The State of Global Heritage Report 2016

On 18 April 2016 (World Heritage Day), Fiona Reynolds, Chairman of INTO, launched our new report into The State of Global Heritage

Supporters of Din l’Art Helwa (National Trust of Malta) seeking to raise awareness of heritage issues amongst the islands politicians

She says in her introduction to the Report: “Global heritage is under threat. I recently asked the 66 INTO member organisations that constitute the worldwide National Trust movement what they saw as the greatest threat to heritage. I expected climate change, war and conflict, bad planning or even tourism to be their response. But there was one resounding and clear answer from them – apathy on behalf of both governments and people.

INTO member organisations are the canaries in the coal mine. From Fiji to South Korea and Canada to Uganda, our local National Trusts defend some of the world’s most special places. They are the ones who can see every day and at first hand the effects of these threats.

The danger is clear. Unless we act and work towards significantly changing public and official attitudes to heritage, then by 2025, largely through neglect and apathy, we risk letting a large proportion of our built and natural heritage disappear.

This report is a first step – and a call to action – towards increasing awareness of the social, spiritual and economic value of heritage sites across the globe. We need to come together as a sector and commit to a 2025 strategy that will both highlight the benefits of a thriving heritage sector and look at innovative ways to help countries and territories tackle threats on the ground.

Supporters of Fondo Ambiente Italiano (the Italian National Trust) queue up to visit heritage sites during FAI’s Spring Days programme

I believe that with international support, local empowerment and joined up working we can make a difference. Beauty, identity, cultural heritage, nature, landscapes – these are the things that make us human. Our organisations stand for these things that bring joy to millions of people. The more people share these values, the more chance there is that protecting our heritage will become integral to our global society’s future.”

You can read the full Report here.

Read the Press Release here.

And Fiona’s speech is here.