the training of a new cadre of conservation professionals and craftsmen who will form the backbone of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts’ team of skilled professionals to look after other major historic sites throughout northern Cambodia.” About Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia The Buddhist monastic complex known as Banteay Chhmar (The Citadel of the Cats) is one of several remote temple complexes belonging to the ancient Angkorian Empire, which was one of the most dominant empires between the 8th and the 15th centuries A.D. This vast monastic complex lies 165 km northwest of the Historic City of Angkor, which was built at the end of the 12th Century by King Jayavarman VII and is doubtless one of the great architectural masterpieces of the Angkorian Period, and follows typically the layout of the Khmer Buddhist monastic complexes he was creating in Angkor during the same period. One of its surprising common features is an enclosing gallery of sculpted bas-reliefs similar to those found in the Bayon Temple Complex. The vast temple complex of Banteay Chhmar, which formerly covered an area of 12.5 square kilometers including the adjacent reservoir (Baray), is located in the northwest of Cambodia near the present border with Thailand. Banteay Chhmar has suffered from the action of looters and also a lack of maintenance. The Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Oriente (EFEO) carried out only minimal propping to the temple structure in the middle of the last century. Lacking any major conservation efforts, coupled with threats from trees and the jungle, structural failure and looting, there is a pressing need for an urgent and appropriate site-specific conservation programme at Banteay Chhmar especially as it will doubtless become a major tourist destination once the roads from Siem Reap and from the Thai border to Banteay Mencheay have been upgraded. Although ostensibly a Buddhist temple, different shrines and complexes within Banteay Chhmar were simultaneously dedicated to Hindu divinities and to the practice of ancestor worship, following a pattern common at that time in the historic city of Angkor. Unlike elsewhere in the Khmer Kingdom where iconoclasm became rife following the death of king Jayavarman VII, Hinduism returned to the empire as the state religion, and the images, sculptures and statues of the Buddha in Banteay Chhmar were never destroyed. About The Ministry Of Culture And Fine Arts The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts was formally established by decree in October 1997 and is charged with overall responsibility for the development of culture and fine arts in Cambodia. It implements policies for protecting, preserving and heightening the values of the national cultural heritage and other cultural properties of the Kingdom of Cambodia by managing archaeological and historical sites, and by funding the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA). The Ministry undertakes the training of artists, musicians, architects, archaeologists and other culturally related experts in co-operation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. GHF works in close association with His Excellency Chuch Phoeurn, Secretary of State and with His Excellency Ok Sophon, Director General of the Department of Cultural Heritage. In the field, GHF works closely with Director Yang Chantha from the Department of Safeguarding and Preservation of Monuments. About John Sanday John Sanday joined Global Heritage Fund (GHF) at the beginning of 2007 as GHF’s Field Director in Asia and Pacific. John brings with him many years of experience working on some of the major historic sites in Asia. As one of his first tasks for GHF John has, in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia, set up a major conservation and training program at the temple complex of Banteay Chhmar in the north of Cambodia. John Sanday is a British architect who has spent the last 35 years living and working in Asia. As one of the region’s leading architectural conservators, he has travelled and worked all over the sub-continent on a wide and varied assortment of archaeological sites, historic buildings, monasteries in the high Himalaya, palaces in India, and, since 1989, in the Angkor complex in Cambodia. John’s base is in Nepal, where he has worked on many of the major historic sites in the Kathmandu Valley including the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, Kathmandu, and the Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhu. In the high Himalaya John has worked on several Buddhist monasteries in the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, where for the last 10 years he has led a team conserving a group of 15th century Buddhist monasteries. John is chairman of a multi-disciplinary architectural practice, John Sanday Associates, which also specialises in the conservation of historic monuments. For his long term dedication to architectural conservation and training in Asia, John was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the honours list of 2006. About Global Heritage Fund Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Deploying its proven Preservation by Design methodology, GHF provides timely funding and technical expertise to 1) develop comprehensive master conservation plans, 2) enable sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) ensure excellence in conservation, and 4) secure complementary funding and long-term partnerships. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California. In 2007, GHF established an office in the United Kingdom – GHF UK. Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

Global Heritage Fund Invests in Historic Preservation and Master Planning of Pingyao Ancient City, Shanxi, China

July 01, 2008

 

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Global Heritage Fund Invests in Historic Preservation and Master Planning of Pingyao Ancient City, Shanxi Province, China

GHF Leads International Effort to Save China’s Last Intact Historic Walled UNESCO World Heritage City With Ancient Courtyards and Temples from Ming and Qing Dynasties

Pingyao, China - June 25, 2008 - Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is undertaking a four year program of planning, scientific conservation, community training and in-country fundraising to preserve the endangered UNESCO World Heritage site of Pingyao Ancient City, located in one of China’s least developed provinces. Saving the last remaining Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyards and temples in PingYao, China’s first banking capital, and reviving Pingyao’s rich traditions, arts and living culture, are the project’s first priorities.

“These are China’s last authentic ancient courtyards within an intact historic walled city- they must be saved. The past decade has seen nearly total loss of traditional courtyard architecture in Beijing (the famous ‘hutongs’) and the last historic districts in modern cities,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF. “With Shanghai TongJi University and the Pingyao County Government, we have developed a comprehensive master plan over the past two years to give elevated legal protection and regulation to save Pingyao Ancient City for the future generations.”

In addition to planning, new regulations and a scientific conservation program, GHF is supporting a community-led initiative to revive Pingyao’s ancient crafts, arts, architecture and traditions through investments in a unique Pingyao Cultural Heritage Route, together with the training of local people through studios, apprenticeships and cooperatives. The revival of Pingyao’s living arts, architectural traditions, woodworking, crafts and products will take place in partnership with each community ward in restored historic courtyards and community buildings.

Pingyao visitation is expected to grow to a sustainable and rewarding level in the coming years and become one of the finest examples of preservation of historic architecture and urban planning in the region.

“We are grateful for the vision and support from GHF in our work to preserve Pingyao Ancient City, says Mr. Wang Jianzhong, Magistrate of Pingyao. “Private sector investment, technical and scientific assistances, and international partnerships are critical to our efforts to protect and successfully preserve Pingyao Ancient City, one of China’s finest jewels”.

Jeff Morgan, GHF’s Executive Director, is being honored by an invitation to carry the Olympic Torch in Pingyao on June 25th, en route to the Beijing Olympics.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Deploying our proven Preservation by Design methodology, GHF provides timely funding and technical expertise to 1) develop comprehensive master conservation plans, 2) enable sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) ensure excellence in conservation, and 4) secure complementary funding and long-term partnerships. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California. GHF UK was established in the United Kingdom in 2007. Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

About GHF’s China Heritage Program
As the oldest continuous civilization, China is facing tremendous challenges in conserving its most important cultural heritage sites. Hundreds of ancient sites, historic cities and cultural landscapes are at risk of destruction by unchecked urban sprawl, encroachment, and pollution connected to China’s rapid development. Neglect, mass demolition, and a lack of resources for conservation threaten to relegate many of China’s most important heritage sites to endangered status. Protecting China’s remaining ancient treasures without impeding development is a delicate balance.

Many of China’s most spectacular and vulnerable heritage sites are located in the some of the poorest provinces in the country’s interior. Well-planned cultural tourism presents one of the best opportunities for economic betterment of local communities living close to world-class heritage sites and treasures.

Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is working to build a sustainable, nationwide program to save China’s last remaining world-class heritage sites. GHF’s goal is to save 6-8 endangered world heritage and national treasure sites in China’s least developed provinces over the next 10 years. Without private philanthropy, international technical cooperation’s, improved planning, zoning, and scientific conservation, many of China’s glorious heritage sites will be lost forever.

Kuang Han Li has been hired as Manager of China for GHF, bringing extensive field experience working with all levels of the Chinese government in cultural heritage preservation. A graduate of historic preservation and architecture, Ms. Li was previously a consultant for the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) where she worked at the Mountain resort and Outlying Temples in Chengde, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of The China Principles project. This is a new conservation guideline developed in collaboration with the government of the People’s Republic of China that serves to guide the ethics and principles of historic preservation in China.

Global Heritage Fund Announces Continued Sponsorship From Leading Private Companies For The Preservation Of The Cultural And Natural Heritage Of Mirador Basin

June 20, 2008

 

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Global Heritage Fund Announces Continued Sponsorship From Leading Private Companies For The Preservation Of The Cultural And Natural Heritage Of Mirador Basin

GHF and 8 Central American Companies Are Increasing Total Commitment to $6 Million (2006-10) for Mirador Basin to Help Save The Cradle of Maya Civilization and the Last Major Intact Tropical Forests of Guatemala

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA – June 20, 2008 - Global Heritage Fund (GHF), the Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM) and the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) announce new major private-sector commitments to conservation of Mirador Basin, the largest new proposed national park in Central America, in alliance with the Government of Guatemala. This is the first time that major industrial groups have combined forces in Guatemala to realize a major new national park and conservation program for cultural and natural heritage of the country.

From 2006 to 2010, over $6.0 million in conservation funding will be committed by Global Heritage and PACUNAM, a new association whose members include eight of Central America’s leading businesses. The conservation and community development program funded by GHF and PACUNAM is being coordinated through the Multi- Sectorial Roundtable representing over 80 stakeholders from local communities, existing logging concessions, international and local NGOs, the private sector and government officials, including the Office of the President of Guatemala, the Congress and all key Ministries- Culture, Environment and Development.

The Mirador Archaeological and Wildlife Preserve is a proposed 800,000 acre protected area located in the heart of the Maya Biosphere in Peten, northern Guatemala. Mirador is home to the earliest and largest Preclassic Maya archeological sites in Mesoamerica, including the largest pyramid in the world-La Danta. Experts now refer to Mirador Basin as the Cradle of Maya Civilization. Dr. Richard Hansen, Senior Scientist of the Institute of Mesoamerican Studies of Idaho State University and President of FARES, leads the Mirador Project. Mirador Basin is surrounded by a karstic mountain range which naturally delimits both the preserve’s natural system and ancient Maya cultural borders.

“Two of the most important prerequisites for successful long-term protection are community involvement and private-sector leadership,” says Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund. “To save Mirador, the Multi-Sectorial Roundtable and PACUNAM are working together providing these two essential institutional frameworks. Another critical element for Mirador’s long-term survival is jump-starting an economic engine from ‘Archaeo-Tourism’ which, like Tikal National Park, will provide needed income to local populations to replace looting, poaching, trafficking and logging as primary economic activities. We are working to enable local communities to be the stewards for Mirador’s long-term protection.”

Work at Mirador started over 30 years ago as an archaeological and research effort exploring the earliest Maya societies. In the past five years, with the support of GHF and PACUNAM, Mirador has grown to one of the world’s largest conservation and community development initiatives.

This year, Guatemala’s President Alvaro Colom declared his support for the “4 Balam” national park would include Mirador at its center and stretch East and West for 18-22 thousand square kilometers covering over 4,000 ancient Maya settlements, temples, pyramids, tombs and observatories. The project is expected to produce thousands of permanent jobs and to increase regional and national income from national and international tourism. Tikal National Park today generates over $240 million a year in revenue for the country.

The Guatemalan government is now committing major new investments in park infrastructure, social services, security and park management. President Colom estimates the project will generate thousands of new jobs and will be a critical initiative to stop the destruction of the Maya Biosphere through deforestation, wildlife poaching and looting of artifacts which is destroying the last Maya forests and ancient cities.

Eight of Guatemala’s most important corporations have united with GHF and FARES in this effort including: Cementos Progreso, Wal-Mart-Centroamérica, Fundación Pantaleón, Cervecería Centroamericana, Banco Industrial, Telgua/Claro, Disagro, and Citi Latin America. This is the first time that multiple major Guatemalan companies have formed a joint association (PACUNAM) to provide support for the conservation and sustainable development of the country’s cultural and natural patrimony.

PACUNAM and GHF are working to attract other leading Latin American and international companies and organizations to join to help save the Mirador Basin for future generations, and to bring long-term benefits to the Guatemalan people, especially those of the Peten region. In June 2008, Citi Latin America became the newest member of PACUNAM, answering the challenge for more companies to be directly involved in helping save Guatemala´s last major intact tropical forests and the origins of Maya civilization.

About PACUNAM

The Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM) looks to become Guatemala’s leading foundation in the preservation of Mayan natural and cultural heritage by combining the efforts of companies, businessmen and individuals. With a long-range planning, its mission includes education, recovery, maintenance, protection and advertising of Mayan natural and cultural heritage, by promoting a responsible, sustainable and profitable Tourism.

The Foundation’s values are: To fulfill its vision and mission, to promote multisectoral cooperation, publication of information and of acquired knowledge and Archeological and Ecological investigations. Its primary objectives are to support the Cuenca Mirador Project in order to attract sustainable tourism that benefits Guatemalans’ wellbeing in general, and of Peten people in particular. Founding members since 2006 are Cementos Progreso, Wal- Mart Central América, Ingenio Pantaleón, Cervecería Centroamericana, Banco Industrial, Telgua/Claro and Disagro and Citi Latin America.

About FARES

Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies

The Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), scientific research institution and public charity formed in January 1996 whose primary function is to conduct scientific research on ancient and contemporary societies and associated environments and to utilize this research for development, conservation, and education. FARES is currently working in close collaboration with the government of Guatemala and numerous foundations and institutions throughout the world. The organization employs a comprehensive developmental approach to form a strong, multidisciplinary, and systematic approach to understanding human behavior and cultural relationships with the environment from both an ancient and contemporary perspective.
Web site: http://www.miradorbasin.com

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund is an international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries to improve lives of local people. GHF enables successful, long-term preservation of the developing world’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes in developing countries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. To achieve this, Global Heritage Fund deploys a well-proven Preservation by Design methodology: 1) comprehensive master conservation planning, 2) sustained preservation through local community involvement, 3) excellence in scientific conservation, and 4) partnerships and complementary funding. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

Archeo-tourism is a new concept based on Global Heritage Fund’s experience in Guatemala. It integrates conservation and development by working closely with local communities to help save their endangered archaeological sites and natural environment. Similar to Eco-tourism, Archeo-tourism has a great potential for long-term protection of the site and economic development in the community. Archeo-tourism in Tikal National Park combines archaeology and nature and is responsible for over $240 million in annual revenues for Guatemala, while successfully protecting Tikal from the massive deforestation, wildlife poaching and archaeological looting which plagues the entire Peten region. Web site: http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

Global Heritage Fund Applauds Lijiang Ancient Town Receiving 2007 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Merit for Preservation

September 08, 2007

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND CONGRATULATES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE LIJIANG ANCIENT TOWN IN YUNNAN, CHINA

2007 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Merit for Conservation of 174 Traditional Naxi Houses

PALO ALTO, CALIF. (September 13, 2007) – Global Heritage Fund (GHF) celebrates Lijiang Ancient Town receiving the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for successful conservation of 174 traditional houses.

Located in Yunnan Province in Southwestern China, Lijiang is a 1,000- year-old ancient treasure at the headwaters of the five Great Rivers at the base of the Himalayas. This UNESCO World Heritage site has retained a historic townscape of high quality and authenticity, with an architectural style that blends elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries.

Lijiang Ancient Town is buffeted by earthquakes and modern encroachment. Global Heritage Fund, in conjunction with UNESCO, created a joint partnership with the Lijiang government for the development of the first Master Conservation Plan (MCP). GHF also created the first public and privately-funded Lijiang Trust for Conservation for the conservation of 174 traditional Naxi houses.

The Master Conservation Plan guided the removal of more than 240 poorly planned modern structures built throughout the 1990s.  These modern structures were incompatible with the unique heritage and architecture of Lijiang. Through an integrated planning process with Global Heritage, Lijiang established China’s first Preservation Incentive Fund (PIF) to authentically restore the most endangered ancient residences,  which formed the core attraction for tourism and stopped the exodus of 4,000 Naxi families from their traditional homes.

“Global Heritage has been vital in assisting our Lijiang Ancient Town Management Committee develop our first master conservation plan, and to set a new private-public partnership model for preserving the ancient residences of the Naxi people,” says Ms. Rose Ding Wen, Manager of Conservation at Lijiang Ancient Town.

UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award recognizes the successful conservation of 174 traditional houses for taking “a significant step forward in public-private efforts to safeguard vernacular heritage.  The partnership between the residents, management authorities, external conservation experts and donors allows for a broad-based and participatory conservation approach within the framework of the overall World Heritage site conservation management plan.”

The UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards recognize the efforts of private individuals and organizations that have successfully restored and conserved structures and buildings of heritage value in the region.  UNESCO believes that recognizing private efforts to restore and adapt historic structures will encourage other property owners to undertake conservation projects within the community, either independently or by seeking public-private partnerships.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Our mission is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts is the Global Heritage Network (GHN) of experts and conservation technology backed by GHF’s Leaders in Conservation, Senior Advisory Board,  and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

Global Heritage Fund Adds Two Distinguised Leaders to its Board of Directors

August 01, 2007

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND ADDS TWO DISTINGUISHED LEADERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Josh Bernstein of Discovery Networks and David Ford of DBF Associates and formerly of Goldman Sachs, Bring Strong Global Awareness and Extensive International Development and Conservation Experience to the GHF Board

PALO ALTO, CALIF. (August 1, 2007) - Two distinguished leaders in international exploration and conservation have joined the Board of Directors of Global Heritage Fund (GHF), a leading international conservancy dedicated to the preservation and responsible development of endangered world heritage sites in developing countries.

“We are honored to have Josh Bernstein and David Ford join the GHF board to help lead our growing efforts to fund, plan and monitor critical preservation and restoration projects around the world,” said Jeff Morgan, GHF’s executive director. “Both Josh and David are powerful forces in the worlds of film, broadcasting and finance, with excellent experience and knowledge that will serve to aid GHF and its endeavors.”

Josh Bernstein is Executive Producer and Host for Discovery Channel. In the past three years, explorer, author, and television presenter Josh Bernstein has traveled over 500,000 miles by camel, car, train and plane to over 30 countries, exploring the world’s greatest mysteries. In 2007, Bernstein joined Discovery Channel to host and executive produce specials and a new series focusing on anthropology, archaeology and environmental issues. Discovery Communications, Inc. is the number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion people in over 170 countries.

Born and raised in New York City, Bernstein has degrees in anthropology and psychology from Cornell University. Since 1997, he has also served as president & CEO of BOSS, the Boulder Outdoor Survival School, the oldest and largest survival school in the world. In addition to his work for GHF and several environmental organizations, Bernstein is an active member of The Explorers Club, The Royal Geographical Society, and The American Museum of Natural History. When not exploring the tombs of Egypt, the ice floes of the arctic, or the jungles of the Amazon, he splits his time between a yurt in Southern Utah and an apartment in New York City.

“I have had the great privilege of exploring some of the world’s most precious archaeological and cultural treasures and seen how time, neglect, disinterest, and ignorance have cast many of these sites into disrepair. Our collective heritage is important, our successes and failures in the past must influence our actions in the future, and I’m excited to support Global Heritage Fund in its mission to help save some of the most important and earliest examples of humankind’s achievements in architecture, planning, social development and monumental cities,” said Josh Bernstein on the nomination to the GHF Board of Directors. “I look forward to making cultural heritage and the historical preservation of major archaeological sites a high priority for governments and the larger public.”

David B. Ford is a retired partner of Goldman Sachs. He serves on the board of overseers of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a board member of the National Audubon Society, the Academy of Natural Sciences, New School University’s Parsons School of Design and Florida State University. David has an extensive array of entrepreneurial activities including investments in a film production company, restaurants & night clubs, an art trading business, and is the largest private investor in the country of Gambia with holdings in a significant cattle ranch and a water business. He recently purchased Miramar, a historic oceanfront mansion in Newport, RI and is undertaking a complete historically accurate restoration of the property. He is an avid bridge player and international traveler.

“History, the environment and conservation have interested me since I was a child, said David Ford.  “My Father was in the Navy and consequently our family moved often and I had a chance to see a lot of the United States.  More recently, my travels overseas have increased and I have seen many unique sites.  Global Heritage Fund provides an opportunity for me to help other countries preserve their cultural heritage.”

“The advice and counsel from these accomplished individuals will add significant expertise and business savvy as GHF pursues its mission of long-term preservation of mankind’s most important world heritage cultural sites in developing countries. They will help us with successful community development, sustainable tourism, education and jobs,” explained Morgan.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Our mission is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts is the Global Heritage Network (GHN) of experts and conservation technology backed by GHF’s Leaders in Conservation, Senior Advisory Board,  and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

Global Heritage Launches Google Earth™ Initiative to Save Endangered World Heritage

June 26, 2007

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE LAUNCHES GOOGLE EARTH INITIATIVE TO SAVE ENDANGERED WORLD HERITAGE

Global Heritage Network (GHN) Enables Online Monitoring of Threatened Sites and Collaboration by International Conservation Experts, Governments and Local Communities

New York, NY — (June 26, 2007) Global Heritage Fund (GHF) unveils a Google Earth mapping initiative to help save the world’s most ancient and endangered cultural heritage sites in the most impoverished countries.

As part of GHF’s ‘Saving Our Global Heritage’ campaign, Global Heritage Network (GHN) convenes online the world’s leading experts in heritage conservation, international development and sustainable tourism to plan sound solutions to save endangered global heritage sites in impoverished and war-torn regions.  With high-resolution imagery, Google Earth’s advanced satellite mapping and 3D geospatial database, the GHN layer for Google Earth enables site conservation plans, threats and mapping data to be shared in real time online, facilitating collaboration, conservation, advocacy and participation from hundreds of experts, government ministries, local citizens and communities around the world to work together and help save global heritage sites.

Every year, we are losing many of our last remaining global heritage sites in developing regions throughout Asia, the Middle East, Central Europe and the Americas. Unprecedented looting, encroachment, unchecked sprawl, neglect and deliberate destruction of major archaeological sites and ancient townscapes are overwhelming resource-poor national governments and local communities.

“Global Heritage Network is enabling the world community to actively help reverse the loss of some of our most important global heritage sites,” says Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund. “Google’s advanced collaboration and mapping technologies make it possible for a non-profit like Global Heritage to have a global impact, without major investments in technology, hardware and software. In the coming decades, this will greatly benefit not only conservation, but the economic welfare of the local communities around these sites.”

Global Heritage Network (GHN) in Action
Global Heritage Network (GHN) integrates Google Earth™, Google SketchUp™, Google Scholar™, Google Groups™, Picasa™ and YouTube™ into its online initiative to support conservation and sustainable development.  More than 200 million Google Earth™ users worldwide can visualize and better understand the destruction of our global heritage currently unfolding, especially in developing countries.

1. IRAQ - GHF’s Iraq Heritage Program is using Google Earth and Google Scholar to enable teams from around the world to assist the Iraq State Board of Antiquities to scientifically map and develop conservation plans for ten of Iraq’s most endangered sites.
2. INDIA - GHN teams in India and the U.S. have mapped all sites from the Indus Valley and Harappan civilization with direct links to Google Scholar articles and data on the Indus, providing a rich environment for advocacy and education.
3. GUATEMALA - In Mirador, located in the heart of the Maya Biosphere in northern Guatemala, real-time fire data from NASA and high-resolution mapping in Google Earth has enabled GHF to alert the government, for the first time, to proactively extinguish raging fires threatening the Cradle of Maya Civilization, saving the last intact tropical forests in Central America.  Looting reports displayed in GHN and Google Earth™ enable park rangers to focus their efforts on threatened sites and prevent further illegal activities throughout the 600,000 acre archaeological and wildlife preserve.

Saving Our Global Heritage appears in the Global Awareness folder in Google Earth and is available now. GHF’s Saving Our Global Heritage campaign is raising awareness to stimulate global action to save our endangered heritage sites in developing countries.

“At Google we see great promise in the innovative ways non-profit organizations are using products like Google Earth to further their missions and reach new audiences,” said John Hanke, Director of Google Earth and Maps.  “By leveraging advanced mapping technologies to advocate for the preservation of the world’s most ancient and endangered cultural assets, Global Heritage Fund has created an incredibly rich resource for conservation experts, government officials and Google Earth users alike to explore and utilize for the public good.”

Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is an international conservancy that preserves and restores endangered world heritage sites in developing countries.  625 Emerson Street Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94301.
http://www.globalheritagefund.org  Phone:  +1.650.325.7520.

Renowned International Conservation Leader John Hurd Joins Global Heritage Fund as Head of Archaeological Conservation and GHF's Senior Advisory Board

September 28, 2006

 

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RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION LEADER JOHN HURD JOINS GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND AS HEAD OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION AND GHF’S SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD

John Hurd, Newly Elected President of the ICOMOS Advisory Committee, Brings Extensive International Conservation Experience to the GHF Management Team and Senior Advisory Board

PALO ALTO, CALIF. (September 28, 2006) – John Hurd, a renowned conservator from the United Kingdom with over two decades of field experience in Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China and the Silk Road, joins Global Heritage Fund as our Head of Archaeological Conservation and our Senior Advisory Board.  GHF is a leading international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries.

John Hurd is President of the Advisory Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the international association of professional conservators. John has served as a senior conservation consultant to UNESCO on the Silk Roads cities of Central Asia and chaired the ICOMOS UK National Earth Committee from 1994-2000, and was elected as President of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee for Earthen Architectural Heritage in 2006.

John has worked for Global Heritage Fund in two major field projects since 2004 at the historic city site of Ani in Eastern Turkey and in the conservation and revitalization of the Historic City of Kars.  One of the top global experts on conservation of earthen architecture, he received a BSc in the Geology of Clays, a Conservation Science Diploma and an ‘Objects’ higher National Diploma, and has worked on the conservation of earth structures, both standing and archaeological for the past 20 years. His work extended from Europe to Central Asia and China by the mid 1990s.

“John Hurd is one of the most seasoned field conservators I have ever met, and will help us build an outstanding technical and field-based science foundation for the work of Global Heritage Fund around the world”, says GHF Executive Director Jeff Morgan. “Not only is he one of the leading experts in Earthen Architecture, but has worked in almost all of the developing countries where GHF is focused and brings strong relationships with the Ministries and top conservators, UNESCO World Heritage and ICOMOS, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, where John was recently elected President of their Advisory Committee.”

“We are honored to have John join the GHF Team and our Senior Advisory Board and congratulate him on his election in Edinburgh, Scotland this month to the Presidency of the distinguished ICOMOS Advisory Committee. John Hurd will be a critical leader at GHF and our expanding efforts to plan, protect and monitor critical world heritage preservation and restoration projects around the developing world,” said Morgan. “John brings extensive field conservation, master planning, and science-based conservation experience that will help develop GHF as a leading international conservancy.”

“I am honored and delighted to be nominated to the GHF Senior Advisory Board. GHF has proved to me that through its concerns for World Heritage conservation together with a willingness to react in a timely and positive way to the many activities which GHF supports within the heritage field, GHF is offering a new and very effective model for the future of heritage conservation in a global scale. I look forward to working with the expert GHF Board and with the many worlds leading consultants which GHF mobilizes in its activities. ” said John Hurd on his nomination to the GHF Senior Advisory Board.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Our mission is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts is the Global Heritage Network (GHN) of experts and conservation technology backed by GHF’s Leaders in Conservation, Senior Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

John Hurd
Head of Archaeological Conservation
Global Heritage Fund
President, ICOMOS Advisory Committee

John Hurd has been involved in the care, conservation and maintenance of objects, historic structures and places, both in the UK and overseas since 1975. The practice now, is comprised of a small group of specialists with a diverse range of skills, experience and interests, who are devoted to good conservation practice, and the promotion of responsible conservation.

Our diversity allows us to provide unique and specific conservation solutions in every situation. Our projects range in scope from small contractual and consultancy work, to major research and conservation campaigns on historic buildings and places.

The practice has established a particular expertise in the conservation of earthen structures and sites, and has a commitment to training towards best practice in this field. John Hurd is well known for his concerns over the use of sustainable technologies appropriate to the cultural methods existing in any society. Adapting local technologies to conservation standards is often more useful than importing what are sometimes regarded as more advanced technologies from elsewhere, but which prove difficult in their maintenance in remote areas.

 

The United States Department of the Interior and the Government of Guatemala Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Protect El Mirador

September 12, 2006

 

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The United States Department of the Interior and the Government of Guatemala Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Protect El Mirador

Major 5 Year Program for Conservation of El Mirador National Park Supported by Global Heritage Fund and the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES)

Washington, DC (September 12, 2006) – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, Chief of Staff to the President of Guatemala, Carlos Fión, and Director of Culture for the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Salvador Lopez, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding that launches a ten-year partnership for the conservation of significant natural and cultural resources of El Mirador National Park, Guatemala.

The Department of the Interior’s International Technical Assistance Program (DOI-ITAP) will provide independent technical expertise to the Guatemalan Government and its partners on numerous aspects of natural and cultural management. The initial focus of the partnership will be to promote sustainable development at the El Mirador National Park, an important tourist destination in Guatemala, while protecting its resources.

Funding for DOI activities at El Mirador will come from the Global Heritage Fund, a U.S. non-governmental organization that has also contributed its expertise to investigations and conservation programs in this region. Strong public-private partnerships are also forming to support the efforts at El Mirador. The Guatemalan business community will heavily fund much of the investigation, conservation and protection measures to be conducted on the site in partnership with Global Heritage Fund and FARES, the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES).

“The United States and Guatemala have a strong relationship,” Kempthorne said to members of the Guatemala delegation at a signing ceremony held in his office. “Both nations balance encouraging tourism with protecting natural resources. Both nations encourage public-private partnerships in conservation. I am pleased to be signing this Memorandum of Understanding.”

El Mirador National Park, considered by archaeologists as the “Cradle of Maya Civilization,” is located within the largest tract of virgin tropical forest remaining in Central America and is home to the largest and earliest cities of the Maya world. La Danta, the largest temple at El Mirador, is the largest known pyramid in the Western Hemisphere. Important archaeological findings in this region, led by Idaho State University archaeologist Dr. Richard Hansen, have re-written the history of Maya civilization, pushing their history back by 1,000 years. Recent national publicity including the National Geographic documentary “Dawn of the Maya” has prompted a rapid increase in tourism in the area. As the park currently offers little to no visitor infrastructure or education, the DOI-ITAP partnership with Guatemala will help ready the park for the expected continued increase in tourism to this area.

“GHF has been working for 4 years to complete conservation of major temples and pyramids at Mirador, and to build strong consensus and a network of private and public-sector support save the last remaining tropical forests and most ancient Maya archaeological sites in Central America, said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund (GHF). The threats from fire and pillage and challenges ahead are as difficult as ever and we call on all Guatemalans and international agencies to help support the enhanced protection and conservation of El Mirador National Park.”

Dr. Richard Hansen, President of the Foundation for Anthropological Studies and Environmental Science (FARES) and the leader of archaeological conservation in Guatemala was awarded Guatemala’s highest honor bestowed on a civilian for his work to save the cultural patrimony of the Republic of Guatemala, one of the richest and earliest civilizations in the world.

Dr. Hansen and his Guatemalan and international collegues have dedicated their lives to the exploration, conservation and permanent protection of the Mirador Basin, believed by most experts to be the Cradle of Maya Civilization featured on Discovery, ABC 20/20, CNN and National Geographic ‘Dawn of the Maya’.  Mirador Basin’s 600,000 acres contains five distinct forests, abundant wildlife and the oldest and most monumental examples of the earliest Maya cities from 300-800BC. Within the Mirador Basin, Dr. Hansen has discovered one of the world’s largest pyramids in the world- La Danta -  and five ancient Maya cities – Tintal, Wakna, Xuhnal, Nakbe and El Mirador - larger than Tikal, a nearby national park generating over $200 million a year in tourism revenues for Guatemala.

“Global Heritage Fund congratulates Dr. Hansen and the Ministry of Culture of Guatemala for this exceptional recognition by the Department of the Interior. His years of scientific and conservation work gives that country hope that Guatemala could be the next Egypt for exploration, science, conservation and planned, sustainable development of the world’s earliest cities and monuments,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund.

About FARES
The Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) is a non-profit research institute dedicated to the scientific study of humanity and environment through conservation, education, and responsible development. FARES conducts scientific archaeological research and environmental studies in the Mirador Basin area of northern Guatemala and the preservation of the tropical rainforest in northern Guatemala and the Mesoamerican Lowlands.

Dr. Richard D. Hansen is a specialist on the early Maya and is the Director of the Mirador Basin Project in northern Guatemala.  He was an Assistant Research Scientist (Level IV) with the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics at UCLA until Dec. 2003.  He is the founder and president of the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES), a non-profit scientific research institution, now based in Washington, D.C.  He graduated with a Ph.D. in Archaeology from UCLA in January 1992.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Our mission is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts is the Global Heritage Network (GHN) of experts and conservation technology backed by GHF’s Leaders in Conservation, Senior Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

GHF Leader in Conservation Dr. Richard Hansen Awarded National Order of the Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala

December 17, 2005

 

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GHF Leader in Conservation Dr. Richard Hansen Awarded National Order of the Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala

President Oscar Berger of Guatemala honors Dr. Hansen for Mirador Basin Conservation Effort to Save Guatemala’s Cultural Patrimony

PALO ALTO, CALIF. (December 17, 2005) – Dr. Richard Hansen, President of the Foundation for Anthropological Studies and Environmental Science (FARES) and the leader of archaeological conservation in Guatemala backed by the Global Heritage Fund (GHF), was today awarded Guatemala’s highest honor bestowed on a civilian for his work to save the cultural patrimony of the Republic of Guatemala, one of the richest and earliest civilizations in the world.

Dr. Hansen has dedicated his life to the exploration, conservation and permanent protection of the Mirador Basin, believed by most experts to be the Cradle of Maya Civilization featured on Discovery, ABC 20/20, CNN and National Geographic ‘Dawn of the Maya’. Mirador Basin’s 600,000 acres contains five distinct forests, abundant wildlife and the oldest and most monumental examples of the earliest Maya cities from 300-800BC. Within the Mirador Basin, Dr. Hansen has discovered one of the world’s largest pyramids in the world- La Danta - and five ancient Maya cities – Tintal, Wakna, Xuhnal, Nakbe and El Mirador - larger than Tikal, a nearby national park generating over $200 million a year in tourism revenues for Guatemala.

“Global Heritage Fund congratulates Dr. Hansen for this exceptional recognition by the President and people of Guatemala. His years of scientific and conservation work gives that country hope that Guatemala could be the next Egypt for exploration, science, conservation and planned, sustainable development of the world’s earliest cities and monuments,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund.

“GHF is extremely proud of its role in the funding and support of Dr. Hansen’s critical research, exploration and conservation to save what is left of the Maya Biosphere which has lost over 70% of its native forests in the past ten years. Dr. Hansen’s dedication is unprecedented in enabling the local communities to benefit economically and helping the people of Guatemala to save their own heritage and protect it for future generations.” The National Order of the Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala is given to those that have made exceptional contributions to Guatemala’s rich and ancient culture and history, especially in the fields of indigenous cultures, living cultures, archaeology and anthropology, conservation and science. The National Order of the Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala recognizes the significant impact on the cultural life of the nation accomplished through their efforts.

“All who receive the National Order can know that they have a special place in the life of our country, and have earned the respect and affection of the Guatemalan people,” said President Oscar Berger as he presented the award at the National Palace on the Plaza of the Constitution in Guatemalan City on December 15, 2005.

“Dr. Richard Hansen has been at the forefront of research, exploration, conservation and protection of the priceless history and cultural of Guatemala found in the Mirador Basin and the earliest Mayan cities,” read the citation for the medal.

About Dr. Richard Hansen and FARES
Dr. Richard D. Hansen is a specialist on the early Maya and is the Director of the Mirador Basin Project in northern Guatemala. He was an Assistant Research Scientist (Level IV) with the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics at UCLA until Dec. 2003. He is the founder and president of the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES), a non-profit scientific research institution, now based in Washington, D.C. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Archaeology from UCLA in January 1992.

He previously held a double major B.S. degree in Spanish and Archaeology from Brigham Young University in 1978, and a M.S. degree in Anthropology in 1984. He has published 69 papers and book chapters in scientific and popular publications and has presented more than 145 professional papers in scientific symposia throughout the world. He is now faculty of Idaho State University.

The Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) is a nonprofit research institute dedicated to the scientific study of humanity and environment through conservation, education, and responsible development. FARES conducts scientific archaeological research and environmental studies in the Mirador Basin area of northern Guatemala and the preservation of the tropical rainforest in northern Guatemala and the Mesoamerican Lowlands. The forest in this region is highly threatened, but can provide new economic benefits for communities and the republic of Guatemala through the establishment of world class archaeological parks and natural preserves. FARES work includes educational and career development programs for communities surrounding the Mirador Basin dealing with health, ecology, agricultural techniques, eco-tourism, financial management, health, first aid, reforestation, literacy, tourist services, artisan products, wilderness and national monument management and sustainable development. See http://www.miradorbasin.com.

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Our mission is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts is the Global Heritage Network (GHN) of experts and conservation technology backed by GHF’s Leaders in Conservation, Senior Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites. http://www.globalheritagefund.org/where/mirador.html.

Above: National Order Awardee Dr. Richard Hansen with President Oscar Berger.

Above from Left to Right: Dr. Richard Hansen; the Director of the Patrimonio Cultural y Natural de Guatemala, Arquitecto Arturo Paz; the Vice Minister of Culture, Enrique Mateu; the Second Vice Minister of Culture of Guatemala, Lic. Jose Alberto Gandara; President Oscar Berger; Minister of Culture and Sports, Manuel de Jesus Salazar Tetazguic.

Above: Award presentation audience at the National Palace of Guatemala. Below: The FARES Guatemala team and friends working to save Mirador Basin.

GHF Adds Two Distinguished Leaders to its Board of Directors

December 17, 2005

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND ADDS TWO DISTINGUISHED LEADERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Connie Duckworth and Bill Brown Bring Extensive International Development and Conservation Experience to the GHF Board

PALO ALTO, CALIF. (December 17, 2005) - Two distinguished leaders in international development and conservation have joined the Board of Directors of Global Heritage Fund (GHF), a leading international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries.

“We are honored to have Connie Duckworth and Bill Brown join the GHF board to help lead our growing efforts to fund, plan and monitor critical preservation and restoration projects around the world,” said Jeff Morgan, GHF’s executive director. “Both Connie and Bill bring a range of experiences that will serve to aid GHF and its endeavors.”

Ms. Duckworth is a retired Partner and Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs, & Co. where she was named the first woman sales and trading partner in the firm’s history during her 20 year career. She co-authored a primer on entrepreneurship titled The Old Girls’ Network: Insider Advice for Women Building Businesses in a Man’s World (Basic Books 2003) and has been an angel investor, mentoring and selectively investing in women-led businesses. She is the recipient of numerous awards.

Ms. Duckworth serves as President and Chairman of the Board of Arzu, Inc., a non-profit organization she founded in response to a site visit to Afghanistan in early 2003. Arzu, meaning “hope” in Dari, aims to provide sustainable income to underprivileged Afghan women and their families by sourcing and selling handmade rugs in the U.S. She is an active member of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council, a public/private partnership established by Presidents Bush and Karzai in 2002.

Ms. Duckworth sits on the Board of Trustees of Northwestern Mutual, the Boards of Directors of Smurfit Stone Container Corporation and DNP Select Income Fund, and the Board of Overseers of the Wharton School, and is Vice Chairman of the Board of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. She is a past Chair of the Committee of 200, the organization of leading women entrepreneurs and corporate business executives in the United States. Ms. Duckworth holds an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from the University of Texas.

“Global Heritage Fund is an innovative example of social entrepreneurship. It aligns the imperative of preserving mankind’s most treasured cultural assets with the urgent need for economic empowerment for those at the bottom of the world’s social and economic stratum,” said Connie Duckworth on the nomination to the GHF Board of Directors. “I am privileged to be part of this global win-win solution.”

Bill Brown is President and CEO of the Bishop Museum in Hawaii. He was Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Interior during the Clinton Administration and has held positions with the National Audubon Society, World Wildlife Fund, Waste Management, Inc., Environmental Defense Fund, and U.S. Endangered Species Scientific Authority. His current and former directorships include the Historic Hawai`i Foundation, Ocean Conservancy, Environmental and Energy Study Institute, Environmental Law Institute, U.S. Environmental Training Institute, US Committee for the United Nations Environment Programme, Audubon Naturalist Society, and Harvard Environmental Law Society. He was graduated from the University of Virginia (B.A. 1969, Biology, with highest distinction), Johns Hopkins University (M.A.T. 1970), University of Hawaii (Ph.D. 1973, Zoology), and Harvard Law School (J.D. 1977). He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi (The Scientific Research Society), Phi Sigma (The Biological Research Society), and the District of Columbia Bar.

“It is an honor to join with the board in advancing the GHF mission, said Bill Brown. “The Earth’s crown jewels of culture and nature are threatened on many fronts, and GHF stands uniquely positioned for their defense.”

“The advice and counsel from these accomplished individuals will add significant expertise and business savvy as GHF pursues its mission of long-term preservation of mankind’s most important world heritage cultural sites in developing countries. They will help us with successful community development, sustainable tourism, education and jobs,” explained Morgan.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. Our mission is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts is the Global Heritage Network (GHN) of experts and conservation technology backed by GHF’s Leaders in Conservation, Senior Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

Global Heritage Fund Celebrates Three Years of Progress to Save Chavín De Huántar, Peru UNESCO World Heritage Site

September 18, 2005

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND CELEBRATES THREE YEARS OF PROGRESS TO SAVE CHAVÍN DE HUÁNTAR, PERU UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

International Conservancy Sees New Pledges and Support as Critical to Stop Further Loss of Our World Heritage

LIMA, PERU and PALO ALTO, CA— (September 18, 2005) – Global Heritage Fund (GHF) celebrates its third year of conservation and community development of Chavín de Huántar, Peru’s most important archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site, and one the oldest and most important archaeological sites in South America.

Chavín de Huántar continues to be severely threatened by landslides, annual flooding, new road construction and lack of support for maintenance and conservation.  GHF’s conservation and development of Chavín de Huántar is working to establish Peru’s ‘next Machu Picchu’ in terms of tourism and economic development in one of Peru’s least developed regions- Ancash in the Andes’ Cordillera Blanca.

With the generous support of Minera Antamina, Asociación Ancash, Minera Barrick and IRG Cultural Preservation Fund, GHF and Stanford University, in partnership with the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC) Peru, and have been able to help reverse the serious deterioration of

Chavín de Huántar. GHF Chavín has also attracted new support from the Peruvian government, multi-nationals including Telefónica-Perú, and the Government of Japan which last month committed $3.2 million to construction of a new museum at Chavín de Huántar. A new road costing over $30 million has been constructed to the site with funding from Minera Antamina and the Government of Peru, making Chavín de Huántar easily accessible for both domestic and international tourism.

Global Heritage Fund’s program, led by Stanford University Professor and GHF Senior Advisory Board Member Dr. John Rick, has conserved and stabilized the Main Circular Plaza of Chavín de Huántar, undertaken extensive archaeological excavations and research and restored the ancient drainage system of Chavín to prevent future flooding, the primary cause of destruction to the ancient site. GHF secured over $180,000 in matching funding from Peruvian donors to support our conservation efforts.

GHF Chavín project and Instituto de Desarollo Regional “Chaupin Peru”  (INDERCHAP) has trained over thirty Chavín townspeople in archaeological conservation and in the preparation of thousands of Chavín artifacts which were researched, conserved and inventoried for the upcoming new Chavín Museum. Tourism at Chavín de Huántar has grown to over 100,000 visitors last year providing new opportunities for the region and Town of Chavín.

Peru’s Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC) and Director General Dr. Luis Lumbreras’ leadership and support has been instrumental to the turnaround of Chavín de Huántar. Dr. Lumbreras was one of the first archaeologists to excavate and study Chavín de Huántar in the 1980s and 1990s and he continues to be actively involved in working with GHF Leaders in Conservation at the
site to provide guidance and support from the Peruvian government.  Dr. Luis Lumbreras has also served as a member of GHF’s Worldwide Senior Advisory Board over the past three years and is considered one of the most respected archaeologists in South America.

This multi-year program will ensure the long-term survival of Chavín de Huántar for centuries to come.  In Peruvian history, Chavín civilization is considered the most important in the development of advanced society in South America dating to BC1200.  GHF is currently funding and providing experts and leadership for an integrated program of (1) Master Conservation Planning, (2) Scientific Conservation, and (3) Artifact Conservation Laboratory and Site Interpretation.  By integrating the local community directly into the training and conservation programs of the site, monument conservation and tourism development, local Peruvians will have a brighter economic future. 

The GHF Chavín Lima Reception will be held on Sunday, September 18th, 2005 at the Museo del Oro at 7:00pm. By Invitation Only.

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries.  The conservancy’s goal is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts are the organization’s Leaders in Conservation, the Senior Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

Global Heritage Fund Applauds New Government Commitments to Preserve Guatemala's Maya Archaeological Sites and Biosphere

January 20, 2005

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND APPLAUDS NEW GOVERNMENT COMMITMENTS TO PRESERVE GUATEMALA’S MAYA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND BIOSPHERE

International Conservancy Sees New Pledges as Critical to Stop Further Loss of Our World Heritage

PALO ALTO , CALIF. (Jan. 20, 2005) - Global Heritage Fund (GHF), a leading international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries, applauds major funding commitments by the Guatemalan government, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other Latin American institutions for the protection and conservation of the remaining rainforest in northern Guatemala.

Jeff Morgan, executive director of GHF, particularly commends the Guatemala government for its efforts to protect the sites and forest in the Mirador Basin and portions of the eastern Peten forest which are still intact, and playing a role in reinvigorating the local economy through sustainable tourism.

The Mirador Basin ‘s Special Protected Area status established by the previous administration was recently upheld by the Guatemalan Constitutional Court , adding additional weight for the conservation of nearly 600,000 acres of tropical forest in the Mirador Basin . GHF has raised more than $1.8 million to date for the research, community development, and conservation infrastructure for the numerous sites in the Mirador Basin .

The Mirador Basin and portions of the eastern Peten are the largest intact tropical rainforest and wildlife habitat left in Central America . It has existed culturally for more than 3,000 years and contains the largest and earliest ancient Maya cities in the Americas , including hundreds of massive structures which are among the largest ancient pyramids in the world. The latest funding commitments to help conserve what may be the largest new wilderness and archaeology preserve in Central America have come better late than never, according to Morgan.

“This is the epitome of a good news/bad news situation,” says Morgan. “On the one hand, it is very exciting that these steps are being taken; on the other hand, it reminds us that we need to act quickly before there is nothing left to preserve.”

Over the past two years, more than 200,000 acres in the region - 65 percent of the total in 2003 alone - and thousands of priceless artifacts have been lost to fires, looting, and logging.

“It is a catastrophic disaster - comparable perhaps to what has happened in the Amazon,” says Morgan. “There’s nothing left but the area of the Mirador Basin and regions of the forest around Tikal National Park . If we don’t protect what is left of these early Maya archaeological sites and the threatened flora and fauna in this unique area, there may soon be nothing left at all.”

The importance of both government and private funding has been exemplified by GHF’s support of the work of the Foundation for Anthropological Research & Environmental Studies (FARES) and the Mirador Basin Project sponsored by the EDAEH within the Ministry of Culture of the Guatemala government.

At a recent Latin America Bankers Conference, the Presidential Secretary of Guatemala, Eduardo Gonzales, announced plans for sustainable community development and natural and cultural heritage protection. More than $20 million in grants and loans were pledged from IDB and The World Bank Global Environmental Facility (GEF). Plans include infrastructure and community funding with a focus on the Maya Biosphere in Northern Peten, specifically the Mirador Basin .

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. The conservancy’s goal is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto , California .

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts are the organization’s Leaders in Conservation , the Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

Global Heritage Fund Adds Three Distinguished Leaders to Its Board of Directors

January 20, 2005

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND ADDS THREE DISTINGUISHED LEADERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bonnie Cohen, Jeffrey Lynford, Joseph Macrae To Help Lead Growth and Strategy of Upstart International Conservancy

PALO ALTO , CALIF. (Jan. 20, 2005) - Three distinguished names have been added to the Board of Directors of Global Heritage Fund (GHF), a leading international conservancy dedicated to preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries.

“We are honored to have Bonnie Cohen, Jeffrey Lynford and Joseph Macrae join the GHF board and help lead our continued efforts to fund, plan and monitor critical preservation and restoration projects around the world,” says Jeff Morgan, GHF’s executive director. “Each brings a range of experiences that will serve to aid GHF and its endeavors.”

As Undersecretary of State, Bonnie Cohen was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the State Department in more than 160 countries. She directed the overseas embassy building program, managing more than $10 billion in real estate worldwide.

During her time at the State Department, Cohen traveled to and worked in Central Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South and Central America and Africa and established the U.S. ‘s first and only Ambassador’s Fund to support cultural preservation initiatives in countries in which U.S. embassies are located. Prior to her term at State, she was Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget and served as COO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for 12 years.

International recruiting executive Joseph Macrae founded Mlegal and is currently engaged in retained search assignments for leading law firms expanding their operations in San Francisco, Silicon Valley and internationally. He co-founded ZMB, now Hays ZMB, in 1991, which grew into one of the largest legal recruiting firms in Europe.

Macrae lectures in the U.K. and U.S. on a range of issues, including law firm mergers, compensation structures and attraction and retention of partners.

He has had a long-standing interest in helping to find innovative ways to raise the living standards in developing countries and to preserve cultural heritage sites that are being destroyed. He currently serves on the U.S. Council for Save the Children.

“I have traveled extensively and visited many far-flung corners of the world. I want to do my part to make sure the same sites and experiences are preserved for my children and their children,” says Macrae. “I especially like the GHF model of working to raise the living standards of the people who live around the sites by turning their cultural heritage into a revenue-generating asset through preservation and tourism rather than looting or destruction.”

“I think GHF will do great things in the coming years and am excited to be able to play a role in that growth and work,” he adds.

Jeffrey H. Lynford is co-founder and chairman of Wellsford Real Properties, Inc., a real estate merchant banking firm headquartered in New York City . He is a Trustee of Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, the Citizens Budget Commission, Medical and Health Research Association of NYC, Polytechnic University and its Institute for Mathematics and Advances Supercomputing and the Lynford Family Charitable Trust. He sponsors the Lynford Lecture Series at Polytechnic University , which presents the work of outstanding mathematicians and scientists to a wider audience.

Lynford is also a member of the Advisory Council of Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School , a Trustee Emeritus of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Ex Officio Trustee of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum .

“I have been involved with historic preservation in various ways for 25 years and have a long-established interest in historic preservation,” says Lynford. “During a recent trip to China I visited Lijiang Ancient Town and saw first-hand Global Heritage Fund’s work on the ground. I was impressed with how GHF is mobilizing the local citizenry to preserve this irreplaceable cultural heritage site.”

“The input of these three accomplished individuals will surely prove invaluable as GHF pursues long-term preservation of mankind’s most important Global Heritage cultural sites in developing countries and successful community development, sustainable tourism, education and jobs,” says Morgan.

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. The conservancy’s goal is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto , California .

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts are the organization’s Leaders in Conservation , the Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

Global Heritage Fund Commits Funds to Save 1,200-Year-Old Wooden Chinese Temple

November 01, 2004

 

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Global Heritage Fund Commits Funds to Save 1,200-Year-Old Wooden Chinese Temple

GHF Partners to Preserve ‘Fountainhead’ of Classical Chinese Architecture

PALO ALTO , CALIF. - Global Heritage Fund (GHF) has committed nearly a quarter of a million dollars over four years to support efforts to save the 1,200-year-old Foguang Temple , China ‘s oldest wooden building.

As a result of its partnership with GHF, the Shanxi Bureau of Cultural Relics has secured matching funding from the Beijing central government to restore and preserve the temple. The combined funding from both sources essentially covers the total estimated budget of $960,000 for the project.

GHF, the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries, will provide funding and expertise for the investigation, planning and scientific conservation of the temple, which is one the most important remaining architectural jewels of Chinese civilization.  Built during of the Tang Dynasty, Foguang Temple represents the peak of Buddhist art and architecture from the 9th century AD. It has not been repaired or maintained since the 17th century.

“The Foguang Temple has fallen into a dangerous state of disrepair,” says Jeff Morgan, GHF executive director.  “Without immediate attention, China ‘s last remaining ancient wooden monument, and the finest jewel of Tang period architecture would have been lost forever.”

Through the years, the site has seen extensive structure damage from falling rocks, rotting roofing, beams and pillars and the overall deterioration of the Tang Dynasty architecture and sculptures.

” Foguang Temple is both a priceless religious site and a national treasure,” says Morgan. “GHF is proud to be a working partner with the Shanxi Bureau of Cultural Relics to save this important heritage site for future generations.”

The site, located in the sacred Wutai Mountains , has high potential for UNESCO World Heritage nomination by the Chinese government, which established it as one of China ‘s most important national heritage sites since 1961.

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. The conservancy’s goal is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto , California .

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts are the organization’s Leaders in Conservation , the Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

Global Heritage Fund Teams With Singapore Airlines

October 25, 2004

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND TEAMS WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES SAVING ASIA’S TREASURES

PALO ALTO, CALIF. (October 25th, 2004) – Global Heritage Fund (GHF) is partnering with Singapore Airlines to help save Asia’s last remaining cultural heritage sites.

GHF is an international conservancy which protects cultural heritage sites in developing countries through timely investments, a global network of experts and advanced Preservation by Design methodology which enable sustained preservation, tourism and economic development. Projects include Foguang Temple and Lijiang Ancient Town, both in China; Hampi World Heritage Site in India; My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam; and Asif Khan Tomb in Pakistan.

“We are proud to welcome Singapore Airlines into the GHF family,” says Jeff Morgan, GHF executive director. “The airline will be helping to make a difference in China and other Asian countries by helping us to show our sites to major donors, whose input can help save the most threatened cultural heritage sites in Asia.”

As part of the partnership, Singapore Airlines provides free travel for GHF management and conservation staff for Asia and will be the preferred airline for the Global Heritage Fund Travel Program, as it was for the June 2004 trip to Lijiang and Shanxi. Singapore Airlines and GHF will work together on in-flight videos and magazines, newsletters, a new book Saving Asia’s Treasures, events and promotional materials. In addition, GHF will promote Singapore Airlines to its network of CEOs and individuals who have a passion for travel and do business in all parts of the world, especially Asia.

Roof decay - Foguang Monestary, China

 

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. The conservancy’s goal is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts are the organization’s Leaders in Conservation, the Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites. For more information about GHF, visit the website, http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

About Singapore Airlines
SIA is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading carriers. Singapore Airlines was the pioneer of inflight services such as free drinks and complimentary headsets. Our route network spans 90 destinations in almost 40 countries and we have a young, modern fleet of aircraft. In January 2004, SIA’s new ultra long-range A340-500 joined the fleet, and on 3 February, the Airline made aviation history when it launched the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight from Singapore to Los Angeles. In June this year, SIA created another aviation milestone when it launches non-stop services between Singapore and New York. SIA will also be the first Airline to operate the world’s largest aircraft, the Airbus A380, in the first quarter of 2006. For more information on Singapore Airlines, visit the website, http://www.singaporeair.com.

Global Heritage Fund Instrumental in Transforming 1,000-Year-Old Chinese Town Into Top Domestic Tourist Destination.

August 01, 2004

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND INSTRUMENTAL IN TRANSFORMING 1,000-YEAR-OLD CHINESE TOWN INTO TOP DOMESTIC TOURIST DESTINATION

PALO ALTO, CALIF. – Global Heritage Fund’s efforts not only to preserve one of the last ancient towns in China but also to spur economic development and sustainable tourism to support the community around it have earned the non-profit organization a place as one of three finalists for Smithsonian Magazine/Travelers Conservation Foundation 2004 Sustainable Tourism Award.

Since beginning its efforts in Lijiang Ancient Town in Yunnan, China, in 2001, Global Heritage Fund (GHF) has been instrumental in helping transform the 1,000-year-old town into China’s top domestic tourist destination. In fact, the number of visitors each year to Lijiang has increased from 300,000 to 800,000.

“When we first began our efforts, many of the 4,000 native Naxi families were leaving because of poor living conditions. In addition, unchecked and unsightly modern development/construction was drastically changing the landscape,” says Jeff Morgan, executive director of GHF, an international conservancy dedicated to preserving and protecting mankind’s most important archaeological and cultural heritage sites in developing countries.

“Through scientific planning and catalyst funding, we were able to reverse the exodus of Naxi families and eliminate many unsightly modern construction projects,” he adds.

Working in partnership with the Lijiang Ancient Town Management Committee and Shanghai Tong Ji Urban Planning and Design Institute, GHF sponsored a Master Conservation Plan that addressed permanent protection of the core areas and provided guidelines for zoning and land use and authentic restoration of deteriorating architecture.

“We developed a plan that called for restoring ancient homes and streetscapes, providing better sanitation and sewage systems, and improving water quality, as well as reversing the unplanned development,” says Morgan.
GHF also established a matching Preservation Incentive Fund, which provided micro-loans and grants to low-income residents to participate in the conservation work, allowing them to remain in their communities and ensure sustainability.

GHF also helped erect two new gateways which reduced crowding for visitors to Lijiang. “The goals of our Master Conservation Plan were the protection of cultural heritage and land, authentic restoration and preservation as well as improvement in the quality of life for the Naxi people,” says Morgan. “In three short years, GHF and our partners have made major strides toward those goals and Lijiang is a true model for heritage conservation and sustainable tourism.

“Funding from the Smithsonian Magazine/Travelers Conservation Foundation 2004 Sustainable Tourism Award would enable us to continue to restore and preserve Lijiang Ancient Town so that it can welcome even more tourists in the years to come.”

To show your support for Global Heritage Fund’s Lijiang Ancient Town project as the recipient of the Smithsonian Magazine/Travelers Conservation Foundation 2004 Sustainable Tourism Award, visit http://www.sustainabletourism.com.

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. The conservancy’s goal is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts are the organization’s Leaders in Conservation, the Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

Passing: GHF Advisory Board Member Martin Weaver

July 28, 2004

 

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Passing: GHF Advisory Board Member Martin Weaver

GHF is very saddened to announce the recent death at the age of 66 of Martin Weaver, a leading international figure in the scientific conservation of buildings and their constituent materials.

From 1991 until last year, when illness made him reduce his extraordinary level of activity, he was Director of the Center for Preservation Research and a professor of historic preservation at Columbia University, New York. Simultaneously, he ran an international conservation consultancy practice based in Ottawa, Canada. Both as teacher and as consultant, he had a remarkable international experience of conservation and an unusual breadth of interest and expertise, from timber and stone deterioration through industrial locomotives and installations to Danish and Spanish fortifications in the Caribbean.

Originally from London, where he received in 1961 the Diploma of the Architectural Association, he had his first field experiences as a site architect on British excavation projects in the UK and Middle East. His interest in methods of site preservation was pioneering at that period. Moving to Canada to work on the preservation of an Arctic explorer’s hut, he remained resident there while lecturing and consulting internationally for UNESCO and numerous government organizations, institutes and universities.

He contributed to ICCROM’s work as a participant in the Seminar on the Safeguard of the Rock-Hewn Gvreme Valley Churches in Turkey in 1993, and as a lecturer on the 2002 International Course on the Technology of Wood Conservation, co-organized with the cultural heritage authorities of Norway. His deep knowledge of the deterioration and conservation of timber will remain one of Martin’s enduring contributions to conservation, as will his standard text Conserving Buildings: A Guide to Techniques and Materials” (Wiley, 1992; 2nd ed., 1997). He was a former President of the Association for Preservation Technology and a member of both US/ICOMOS and ICOMOS Canada.

To all those who studied or worked with him, Martin Weaver will be remembered for the infectious enthusiasm and energy which he brought to his work, the generosity with which he gave advice and help, and the extraordinarily broad range of his interests in conservation. His contribution to the field will be long-lasting. [ICCROM]

Global Heritage Fund Leads Efforts to Preserve Iraq's Heritage

July 19, 2004

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND LEADS EFFORTS TO PRESERVE IRAQ ‘S HERITAGE

PETRA, JORDAN (July 19, 2004) - Global Heritage Fund (GHF) and the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities have signed a multi-year partnership to jointly develop master conservation plans and training to help conserve Iraq’s most endangered and important archaeological and world heritage sites.

“This is a major step toward bringing world-class conservation to Iraq and preventing further loss and destruction,” says Jeff Morgan, executive director of Global Heritage Fund, the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries.

The partnership was the result of the recent GHF Iraq Heritage Congress, an eight-day workshop for 28 leading Iraqi site directors and conservators, co-sponsored by The World Bank.

The event culminated with GHF, the Iraqi Department of Antiquities and the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago agreeing to a multi-year structured program of master conservation planning, site mapping, emergency site conservation, training and capacity-building to assist in the world-class planning and conservation of Iraq ‘s major archaeological and world heritage sites.

While 16 potential sites were identified, those targeted to be the focus of the first master conservation planning and emergency site conservation efforts in 2004 and 2005 are Hatra and Ashur in the northern sector, Ctesiphon (site of the largest standing arch in the world, now in danger of collapse) and Samarra in the central sector, and Ur in the southern sector.

“GHF will ensure the highest standards of conservation, planning, site management, science, training and site intervention while providing critical expertise, technology and funding,” says Morgan. “We anticipate Iraq to be able to implement a solid strategy of conservation and development to make cultural tourism the second largest industry in Iraq within 10 years and a major driver toward long-term protection of Iraq ‘s world heritage.”

A key component of the site mapping aspect of the project will be the technical expertise of the CAMEL Laboratory of the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago , led by Drs. McGuire Gibson and Mark Altaweel.

“I am extremely optimistic about the site proposals that will come from the participants in the conference,” said Dr. Gibson. “Iraqis have a proud record of protecting their cultural heritage and, despite the tragic losses suffered in the current situation, I have confidence they will once again gain control over the sites.  Reinvigorated and well-thought-out site management will be a key element of the revival of the State Board of Antiquities.”

As part of the initial efforts, over the next two years GHF will work closely with the Iraqi State Bureau of Antiquities and the Ministry of Culture to complete world-class site management plans for the five high-priority sites and provide co-funding for two archaeological site conservations based on the priorities in the planning process. The site management plans will also help form the basis of formal designation by UNESCO World Heritage for enhanced protection and international support.

The Iraq Heritage Program will be supported by a five-person board of directors which will manage all funding to the projects, review progress and quality assessment, audit financials and quarterly approve new funding. All five participating directors must agree on disbursements and no funding can be made to government agencies. It will be supported by a Technical Expert Committee, with the support of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago .

The Iraq Heritage Congress also resulted in the establishment of the first Iraq Principles of Conservation , which will be adopted by the Ministry of Culture and the new Iraqi government based on the Venice International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites and the ICOMOS Burra Charter.

“With the recent transition of government in Iraq , the Iraq Heritage Congress proved to be very timely and reinforced the critical need for a lasting framework for future development,” says Morgan.

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. The conservancy’s goal is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund uses its Preservation by Design methodology to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto , California .

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts are the organization’s Leaders in Conservation , the Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these endangered one-of-a-kind archaeological and world heritage sites.

Global Heritage Fund and the World Bank Host the First Iraq Heritage Congress Dedicated to Saving Endangered World Heritage Sites

June 03, 2004

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND AND THE WORLD BANK HOST THE FIRST IRAQ HERITAGE CONGRESS DEDICATED TO SAVING ENDANGERED WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Palo Alto, CA (June 3rd, 2004) Global Heritage Fund (GHF) and the The World Bank will partner with Iraq’s Minister of Culture and State Board of Antiquities to conduct a 8-day workshop for thirty leading Iraqi site directors and conservators June 15-22nd in Petra, Jordan.

The mission of the Iraq Heritage Congress is to develop world-class master conservation plans over the coming year for protection and preservation of the priceless historical and cultural sites in Iraq, according to Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of the GHF and Christiaan Poortman, World Bank Vice President for Middle East and North Africa.

Event UNESCO, the Jordanian Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Oriental Institute at University of Chicago, Brown University, the American Center for Oriental Research (ACOR) and the Petra National Trust also are participating in the Iraq Heritage Congress.

While security remains a primary concern in Iraq, this is a critical time for Iraqi officials and regional and international organizations to begin to set priorities and create the basis for conservation funding from governments, agencies, banks and private sector conservancies like Global Heritage Fund. Iraq possesses many of the mankind’s most ancient archaeological sites, but these wonders of the “cradle of civilization” are still in their infancy for research, tourism development and heritage management. Most site directors are without resources to protect these ancient treasures from looting, vandalism and destruction.

“Today we have the experience and understanding to reverse the devastation of these world-class ancient sites, create new opportunities for developing countries like Iraq to become financially stable through sustainable tourism, and keep these important treasures from humankind’s past in our future,” said Morgan. “At current rates of destruction, there is at least one world heritage-class site lost each year in the Middle East, and we can’t afford to lose one more.”

Thirty leading Iraqi site directors and archaeological conservators will participate in an intense program of site management and planning workshops led by international experts in funding sources, technology and site management and planning. Participants from the Iraq Antiquities Department’s goal is to improve their own professional skills and to enhance their ability to acquire funding and expertise from international donor agencies.

Sites represented by Iraqi conservation leaders who will be attending the Iraq Heritage Congress in Petra include: Nineveh, Nimrud, Hatra, Ashur, Babylon, Samarra, Ukhaidhir, Ur, Aqar Quf, Ctesiphon, Tell Harmal and National Site Museums.

The primary emphasis of the workshops will be to complete drafts for site management plans for each participating Iraqi Heritage site. These plans will:

  * provide a framework to guide conservation of archaeological and cultural heritage sites in contexts to their urban and natural surroundings;
  * identify potential economic opportunities for sustainable tourism and private enterprise to support for long-term conservation;
  * form the basis for legislation and designation of protected national parks, monuments or preserves;
  * provide guidance in conservation work and archaeological research and exploration.

Global Heritage Fund is working with Iraq’s Minister of Culture and State Board of Antiquities to develop state-of-the-art, comprehensive site management plans for Iraq’s most endangered world heritage sites. GHF hopes to accelerate funding for protection and preservation of these ancient treasures by helping directly in the development of world-class site management plans based on the Burra Charter developed by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. The conservancy’s goal is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

The role of the Global Heritage Fund is to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. To view GHF’s Master Conservation Planning Guidelines, see:

GHF Master Conservation Planning Guidelines
http://ghn.globalheritagefund.org/uploads/library/doc_413.pdf

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts are the organization’s Leaders in Conservation, the Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists and foundations committed to preserving and protecting these one-of-a-kind archaeological sites and ancient buildings.

About The World Bank
The World Bank Group’s mission is to fight poverty and improve the living standards of people in the developing world. It is a development Bank that provides loans, policy advice, technical assistance and knowledge sharing services to low and middle income countries to reduce poverty. The Bank promotes growth to create jobs and to empower poor people to take advantage of these opportunities.

The Bank’s lending and advisory services continued to grow, focusing on work at the country level and reflecting the Bank’s focus on its corporate and global public goods priorities. It provided debt relief to some of the world’s poorest nations and extended this relief to countries emerging from conflict. The Bank’s knowledge sharing activities continued to expand, leading to participatory activities with governments, nongovernmental organizations, private sector representatives, and donor government colleagues.

Global Heritage Fund and Asia Society Bring Together Leading Conservationists and International Dignitaries at "Saving Asia's Treasures" Showcasing Conservation of Endangered World Heritage Sites in Asia

May 11, 2004

 

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GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND AND ASIA SOCIETY BRING TOGETHER LEADING CONSERVATIONISTS AND INTERNATIONAL DIGNITARIES AT “SAVING ASIA’S TREASURES” SHOWCASING CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN ASIA

Keynote Addresses by the Director of UNESCO World Heritage Asia Pacific and His Royal Highness, the Maharaja of Jodhpur

Palo Alto, CA (May 11th, 2004)—Global Heritage Fund (GHF), the leading international conservancy preserving endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries, and The Asia Society of Northern California will jointly host over 400 philanthropists, as well as foundation and business leaders from around the world to address conservation efforts to save the last remaining endangered cultural world heritage sites in Asia.

Saving Asia’s Treasures will be held at the Chong-Moon Lee Asian Art Museum of San Francisco on Wednesday, May 19. Invited attendees will learn about the progress being made in conservation, and how people in the San Francisco and the United States can make a direct impact to save these treasures of humankind while providing economic opportunities for the developing world.

Event presenters will spotlight the advancements being made by GHF and its partners to protect 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Asia. These include Foguang Monestary, the oldest wooden building in China Tang Dynasty (9th century); Hampi Vijayanagara Kingdom site in Karnataka (14th-16th century), India; and My Son Sanctuary of the Champa Kingdom (BC300 – 12th century AD), the only remaining major archaeological site
in Vietnam.

The GHF Advisory Board has selected approximately 50 world heritage sites in China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Nepal, Burma and Bhutan that are at risk – many in serious risk- of being lost due to neglect, uncontrolled development and outright destruction. GHF is at the forefront of securing permanent protection for a select few of these magnificent treasures.

“Today we have the experience and understanding to reverse the devastation of these sites, create new opportunities for developing countries to become financially stable, and keep these 50 important treasures from humankind’s past in our future,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of the GHF. “At current rates of destruction, there are at least two major sites lost each year. Bam, Bamiyan, Bantaey Chmar and others were lost in just the first three years of this century. We can’t afford to lose one more.”

After GHF’s founding in 2001, Draper Richards Foundation awarded the Global Heritage Fund its coveted Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurship, a three-year Fellowship which has enabled GHF to rapidly expand its innovative ‘Adopt-A-Site program matching U.S. donors with world-class conservation projects at endangered ancient world heritage sites in Asia, the Middle East, South and Central America and Africa humankind’s Cradles of Civilization.

“GHF has developed into a major force in cultural heritage preservation since we made our early Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurship two years ago,” said Bill Draper, venture capitalist, international philanthropist, former UNDP Administrator and President of the Import-Export Bank. “GHF’s conservation leadership offers a great opportunity for developing countries to create a sustainable future for their people, save their own heritage and share these amazing Cradles of Civilization with the world.”

At the very heart of GHF’s conservation efforts are the organization’s Leaders in Conservation, the Advisory Board, and Trustees for Global Heritage, a distinguished network of philanthropists committed to rebuilding and protecting these one-of-a-kind archaeological sites and ancient buildings. GHF will recognize six leaders by presenting the conservancy’s first Global Conservation Awards at the event.

Keynote addresses will include the Director of UNESCO World Heritage Asia Pacific Dr. Richard Engelhardt and His Royal Highness the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Global Heritage Fund will present Global Conservation Awards to Rand Castile, Director Emeritus of the Asian Art Museum and Global Heritage Fund Advisor; Bill Draper, former UNDP Administrator and GHF Trustee; Dr. Richard Engelhardt and Rose Nui, Director of The Nature Conservancy.

GHF works closely with leading international foundations, travel companies, associations, business leaders and governments to help developing countries without conservation resources and expertise to protect their UNESCO World Heritage sites. Together with GHF, these partners play a key role in harnessing the economic power of cultural tourism and sustainable economic development in Asia, E. Europe, Turkey and Central Asia, Central and South America and the Middle East.

Saving Asia’s Treasures- GHF Projects and 2004 Nominations

China
Foguang Temple, Shanxi (900AD)
Lijiang Ancient Town, Yunnan (1000AD)

Laos
Wat Phu Khmer Temples (1200AD)

Vietnam
My Son Sanctuary (BC300)

Cambodia
Phnom Penh Ceramics Conservation Lab (BC2000)

India
Hampi Vijayanagara Kingdom, Karnataka (1400AD)
Lothal Indus Valley, Gujarat (BC4000)
Konark Sun Temple, Orissa (1200AD)

Pakistan
Asif Khan / Jahangir Complex, Lahore (1400AD)

Turkey
Kars Heritage, Eastern Frontier (800AD)

About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund is the leading international conservancy preserving endangered world heritage sites in developing countries. The conservancy’s goal is to enable successful, long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new opportunities for economic growth. The role of the Global Heritage Fund is to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provide early matching grants and training, build local institutions and promote sustainable tourism development to further permanent protection for global cultural treasures. Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit international conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

About Asia Society of Northern California
The Asia Society seeks to promote Americans’ understanding of Asia and Asian American issues through increased dialogue and exposure to the people, cultures and systems of the Asia Pacific region. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in New York, the Asia Society has nine offices around the globe. Drawing on its strength as one of the nation’s pre-eminent educational and networking links between Americans and Asians, the Society strives to offer fresh perspectives on the forces and issues that are shaping Asia’s relations with California, the United States and the rest of the world.

Peru's First Lady Graces GHF Lima Reception to Raise Urgently Needed Funding and Awareness for Chavín de Huántar

January 29, 2004

 

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Peru’s First Lady Graces GHF Lima Reception to Raise Urgently Needed Funding and Awareness for Chavín de Huántar

January 29th, 2004 - The First Lady of Peru Dra. Eliane Karp de Toledo joined the Director General of the National Institute of Culture, Dr. John Rick of Stanford University, Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of the Global Heritage Fund and over 250 people to celebrate the 3,000 years history of GHF Project Chavín de Huántar and the site’s future potential for sustainable development and conservation in the remote Ancash province, one of the poorest regions of Peru. A new Chavín Gallery was also dedicated in the National Museum of Anthropology and History.

GHF Project Chavín de Hauntar is a critically endangered archaeological site representing the earliest civilization of Peru- the Chavín Horizon. This magnificent site with over 1.5 kilometers of underground galleries and eight major monuments around a central plaza is bringing deep insight into the earliest development of human societal organization and power. This early society controlled and influenced an area from Chile to Ecuador not through military power, but a deeply spiritual and artistic culture. Archaeologists have never found an arrowhead, spear or other evidence of military control, yet Chavín is often referred to as the mother civilization of Peru, 2,000 years before the Inca.

GHF is working with the Peruvian government, Stanford University and INDERCHAP, a local NGO to scientifically conserve and restore the site of Chavín, develop sustainable tourism, provide security and conservation for over 600 Chavín priceless artifacts in preparation for a new national on-site museum, and to reverse the destruction and neglect suffered by this ancient UNESCO World Heritage site throughout modern history.

About Global Heritage Fund
The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

Please direct media inquiries to:
GHF Press (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (650) 325 7520

 

GHF Receives $100,000 from Grand Circle Foundation and UNESCO World Heritage for the Conservation of My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam

January 18, 2004

 

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GHF Receives $100,000 from Grand Circle Foundation and UNESCO World Heritage for the Conservation of My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam

January 18th, 2004 -  My Son Sanctuary lost fifty of its seventy-six magnificent Champa Kingdom (400BD –1600AD) temples, including its main sanctuary, in one week during the Vietnam War. My Son, the only major archaeological site in Vietnam, represents the longest living civilization in Southeast Asia and its unique carved brick temples are without parallel for there beauty and sophistication, earning it UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1999.

Under the Grand Circle Foundation grant, GHF and its partners Lerici Foundation and Vietnamese archaeologists will scientifically conserve and restore the Group E and Group G temples of My Son Sanctuary, as well as provide a pilot program for World Heritage Education in the schools of Quang Nam and Hue provinces to increase local knowledge and appreciation for Vietnam’s long and rich history.

About Global Heritage Fund

The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

Please direct media inquiries to:
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GHF Mission to Shanxi Province Provides Support for the Derelict Foguang Temple

January 06, 2004

 

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GHF Mission to Shanxi Province Provides Support for the Derelict Foguang Temple

January 6th, 2004 - Global Heritage Fund’s Shanxi mission identified two major ancient wooden monuments from the Tang Dynasty for conservation support and GHF is currently planning to provide funding and expertise for the investigation, planning and scientific conservation of the 1,200-year old Foguang Temple at Wutai Mountain, the most important remaining wooden architectural jewels of Chinese civilization of the Tang Dynasty, a tribute to the peak of Buddhist art and architecture from the 9th century AD.

GHF is working with Shanxi Province’s Cultural Relics Bureau on a 2004 investigation and planning for conservation requirements of Foguang Temple, which has not been repaired or conserved since the 17th century. Extensive structure damage from falling rocks, rotting roofing, beams and pillars and to the most exquisite Tang Dynasty architecture and sculptures is threatening to damage the last of two remaining and oldest wooden architectural wonders of the Tang Dynasty.

Recent looting in 2002 of Foguang’s sister Nanchang Temple where thieves sawed off the head of the oldest and most priceless Buddha in China has raised the need for heightened security and national and international attention.

About Global Heritage Fund
The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

Please direct media inquiries to:
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GHF Lijiang Conservation Trust Completes Forty Ancient Restorations of Authentic Naxi Heritage Residents and Achieves Government Approvals for New Master Conservation Plan

January 01, 2004

 

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GHF Lijiang Conservation Trust Completes Forty Ancient Restorations of Authentic Naxi Heritage Residents and Achieves Government Approvals for New Master Conservation Plan

An innovative Private-Community-Government Partnership with Lijiang Ancient Town Management Committee, UNESCO World Heritage Centre Asia Pacific, and Shanghai TongJi Urban Planning and Design Institute January 28th, 2004. Lijiang, China.

January 28, 2004, Lijiang, China - Global Heritage Fund completed authentic restorations of the first forty (40) ancient Naxi residences, the majority designated under official heritage protection, a successful beginning to completion of two hundred of the most endangered historic buildings in Lijiang Ancient Town. By providing historic restoration subsidies in partnership with the Chinese government, GHF has reversed the exodus of low-income and poverty-level families from the 1,000-year old ancient town, and begun a new chapter in renewal through historic preservation throughout Lijiang, severely impacted by the effects of mass tourism and unplanned construction and urbanization which threatens to wipe out the last remaining living Ancient Town in Asia.

GHF began its conservation effort with Mr. Nian Ji Wei, the newly appointed Director of the Ancient Town Management Committee, to develop Lijiang’s first world-class Master Conservation Plan (MCP), completed with the support of Shanghai Tongji University in 2003. Based on this approved master plan by UNESCO and the Chinese Government, GHF began an accelerated effort to reverse the destruction of Lijiang through:

  1. Authentic restoration of over 200 ancient Naxi residences in partnership with each local community committee

  2. Implementation of the master plan to eliminate over 400 newly constructed modern buildings within the Core and Protected Areas, create three new ‘Gateways’ for tourism into the Ancient Town and enforce building regulations in the Core and throughout the Buffer Areas

  3. Providing subsidies for education and community development of the traditional culture, language, art and music of the Naxi people.

About Global Heritage Fund

The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

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Goldman Fund Awards Major Grant to Global Heritage Fund Project Aiming to Help Save the Cradle of Maya Civilization

October 30, 2003

 

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Goldman Fund Awards Major Grant to Global Heritage Fund Project Aiming to Help Save the Cradle of Maya Civilization

Innovative Approach Links Archaeology and Conservation and Community-based Economic Development to protect 525,000 Acres of Unique Tropical Biosphere and Wildlife Habitat in the Maya Biosphere

September 1st, 2003, Palo Alto, California – The Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund announced today it would award Global Heritage Fund (GHF) and the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) a generous catalyst grant of $315,000 to support a breakthrough approach to large-scale environmental protection. Linking archaeological preservation with conservation and economic development, the GHF/FARES project seeks to create an ecologically sustainable and economically viable preserve in the Mirador Basin, the heart of Central America’s last major rainforest and home to the largest concentration of religious and civic buildings in the ancient Maya World.

“This novel approach is our best hope to protect one of the last remaining rainforests for the future, and preserve one of the world’s extraordinary civilizations from the past,” said Richard Gamble, Executive Director of the Goldman Fund. “Our foundation is thrilled to make the first major contribution. We think this project is an innovative, realistic and wise investment.”

In the last decade, logging, slash and burn agriculture, poaching and uncontrolled settlement in the wake of Guatemala’s civil war has left intact only 36% of the Maya Biosphere Reserve where the Mirador Basin is located. Containing the largest contiguous area of roadless wilderness, the Basin’s 600,000 acres of forest, pristine river, lakes swamps and flooding savannahs are home to over 40 threatened wildlife species, 200 native and migratory birds, 300 species of trees and 2,000 different flora. It is one of the largest jaguar habitats in the world.

The Basin is also home to what is believed to be the Cradle of Maya Civilization, where the largest Mayan city and the two largest pyramids in the Americas are located.

Recognizing that ecological and archaeological devastation is swift, permanent and irreversible, GHF and FARES are working in partnership with the Guatemalan government and private and community groups to gain permanent protection for the Mirador Basin, while at the same time igniting a major new economic force for Guatemala, of the same scale as Tikal National Park, which today generates over $200 million in tourism revenues for this impoverished country.

The Goldman grant will establish the first-ever professional Park Service, an 84-person team of park rangers and visitor services personnel for law enforcement, administration, nature, wildlife and archaeological conservation.

Designed to become both economically and environmentally viable, the project will provide jobs for the indigenous neighbor communities of the Basin. In the first year, local community members will participate in both on-the-job and classroom training, while working with trained professionals from Tikal National Park and the U.S. Department of the Interior. In addition, there are plans for two Park and Visitor Centers inside the Mirador Basin.

The Mirador Basin Park Service is a joint program with the Guatemalan government, Tikal National Park and FARES. New funding will support travel expenses for eight U.S. Department of the Interior directors and program leaders. U.S. Department of the Interior International Programs under the Department of the Interior is providing personnel for approved programs. “We expect Mirador Basin to generate over 1,200 new jobs for the people of the Peten, Guatemala in the next five years, a major boost for the local economy which is today based solely on logging, looting, poaching of wildlife and subsistence agriculture,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund, “while at the same time saving forever some of the most important biosphere, wildlife habitat and archaeological sites of the Maya world.”

The Mirador Basin project is the subject of several documentaries (National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, 60 Minutes, ABC 20/20), as well as over twenty articles in popular publications such as National Geographic, the New York Times, Scientific American, and others. Global Heritage Fund has established a private-public ‘Mirador Basin Trust’ to provide an accountable and effective long-term funding solution through revenues from visitors, private donors, international banks and government donor agencies to enable continued operations of the Park Services after GHF, FARES and Goldman Fund monies are no longer available.

About Global Heritage Fund

Global Heritage Fund’s is a non-profit, international conservancy for preserving mankind’s most important cultural heritage sites in developing countries. Our timely investments, global network of experts, and Preservation by Design methodology work together to create a ‘cycle of success’ for Global Heritage sites which have high potential for sustainable preservation, tourism and economic development. See http://www.globalheritagefund.org.

About Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies

The Foundation for Anthropological Research & Environmental Studies (FARES) is a non-profit institution conducting scientific research on ancient societies and their environments for conservation, development and education. The research project in the Mirador Basin has invested over $3 million over the past 10 years in environmental and archaeological research in the Mirador Basin, including excavation and conservation of fourteen major archaeological sites, and has published of over 180 scientific articles on archaeology and the environment in Mirador Basin. http://www.miradorbasin.com.

About the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund

Founded in 1951, the Richard & Rhoda Goldman Fund is a private, charitable, family foundation that takes risks and acts boldly to heal the world with new thinking and results. The Fund rewards innovation and leadership, courage and creativity in the fields of the environment, Jewish affairs and human services. http://www.goldmanfund.org.

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Global Heritage Fund and FARES are Establishing a Break-Through 525,820-acre Road-less Wilderness, Wildlife and Archaeological Park - Mirador Basin National Monument, Guatemala

April 30, 2003

 

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Global Heritage Fund and FARES are Establishing a
Break-Through 525,820-acre Road-less Wilderness, Wildlife and Archaeological Park - Mirador Basin National Monument, Guatemala

GHF Partners in Conservation Saving the Cradle of Maya Civilization

Palo Alto April 30, 2003 -  Mirador Basin National Monument (MBNM), in the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, is a break-through economic and conservation model for large-scale permanent nature and heritage protection. MBNM encompasses 2,156 square kilometers (525,820 acres) of pristine tropical rainforest surrounding the oldest and largest Maya pyramids, city and temple complexes in the Americas.

In an effort to permanently protect this last major intact and road-less tropical eco-system in Central America, Global Heritage Fund (GHF) and FARES, the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies, are funding and organizing political support for establishing the Mirador Basin National Monument in the northern Peten, Guatemala. GHF and FARES have organized advocacy trips to Guatemala and Washington D.C., gaining support of U.S. and Guatemalan government agencies and regional banks, including the US Department of the Interior, as well as major nature conservation groups.

MBNM is modeled on the nearby successful Tikal National Park, and will become the most important archaeological site, tourist destination and engine for economic development in Guatemala. In April 2002, President Alfonso Portillo signed a Presidential Accord (Acuerdo Gubernativo # 129-2002) giving Mirador Basin formal designation as a Special Protected Area for its rich archaeology and pristine biosphere.

Based on raising sufficient financial and political support, pending Guatemala congressional legislation will permanently establish Mirador Basin as a 525,820 acre National Monument to create a world-class natural wilderness, wildlife and archaeological park. It is expected that UNESCO will subsequently define Mirador Basin as a World Heritage area.

Global Heritage Fund’s goal is to provide long-term sustainable economies for the local ‘gateway’ communities based on the rapidly growing cultural and eco-tourism in Guatemala. Sustainable tourism has proven a potent force for economic development by providing employment for guides, wardens, park services, hotel and transportation providers, research and conservation teams.

“The virgin rainforest and monumental ancient Maya architecture of the Mirador Basin struck GHF and our Advisory Board as a once in a lifetime opportunity” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of Global Heritage Fund. “GHF funding is focused on expediting the creation of a permanently national park and take advantage of the newly-established Special Protected Area status signed in law by President Accord. GHF’s focus is on high-priority monument conservation within the Mirador Basin, master conservation planning, as well as training a professional park service to stem the looting, poaching and destruction of this Cradle of Maya Civilization.”

The Mirador Basin Conservation Trust is a U.S. financing institution established for management, auditing and quality assessment for long-term conservation. Thus far, GHF has provided over $150,000 in funding for the conservation of La Florida and two major temples at El Mirador, and is actively co-developing a Conservation Infrastructure Plan in conjunction with FARES. Upon completion, the Conservation Infrastructure Plan will be a roadmap for future efforts by the local communities, conservation groups, regional banks and the Guatemalan government for long-term permanent protection. GHF funding will provide expert training and support for creation of a world-class Park Service including visitor services, law enforcement, and park design and planning.

In 2002, GHF made significant progress by supporting the development of conservation methods for the unique Pre-Classic Maya sites, wilderness design, park services and enforcement of looting and nature. Conservation efforts so far have been focused on La Florida in the El Mirador complex, the most popular site within MBNM and its core structures. Over the past two years GHF provided employment and training for sixty (60) local Maya and Guatemalan conservation workers, and three Guatemalan archaeologists.

“As Global Heritage Fund grows over the coming years, it will become one of the most important international conservancies for preservation of the cultural heritage, the environment and bring tremendous economic and training opportunities for communities in developing countries”, said Dr. Richard Hansen, Project Director MBNM. “GHF is a unique concept in that it has tremendous potential given the diminishing resources available. I have no doubt that GHF will meet this initiative with great success. GHF has the means through its rigorous project selection process and thoughtful donors to provide the world with a legacy for generations to come.”

GHF is committed to continue its support for various projects throughout the Mirador Basin over the next three years. The Conservation Infrastructure Plan will guide funding for nature conservation including research and biodiversity field surveys, assessments and monitoring of forests, wildlife and natural communities identification for Mirador Basin’s protected areas and ecosystems. The plan also addresses issues that need to be coordinated with locals regarding reforestation, forest management and fire prevention.

About Global Heritage Fund

The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

Draper Richards Foundation Awards Global Heritage Fund Three Year Fellowship

April 30, 2003

 

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Draper Richards Foundation Awards Global Heritage Fund Three Year Fellowship

Palo Alto April 30, 2003 - The Draper Richards Foundation has awarded the Global Heritage Fund (GHF) its coveted Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurship, a three-year, $300,000 Fellowship enables GHF to expand its innovative ‘Adopt-A-Site program matching U.S. donors with world-class conservation projects at endangered ancient world heritage sites in Asia, the Middle East, South and Central America and Africa humankind’s Cradles of Civilization.

In addition to mobilizing a multi-million dollar global philanthropy campaign to save endangered world heritage sites in developing countries, the Draper Richards Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurship will help GHF develop regional Conservation Leadership Institutes (CLIs) for training GHF Leaders in Conservation and world heritage site conservation teams in he latest science and conservation techniques. This support also enables GHF to expands its Global Heritage Network (GHN) of experts and technology (GIS, satellite imagery, mapping, materials science, planning, knowledge sharing) for GHF Leaders in Conservation in the field.

“We are extremely pleased to receive the Draper Richards Fellowship to expand our Adopt-A-Site program and Conservation Leadership Institutes in GHF’s Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, Middle East and African regions”, said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of the Global Heritage Fund. “The Draper Richards Foundation team has been very supportive of international development. Earlier in his career as United Nations Development Program Administrator, Bill Draper was involved in the early funding of conservation for Angkor Wat in Cambodia and knows what an asset world heritage sites can be when they are protected”. Following his responsibilities for the United Nation Development Program, Mr. Draper joined Robin Donohoe in launching Draper International, an international venture fund.

“We were impressed not only with the Global Heritage Fund’s excellent conservation work, but also with Jeff Morgan and his team’s incredibly strong administrative skills. Global Heritage Fund’s unique Preservation by Design strategy and impressive Advisory Board are key to its success,” said Jenny Shilling, Executive Director, Draper Richards Foundation. “GHF’s partnership with conservation experts and local organizations has proven successful in countries like China, Ukraine and Guatemala.”

GHF and Draper Richards have jointly set three-year milestones for the development of GHF and its global conservation programs, and will work together on strategic growth and organizational issues.

About Draper Richards Foundation

The Draper Richards Foundation (http://www.draperrichards.org) provides fellowships to outstanding social entrepreneurs. The Foundation selects new organizations that demonstrate innovative and highly leveraged ways to solve existing social problems. The Foundation seeks organizations that are or plan to be national or global in scope. The Foundation was founded by venture capitalists William H. Draper III and Robin Richards Donohoe.

About Global Heritage Fund

The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

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GHF Press (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (650) 325 7520

Global Heritage Fund Creates a New Model for Heritage Conservation in the People Republic of China (PRC)

April 26, 2003

 

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Global Heritage Fund Creates a New Model for Heritage Conservation in the People Republic of China (PRC)

Showing the Power of Master Conservation Planning and Conservation Trust of Lijiang Ancient Town, Yunnan China

Palo Alto, March 26, 2003 - Global Heritage Fund (GHF) has created a new public - private model for international heritage conservation in China. This unique model using an innovative Conservation Trust combined with government-approved Master Conservation Planning (MCP), has shown proven success in preservation and authentic restoration of the traditional Naxi architecture in the Ancient Town of Lijiang, Yunnan province, reversing over 10 years of destruction and neglect for this UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the heart of the Northern Yunnan province in Southwest China, near the borders of Myanmar and Tibet is one of the last surviving ancient towns in China, Lijiang. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Lijiang’s Naxi people have preserved much of their native Dongba culture and live in houses that are built according to traditional Naxi architecture. The town’s unique architecture, streetscapes, canals and waterways, in combination with the people and their distinct culture give Lijiang its ‘universal value to mankind’.

The Ancient Town of Lijiang is at risk of losing the last remnants of its ancient heritage and culture due to its recent popularity and growth in tourism. New construction is strangling the ancient town while many of the ancient residences have been abandoned because of the prohibitive cost of authentic restoration.

“As in many developing countries, communities consider construction and development a step forward for tourist and economic development. Unfortunately, more often than not, rapid development and unplanned growth has a negative impact on the local population and puts the future at risk, said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director Global Heritage Fund. “In the case of Lijiang Ancient Town, the last ‘living’ ancient city in China, an exodus of centuries old families and residents from the ancient town coupled with unchecked new concrete and industrial construction is destroying Lijiang”.

In 2002 GHF started to lead conservation efforts in the People’s Republic of China based on the newly developed model for heritage conservation. UNESCO Asia Pacific and GHF created a joint partnership with the Lijiang Ancient Town Committee for the development of the first Master Conservation Plan (MCP). The Master Conservation Plan, Lijiang’s first comprehensive roadmap for conservation was developed with the technical support of Shanghai Tongxi University. The MCP addresses permanent protection for the Core and Protected areas and provides detailed guidelines for zoning, land use, construction, preservation and authentic restoration of Lijiang’s traditional Naxi architecture. In accordance with recommendations from the MCP as well as advocacy of GHF and UNESCO Asia Pacific, Lijiang has recently demolished 14 newly constructed cement block high-rise buildings that were built directly in front of the North Entrance of town.

GHF has established a matching Preservation Incentive Fund (PIF) to help multiply resources needed for the residential preservation. The PIF provides micro loans and grants for low-income and poverty level residents to assist them in undertaking the costly preservation and authentic restoration of their homes.

GHF lead the initiative to create the first public and privately funded Lijiang Trust for Conservation. The Conservation Trust is now channeling private sector support for conservation and restoration of primary structures and streetscapes within the Ancient Town Core Conservation Area. “We closed 2002 with the wonderful milestone of distributing funds to the first group of Lijiang homeowners, that has resulted in the preservation of 14 ancient residences. An additional 32 residences are planned for restoration in 2003”, said Jeff Morgan. “All GHF funding will continue to be matched by the Lijiang Ancient Town Committee for up to 200 ancient residences and GHF is working to involve all community stakeholders in the planning process for the future of Lijiang”.

About Global Heritage Fund

The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.

Lijiang, China Working with Global Heritage Fund and Southeast University to Develop Master Conservation Plan for the Ancient Town of Lijiang and Surrounding Areas

April 01, 2002

 

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Lijiang, China Working with Global Heritage Fund and Southeast University to Develop Master Conservation Plan for the Ancient Town of Lijiang and Surrounding Areas.

Lijiang Selects New Director for Ancient Town Management Committee

April, 2002 - Global Heritage Fund is providing matching funding for development of a Master Conservation Plan for GHF is providing matching funding and expertise in partnership with the Lijiang Ancient Town Management Committee, its Directors, the Vice Governor and UNESCO to develop the town’s first Master Conservation Plan. The new MCP provides a new blueprint for urban design, preservation and native community development for the coming decades. GHF is providing world-class urban planning and GIS experts in this 1000-year old Naxi community and is working to involve all stakeholders in the planning process for the future of Lijiang.

In a move to greatly upgrade the level of management and capabilities to plan and professionally develop and preserve the Ancient Town of Lijiang, the County of Lijiang appointed Mr. Nian Jiwei as the new Director. Mr. Nian recently led design and construction of the new International Airport at Lijiang and has extensive experience in development and conservation.

GHF is providing matching funding and expertise in partnership with the Lijiang Ancient Town Management Committee, its Directors, the Vice Governor and UNESCO to develop the town’s first Master Conservation Plan. The new MCP provides a new blueprint for urban design, preservation and native community development for the coming decades. GHF is providing world-class urban planning and GIS experts in this 1000-year old Naxi community and is working to involve all stakeholders in the planning process for the future of Lijiang.

About Global Heritage Fund

The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasure