Group Training Course for Young Professionals on Cultural Heritage Protection in the Asia-Pacific Region 2021

Organizers

This course is jointly organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan (Bunkacho); the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU); the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM); and the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties [Tokyo and Nara], in cooperation with the Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage (JCIC-Heritage); and under the auspices of Japanese National Commission for UNESCO; Nara Prefectural Government; and Nara City Government.

Background

Investigation, Preservation, and Management of Archaeological Sites

In the Asia and Pacific region there are various forms of cultural heritage which are of great value from a global point of view. In order to safeguard this important cultural heritage for future generations, it is necessary to train heritage professionals for proper investigation, analysis, and preservation. ACCU Nara, in partnership with ICCROM and Bunkacho has been organizing training courses since 2000 on specific themes with a view to building the capacity of professionals involved with cultural heritage protection in the region. The curriculum of the 21st group training course is designed for young professionals and comprises comprehensive basic knowledge and techniques in the fields of investigation, preservation and management of archaeological sites.

Dates and Method

Dates: 1 September (Wed) – 30 September (Thu) 2021 [30 days]

  • Online lectures and discussions (1 – 22 September)
  • Preparation and submission of reports (23 – 30 September)

Method: Online (self-paced learning)

Objectives

The objectives of the training course are to provide participants with:

  • knowledge of the principles and methodologies for cultural heritage protection;
  • knowledge of skills-based techniques for the documentation and analysis of archaeological sites;
  • knowledge of skills-based techniques for the preservation and management of archaeological sites;
  • opportunities to share their knowledge of heritage protection based on their professional experiences in the field and to build heritage protection networks in the region.

Curriculum

Units

  1. Current Issues and Global Perspectives on Cultural Heritage Protection
  2. Cultural Heritage Protection System in Japan
  3. Research and Documentation of Archaeological Sites
  4. Management and Utilization of Archaeological Sites (Global perspective, the Case of Japan)

Contents

Lecture topics

  • Case studies on cultural heritage protection in the Asia-Pacific region
  • Global trends in the preservation of archaeological sites
  • Cultural heritage protection system in Japan
  • Research methods for archaeological features
  • Research methods for archaeological artefacts
  • Training reports 

Working Language

English

Eligible Participants

Investigation, Preservation, and Management of Archaeological Sites

Participants should be:

  • from the following 42 signatory countries to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in the Asia-Pacific region (the maximum number of participants being 15, one participant per nation, in principle).

Signatory countries

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao P.D.R., Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.

  • those who are able to organize a digital learning environment; (for details please see the Appendix)
  • those who are young professionals with 5-7 years of working experience in the preservation of archaeological sites and to be able to make effective use of the outcome of the training;
  • those who have a good command of English so that they can follow the lectures and write reports in English; 
  • those who are able to participate in the entire programme;
  • those who are able to submit all required documents listed below within the defined deadline;
  • those who will continue to interact and exchange information with the ACCU after the training course;
  • those who have not previously participated in any ACCU group training course including online course under theme of ‘archaeology’.

Application Requirements

  • Application form (Form 1) (Application guideline)
  • Letter of recommendation from the institution of the applicant (Form 2)
  • Short paper [2 pages] (Form 3) It will weigh heavily in the selection of participants.
    This paper should be written by the applicant and describe the following:
    • reasons for applying;
    • a brief summary of the applicant’s work related to the preservation of archaeological sites;
    • future plans to utilise and develop the learning outcome in the applicant’s country.
  • Certificate of English proficiency
    This can serve as a reference for the screening. There is no need to attach this if applicants do not have one at present.

Only complete applications with all necessary documents are eligible for consideration. It will be appreciated if the application sheet be sent in both Word and PDF formats. The organizer will reply to the applicant who sends the documents above directly to us. In case this confirmation of receipt fails to arrive within a week, please contact us immediately.

Notification of Screening Results

After consideration in consultation with the co-organizers, the organizer will select 15 people from among the applicants. We will inform successful candidates of the result in late July.

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants who satisfactorily attend all course activities and submit a final report.

Course Costs

There is no fee for participation. However, it is the responsibility of each participants to have the necessary computer or similar device, plus an Internet connection, suitable for online learning.

Secretariat

Cultural Heritage Protection Cooperation Office,
Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU Nara)
Nara Prefectural General Office 1F
757 Horen-cho, Nara 630-8113 JAPAN
Tel: +81-(0)742-20-5001  Fax: +81-(0)742-20-5701
E-mail: nara@accu.or.jp