Group Training Course for Young Professionals on Cultural Heritage Protection in the Asia-Pacific Region 2018

1. Organizers

Investigation, Preservation and Management of Archaeological Sites

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

2. Background

In the Asia-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 19th 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.

3. Dates and Venue

Dates: 4 September (Tue) – 4 October (Thu), 2018

Venue: ACCU Nara Office (Nara Pref. Nara General Office, 757 Horen-cho, Nara, Japan) and related research institutions, etc.

4. 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 experience in the field and to build heritage protection networks in the region.

5. Training Curriculum

  • Lectures
    • Global trends in the preservation of archaeological sites
    • Cultural property protection system in Japan
    • Introduction to conservation science
    • Research methodology of archaeological sites
  • Workshops
    • Recording and documentation of artefacts (measured drawing, photography)
    • Conservation science of artefacts
  • On-site Studies
    • Museums and World Heritage Sites
    • Preservation, management and use of archaeological sites
    • Community engagement for cultural heritage protection
  • Presentations and Discussions
    • Country report presentations on current issues/challenges of archaeological preservation in each country
    • Final presentation on the results of the training programme
    • Summary and evaluation of the training programme

6. Working Language

English

7. Eligible Participants

The training course is offered to candidates nominated by the following 42 signatory countries to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention from the Asia-Pacific Region:

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.

Endorsement by the UNESCO National Commission is required for application.

Participants should be:

  1. cultural heritage young professionals who have been engaged in the preservation or management work of archaeological sites for 5 to 10 years and who can make effective use of the outcome of the training course upon returning to their respective countries;
  2. those who have a good command of English, as participants will be asked to deliver presentations and write reports in English;
  3. those who can attend the entire training programme;
  4. those who are in good health and able to participate in the training programme;
  5. those who submit all of the required documents (listed below) by the stated deadlines;
  6. those who will most likely continue to exchange information and interact with ACCU after returning to their home countries;
  7. those who have not participated in the ACCU group training course under the theme ‘archaeology’.

8. Application

Those interested in attending the course are invited to send the application form together with the following documents by email or mail to the contact address below before 10 June (Sun) 2018.

The required documents are as follows:

Please attach a copy of the passport, if the applicant has a valid passport at the time of application. This is not necessary if the applicant has yet to obtain a passport.

  • Report relating to the applicant’s achievements/involvement in archaeological heritage preservation. It will weigh heavily in the selection of participants.This report should be written by the applicant and should comprise:
    • the reason for applying;
    • a brief summary of the applicant’s work related to the archaeological heritage preservation;
    • a future plan to use and develop the outcome of the training course in the applicant’s country.
  • Letter of recommendation from NATCOM
  • Letter of recommendation from the head of the organization to which the applicant belongs (Form 2)
  • Document indicating English proficiency

If the applicant has such a document, it can serve as a reference for the screening. There is no need to attach such an item if the applicant does not have one at present.

Only complete applications with all necessary documents are eligible for consideration.

Detailed information and application documents are here

9. Notification of Screening Results

After consideration in consultation with the partner organizers, ACCU Nara will select 16 people (one participant per nation, in principle) from among all applicants. We will inform successful candidates and each National Commission for UNESCO of the result in late July.

10. Certificate of Completion

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

11. Expenses

ACCU Nara will cover expenses during the training course as follows:

  1. Travel expenses:
    Participants (except those from Australia, Brunei, New Zealand, Republic of Korea and Singapore) shall be provided with economy class return air tickets from the international airport nearest their residence to Kansai International Airport, and transportation fees between Kansai International Airport and their hotel in Nara (Hotel Fujita Nara: 47-1 Shimosanjo-cho, Nara City, Nara).
  2. Living expenses:
    Participants shall in principle be provided the basic living expenses incurred during the training course, i.e., from 3 September (Mon) to 5 October (Fri) 2018, according to ACCU Nara’s regulations. Arrangements for accommodation (a room for single occupancy) during the training course will be made by ACCU Nara. In case a participant needs accommodation on the way to and/or from Japan for any unavoidable reason (such as visa application or limited flight connections), ACCU Nara will cover the accommodation expenses.
  3. Others:
    Participants shall be responsible for visa application fees and domestic travel expenses in their respective countries.

12. Secretariat

Cultural Heritage Protection Cooperation Office,
Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU Nara)
Nara Pref. Nara General Office,
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