The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is gearing up to host its much-anticipated 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium in Sydney August 31 - September 9. The overarching theme, "Heritage Changes," is a clarion call to examine the dynamic shifts shaping the 2020s and the pivotal role heritage plays in driving positive change and fostering a sustainable future. Find out more here.
It is our great pleasure to formally announce the appointment of Jane Powles as our CEO. Jane brings an impressive skill set, experience and background to the role, including executive leadership, policy development and advocacy in a range of for-purpose organisations. Jane comes with a strong passion for working collaboratively to drive change for a more just, equitable and sustainable world and is looking forward to supporting conservation efforts in the region.
After 2 years of teaching online, we are thrilled to once again be able to offer our field-based course on Applying the Conservation Standards.
From 12th -16th September 2022 we will be hosting conservation professionals from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific at the Katoomba Convention Centre for a 5 day intensive, collaborative learning experience in residence and in nature. Registrations of interest are now open, with enrolments closing at the end of July.
In late 2020, the Protected Areas Collaboration for Learning & Research (PAC) was established as a joint venture between the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute and the Tasmanian Land Conservancy. In 2021, The Nature Conservancy also joined the venture through a Memorandum of Understanding. A comprehensive update on the activities and initiatives of the PAC joint venture can be viewed here: https://www.bmwhi.org/protected-areas-collaboration
The Institute is pleased to support the release of the independent documentary ‘Mining the Blue Mountains’ by filmmaker James O’Connor, investigating mining pollution in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.
The film features Dr Ian Wright, a BMWHI research associate and WSU water scientist who has been studying pollution from mines and the related impact on waterways in the World Heritage Area for over ten years.
As we wrap up the year, I’d like to share with you our Annual Report where we reflected on a transformative year for the Institute. To assist us in delivering this mission we welcome two local experts in their field, Dr Lindsey Gray as Research Program Manager and Ms Julie Bishop in the role of Marketing and Communications Manager.
The Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute wholeheartedly supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including the call for a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution, Treaty, and Truth-telling.
We acknowledge and deeply respect First Nations people as the original Traditional Custodians of the land and waters of Australia, recognising their sovereignty that was never ceded. We believe that a Voice to Parliament is a vital step towards recognising this in our nation's founding document and our laws.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is gearing up to host its much-anticipated 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium in Sydney August 31 - September 9. The overarching theme, "Heritage Changes," is a clarion call to examine the dynamic shifts shaping the 2020s and the pivotal role heritage plays in driving positive change and fostering a sustainable future. Find out more here.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) and the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (BMWHI) are working on a shared research agenda designed to address the vulnerability of the site and focus on building ecosystem resilience in the face of multiple pressures such as Climate Change, Fire and Biodiversity Loss. This research agenda reflects a shared commitment to better manage, protect and promote the natural and cultural values of the Greater Blue Mountains through collaborative research that builds and integrates multiple knowledge bases and enables adaptive management. Find out more here.
The growing collaboration between NPWS, BMCC and the Institute aims to optimise existing and future efforts to protect, manage, and appreciate the GBMA, and to demonstrate impact through measurable outcomes based on protecting the Outstanding Universal Values. This includes focussing on current issues while anticipating future needs and threats. It also means setting up systems that drive reliable interagency engagement and innovation
This month's newsletter covers our community engagement efforts, plans for a collaborative research agenda, evidence-based positions on conservation, and an upcoming field trip for Master's students studying large-scale conservation in practice. Read our Newsletter here
