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Nantucket hosts landmark training on Climate Action for Sustainable Built Heritage

Nantucket hosts landmark training on Climate Action for Sustainable Built Heritage

After four weeks of dedicated research, the International Training Course on Climate Action for Sustainable Built Heritage Conservation and Management has come to a close.

International Training Course (ITC) on Climate Action for Sustainable Built Heritage Conservation and Management, Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) in collaboration with ICCROM, Integrated Conservation Resources (ICR-ICC) 

Background and Objectives of the Course

ITC ICCROM Course

The 2024 International Training Course on Climate Action for Sustainable Built Heritage Conservation and Management will use the knowledge gained during the 2023 internship programme hosted in conjunction with ICCROM, the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA), Integrated Conservation Resources (ICR-ICC), and the University of Pennsylvania. Located off the Eastern coast of Massachusetts, participants used the island of Nantucket as an interactive case-study to conduct research and produce a risk analysis on the impacts of climate change for four of the island’s notable historic sites. The coastal island is heavily impacted by climate change, specifically rising temperatures and sea levels, which contribute to soil erosion and flooding from worsening pluvial events such as heavy rains and hurricanes. 

This year’s ITC will focus on capacity building for professionals from heritage, landscape and environment sectors. Participants will learn tools and methodologies for assessing and managing heritage sites impacted by increasing climate risks. On-site training will be centred around the ongoing activities on Nantucket. Participants will learn about the challenges and good practices in the area. Lectures will cover core competencies for climate risk assessments for built heritage and strategies for mitigation, adaptation and monitoring, as well as the integration of climate risk in heritage preservation and current governance. 

The main objectives include: 

  • To build the capacity of mid-career professionals from heritage and environmental fields to assess climate risks to built heritage.
  • To develop appropriate monitoring, mitigation and adaptation strategies at site level as part of conservation and management practice.
  • To build an international network of heritage professionals skilled in climate action for built heritage.  

At the conclusion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion. 

Methodology

This year’s course will be conducted on-site, with the island of Nantucket serving as an open-air laboratory. The course will include thematic lectures, hand-on workshops, site visits and field work throughout the four weeks on-site. Participants will present their work during the final presentation at the conclusion of the course. 

Participants

The participants will be made up of a maximum of 10 mid-career professionals from all parts of the world working in the fields of heritage, disaster risk management and the climate sector. 

Course Fee

Free

Travel, Accommodation and Living Expenses

Participants will be responsible for their own round-trip travel costs to and from Nantucket. Accommodation will be arranged by the organizers. 

Application Requirements

Please use the online course application form.

In order to finalize your application, the following digital files will be required when completing the online form:

  1. Portrait photo (allowed formats: pdf doc docx jpg jpeg png tif tiff with a maximum file size of 5 MB)

  2. Official endorsement (allowed formats: pdf doc docx jpg jpeg png tif tiff with a maximum file size of 5 MB)

  3. Curriculum Vitae (allowed formats: pdf doc docx with a maximum file size of 5 MB)

  4. A brief report (3-5 pages) as indicated below:( allowed formats: pdf doc docx with a maximum file size of 5 MB)

Please share a case study about the impact of climate change on built heritage in your context. Please include a brief description, including location, nature of climate-related event, your level of involvement, and any key lessons learned.

Application Details

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by Friday, 30 August 2024 (5:59 AM – CET / 11:59 PM – EST)

Applications will be reviewed in the two weeks following the submission deadline. Interviews will be conducted for short-listed participants at that time. 

The selection process will prioritize diversity and inclusivity, ensuring representation from a wide range of backgrounds and regions. 

If you encounter any issues submitting your application or if you have any questions concerning the course, please email us at: ITC-Nantucket2024@iccrom.org