The Square

July 24, 2009 - An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland and the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) have announced that the 13th International Conference of National Trusts will be held in Dublin from 13th - 17th September.

The theme for this global conference is ‘Heritage of the World in Trust: Conservation in a Changing Climate’.   It will be attended by over 300 representatives from heritage trust organisations around the world, in addition to climate change experts, conservationists and academics. A declaration will emerge from the conference which will - it is envisaged - be of significant import to the forthcoming UN Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change.

Unveiling the conference programme, An Taisce’s recently inaugurated Honorary President, Professor John Sweeney, said, ‘Protecting our heritage - comprising our buildings, landscapes and native species - requires all citizens to take part in acts of conservation. By this, we mean taking small steps like retro-fitting older buildings; holidaying at home, or spending a morning helping to clean up a beach.

‘The conference programme will look at examples of best practice of citizen involvement in conservation.  A particular focus will be on ensuring that the next generation becomes a champion of conservation.’

Simon R. Molesworth, Chairman of INTO, said ‘National Trusts, with their worldwide portfolio of properties and their commitment to involving people in conservation, share the responsibility of maintaining our global heritage (natural and built) for future generations.

‘Many of us believe that National Trusts can set the standards for sustainable property custodianship, ensuring we have a neutral carbon footprint: we can be responsible exemplars in a world facing great change. How we respond to this new world order will vary from country to country as climate change manifests itself in differing ways around the globe.’

INTO is a network of National Trusts and similar organisations from around the world, united by their common interest in the conservation and enjoyment of our shared heritage - built and natural, tangible and intangible.   For thirty years they have been coming together at the biennial International Conference of National Trusts in a spirit of comradeship to share experience, build partnerships and seek solutions to common problems.

Delegates will consider economic, social and political as well as environmental change.   Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said ‘The current economic crisis offers challenges but also opportunities for the heritage movement.  We need, collectively, to encourage everyone to think differently about their relationship with the natural and built environment, and to help build a more sustainable future.  In effect, we need to help people to recalibrate their values.’

Over the course of the five-day conference, which will be held in Dublin Castle, delegates will discuss topics ranging from how we look after historic sites in light of challenges caused by climate change to sustainable tourism and energy efficiency.  Community participation in conservation and engaging the public through social networking will also feature on the conference programme.

Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States and a featured speaker at the Dublin conference, said ‘Historic preservation and heritage conservation should be an important component of any effort to promote sustainable development. The conservation and improvement of our existing built resources, including re-use of historic and older buildings, greening the existing building stock, and reinvestment in older and historic communities, is crucial to combating climate change. We look forward to working together in Dublin with our fellow National Trusts from around the globe on this pivotal issue facing the citizens of the world.’

Mr Molesworth added ‘We have much to learn from each other and the opportunity to participate in the international exchange of experience and ideas which INTO offers through both membership and attendance at the 13th International Conference of National Trusts is our shared responsibility.   Collectively by the sharing of knowledge, National Trusts can assist each other to do their job better by preparing for the future.’

Papers will be delivered by representatives of the worldwide National Trust movement alongside world experts on climate change - an A to Z of heritage trusts, from Australia, Bangladesh and China, through Italy, Jersey and Korea to Taiwan, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Nobel laureate Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri and Professor John Sweeney will address the conference on the importance of conservation in climate change strategies.  Dr. Mary Robinson, Director of Realising Rights, will deliver a paper on the impact of climate change on human rights; Richard Moe, President of the US National Trust for Historic Preservation will deliver a paper on conserving and improving our existing built resources to combat climate change; while Dame Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the UK National Trust, will present on how the current economic climate offers challenges and opportunities for the heritage movement.  The conference will be officially opened by the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley TD.