Paradigm shift in World Heritage Sites management? Mid-term evaluation of the World Heritage Leadership Programme

Associated persons Michael Huber, Daniel Zollner, Lisa Wolf
Clients International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Partners Susanne Pecher Consulting
Year 2020

In collaboration with Susanne Pecher Consutling E.C.O. has been commissioned to carry out the mid-term review of the World Heritage Leadership Programme, initiated by IUCN and ICCROM. This includes a thorough document analysis, several workshops and key informant interviews with all institutions and experts involved in the Programme. The results of the evaluation serve the main donor of the Programme, the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, and the Programme Management as recommendations for the improvement of the Programme for the remaining period and to stimulate the discussion of a potential follow-up phase.. In 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), launched the World Heritage Leadership Programme (2016-2022) as an ambitious Capacity Building Programme for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. . In close cooperation with all Advisory Bodies of UNESCO and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Programme seeks to introduce a paradigm shift in the management of World Heritage Sites. It focuses on the promotion of a holistic management equally considering natural and cultural values as well as an increased involvement of communities. The Programme includes a wide range of activities such as trainings around the globe, the updating and development of guidance documents and manuals as well as the strengthening of a global network.