Upcoming Symposium

2021 Virtual International Symposium and Conference 

Preserving World Heritage in a Changing Climate

28-29 October, 1-5 pm EDT each day

Join us online to learn about and discuss the pressing issue of climate change at cultural heritage sites. Each day features a keynote presentation followed by thematic presentations and discussions. Sessions are introduced and moderated by US/ICOMOS President Douglas C. Comer, Ph.D., and Vice Chair Destry Jarvis.

Thursday 28 October, 1-5 pm EDT: Assessing and Managing Climate Change Impacts at World Heritage Sites

1 pm – Keynote Presentation: Remarks by Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Department of the Interior

2:30 pm – Session 1: Assessing Climate Change Impacts at World Heritage Sites

• • Dr. Patrick Gonzalez– Anthropogenic Climate Change and Solutions in U.S. World Heritage sites
  • Prof. William Megarry – Sites, Stories, Action: The Heritage on the Edge Project and Culture as an Asset for Climate Communication
  • Myrna Palfrey, Superintendent, San Juan National Historic Site – World Heritage Site Vulnerability to Climate Change: Steps Taken at San Juan National Historic and World Heritage Site
  • Prof. Charles Musiba – Anthropogenic Activities and Changing Landscape in Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Northern Tanzania

3:45 pm – Session 2: Managing Climate Change Effects at World Heritage Sites

• • Mercy Mbogelah – The Impacts of Climate Changes in Kilwa World Heritage Site, Tanzania
  • Evelyn Gaiser – Sea level rise, Restoration, and the Future of the Everglades
  • Dan Polhemus – The World Does Not Stand Still: Assessing the Effects of Climate Change in Papahanaumokuakea

Friday, 29 October, 1-5 pm EDT: Using Traditional Cultural Knowledge and Climate Justice to Mitigate Climate Change Effects at World Heritage Sites

1 pm – Keynote Presentation: Remarks by Jyoti Hosagrahar, Deputy Director, World Heritage Centre

2 pm, Session 3: Maintaining Traditional Cultural Practices and Properties for Indigenous Peoples Impacted by Climate Change at World Heritage Sites in the United States and Around the Globe

• • Shasta Gaughen, PhD.,  Chair of the Board of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO), THPO of the Pala Band of Mission Indians – Intangible: How Climate Change Affects Tribal Identity, Values, and Traditions
  • Karen Atkinson, former National Park Service Deputy Director, CEO of Tribal Strategies – What Scientists are Learning from Indigenous People
  • Rob Markham, Indigenous Knowledge Broker for the State of Environment, Australia – Indigenous Knowledge, Kinship and Fire Application in Climate Change Conservation

3:45 pm, Session 4: Public Education and Climate Justice for World Heritage Sites

• • Milward Simpson, Executive Director, National Association for Interpretation – Navigating the Narrative Divide – Challenges and Opportunities for Interpreting Climate Change on the World Stage
  • Cody Groat, Assistant Professor (Western University), President of the Indigenous Heritage Circle, Canada – Legislating Sacred Relationships: Indigenous Heritage, Cultural Landscapes and Climate Change
  • Marta Cruz Kelly, Assistant Director for Interpretation (retired), National Park Service – Making Conscious Connections
  • Krista Rogers, Corps Director, Conservation Legacy – Interns and Climate Change: Engaging the Future to Educate Communities