World Heritage Action Plan for the Pacific

Overview and objectives

Summary:

In the framework of the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage, and with the aim to identify, protect, present and transmit this heritage to future…

In the framework of the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage, and with the aim to identify, protect, present and transmit this heritage to future generations, this activity focuses on developing the Pacific Regional Action Plan for World Heritage (2021-2025). To this end it is envisaged that national assessments will be carried out to identify the specific needs and opportunities presented in each country context in relation to the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. In addition, the Action Plan will draw from the results of the 3rd Cycle of Periodic Reporting on the Convention that has been carried out in the Pacific between October 2020 and June 2021. And finally, a desk review on status of implementation of the Pacific Regional Action Plan for World Heritage (2016-2020) will be completed drawing from lessons learned and highlighting positive case studies.
The aim of the previous Pacific World Heritage Action Plan 2016 – 2020 was set out as (i) to increase community, national, regional and global awareness of the heritage of the Pacific nations and the contribution of Pacific Island and Ocean heritage to sustainable development; (ii) to strengthen the foundation for sustainable implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in the Pacific states and territories; and (iii) to build global recognition and support for conservation of the unique heritage of the Pacific through increasing representation of the heritage of the Pacific region on the World Heritage List. With the same objectives, the new Action Plan will also aim to provide a practical road map in achieving these goals. In order to create a document with objectives that are relevant and feasible, national consultations will be held by a small team of experts. This team of experts will conduct a review of the status of implementation of the World Heritage Convention in the 15 Pacific SIDS, review the results of the recent 3rd Cycle of Periodic Reporting, and assess the progress in relation to the previous Pacific Regional Action Plan for World Heritage (2016-2020). Based on this a suggested national action plan will be developed for each of the 15 Pacific SIDS. In the case of Pacific SIDS that have not yet ratified the Convention, the action plan will support this process. These national action plans will be compiled to form the Pacific Regional Strategy for World Heritage.
Following the consultation phase, a virtual regional

Objective:

- Identify, in consultation with the UNESCO Culture Programme Specialist in Apia, and mobilize a small team of experts with expertise in natural and cultural heritage, previous experience working in…

- Identify, in consultation with the UNESCO Culture Programme Specialist in Apia, and mobilize a small team of experts with expertise in natural and cultural heritage, previous experience working in the Pacific, and well versed in the notions and processes of the World Heritage Convention;
- Develop a work plan that will include consultations with all of the 15 Pacific SIDS including those that have not ratified the Convention;
- Review the results of the 3rd Cycle of Periodic Reporting on the Convention that has been carried out in the Pacific between October 2020 and June 2021.
- Complete an assessment on the status of implementation of the Pacific Regional Action Plan for World Heritage (2016-2020);
- Draft national action plans in accordance with the results of the above, include lessons learned and highlight positive case studies when applicable;
- Develop the Draft Regional Action Plan for World Heritage based on the national requirements but also in line with global and regional development documents such as the Strategic Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, the SAMOA Pathway, etc;
- Plan and moderate a virtual regional workshop for the validation of the Action Plan;
- Develop two short web-articles (400 words) on the process and key achievements.