About the Committee

Since 1975, Canadians have had a leadership role in influencing international theory and practice. They have participated in site missions, emergency response initiatives, recovery projects, and evaluation of World Heritage nominations. ICOMOS Canada’s Advisory Committee on World Heritage Sites is a Standing Committee that is accountable to the Board of Directors of ICOMOS Canada. ICOMOS Canada experts on World Heritage have all directly contributed to the work of ICOMOS on World Heritage. They have extensive experience working with the concepts of the World Heritage Convention, especially OUV, and will provide expert insight into their interpretation.

The objectives of the Committee is to:
  • Provide information and support for Canadian institutions and/or citizens with an interest in World Heritage, especially those with an interest in inscribed sites or proposed sites for the tentative list;
  • Respond to information requests from the ICOMOS Secretariat on State of Conservation reports, Nomination files, or any other matters related to World Heritage; and
  • Support ICOMOS Canada (Executive Committee, Board of Directors and membership) in its decisions regarding World Heritage matters, and for the elaboration of any document related to World Heritage.
The Committee will accomplishes these objectives by:
  • Providing information and support for Canadian institutions and/or citizens with an interest in World Heritage, especially those with an interest in inscribed sites or proposed sites for the tentative list;
  • Responding to information requests from the ICOMOS Secretariat on State of Conservation reports, Nomination files, or any other matters related to World Heritage; and
  • Supporting ICOMOS Canada (Executive Committee, Board of Directors and membership) in its decisions regarding World Heritage matters, and for the elaboration of any document related to World Heritage.

Offerings

Whether considering a submission to Canada’s Tentative List or preparing a World Heritage nomination, ICOMOS Canada offers a personalized discussion that will provide the context and general direction to translate local significance into potential OUV. Some of the points discussed include:

  • The definition of OUV, integrity and authenticity;
  • General considerations for stakeholder relations;
  • The importance of management; and,
  • Highlights of the World Heritage nomination process.
Limitations and disclaimer:
  • The experts will not offer advice or emit opinions on the validity of a particular project.
  • Some of the experts are involved in projects that are vying for World Heritage status. As such, care will be taken to match experts with projects to avoid perceived conflicts of interest.
  • ICOMOS Canada is an impartial non governmental organization with a role in the evaluation and condition monitoring of sites. We take that responsibility seriously and as such we will not provide advice, review a proposal, or endorse a project in a way that might affect the perception of impartiality.

For more information, please contact the Secretariat at [email protected]