18 April 2023 | Heritage Changes
In 1982, ICOMOS established 18 April as the International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS), followed by UNESCO adoption during its 22nd General Conference. Each year, ICOMOS proposes a theme for activities to be organised by its members and partners – and anyone who wants to join in marking the Day.
This year’s IDMS features the following theme: HERITAGE CHANGES.
In keeping with the spirit of open, innovative, constructive intergenerational dialogue, and the strategic focus of ICOMOS Triennial Scientific Plan 2021-2024, as well as the 2020 ICOMOS resolution on Approaches to Cultural Heritage. the IDMS 2023 features the following theme: HERITAGE CHANGES.
The IDMS – 18 April 2023 provides a timely opportunity to showcase strategies demonstrating the full potential of heritage research and practices which deliver climate-resilient pathways, while advocating for inclusive transitions to low-carbon futures.
How can traditional knowledge inform innovative and transformative climate action?
- Consider the integration of traditional, historic building conservation, adaptive reuse, and/or energy efficiency of heritage buildings and landscapes;
- Feature innovative infrastructure development to showcase the ways in which traditional knowledge, practices and cultural heritage can be part of solutions;
- Capture traditional philosophy and rationale in dealing with the environment (both land and water) and the climate as manifested in built vernacular heritage and cultural landscapes.
ICOMOS Committees, members and all those wishing to celebrate the IDMS are warmly invited to showcase the myriad ways in which traditional knowledge is/can be employed to address climate change in transformative ways.
The theme of HERITAGE CHANGES offers the opportunity to respond to questions regarding learning about traditional ways of knowing and knowledge systems in relation to climate action, and how to use a cultural heritage focus to support equitable protection of vulnerable communities through climate action, while responding to the UN Decade of Action.
Get involved!
ICOMOS National Committees (NCs), International Scientific Committees (ISCs), Working Groups (WG), and Task Forces, and all those who wish to celebrate the Day, may refer to the following focus questions:
- How can cultural heritage conservation drive climate action?
- How do local and traditional knowledge systems contribute to developing viable climate adaptation measures?
- What actions are the ICOMOS National Committees, International Scientific Committees, Working Groups, and Task Forces taking in response to the increasing risks and impacts of climate change?
- How can local and traditional knowledge systems mitigate future climate change risks and impacts?
Event organisers are encouraged to address some of the SDGs (4, 6, 7, 9-15) as part of their holistic thinking of the role of heritage as a driver and enabler of sustainable development.
We encourage you to contact the organisers of events in your country, and you can share your content by writing to this address.
Potential formats for participation can include, but are not limited to:
- 1-2 minute (max) video submissions from each ICOMOS NC, ISC and WG, showcasing local and regional approaches towards generating climate action. The videos may be shared across ICOMOS Social Media Platforms or sent to the above mentioned email address. Make sure to include descriptions, quotes or facts to accompany any video, as well as hashtags.
- Photographic submission with captions to explain current approaches, changing narratives and goals for the future. In all cases, please make sure that you retain the rights to any image you plan on using.
- Organise Virtual Roundtables, Host Webinars, propose Workshops to reflect on the gaps in current theory and practice, engaging government agencies, industries, and invite others to join the discussion. Using Twitter threads, tell a story about your complex pasts to present more inclusive stories and to build diverse futures. Don’t forget to use images and hashtags!
Events, activities and other inputs will be shared on ICOMOS website, social media platforms and the annual reports of ICOMOS.
Promote the event
Relevant hashtags:
#18April #ICOMOS #HeritageChanges #heritage4climate #IDMS2023 #icomosIDMS2023
ICOMOS Social Media handles :
Facebook @ICOMOSinternational
Linkedin @icomos
Twitter @ICOMOS
Instagram @icomosofficial
YouTube @ICOMOSinternational
Relevant Social Media handles :
@icomosSDG2030
@climateheritage
N.B. The Thematic Abstract text was written by Board Member Stacy Vallis and members of CIAV, PRERICO, ICORP, OCD-RBA, EPWG, CAWG, SDGWG, along with the Indigenous Heritage WG, and ICOMOS Advisory Committee.