2017 ICNT in Bali, Indonesia

The 17th International Conference of National Trusts was jointly hosted by the Indonesian Heritage Trust/ Badan Pelestarian Pusaka Indonesia (BPPI), the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) and the Gianyar Regency.

Franklin Vagnone addressing the opening plenary, Bali 2017

The conference brought together 200 delegates from 31 countries representing the global heritage community.

INTO took the opportunity to launch its new resource ‘From Start-up to Sustainability: An INTO Handbook for Heritage Trusts‘.   Written by Dr June Taboroff (Cultural Resource Specialist) and Catherine Leonard (INTO Secretary-General), the Handbook demonstrates what is unique and special about the national trust approach, why they matter and what they can achieve in all parts of the world.

“The Handbook is an invaluable resource, full of great tips from across the INTO family both for people and groups thinking of establishing a trust, but also for existing organisations to be inspired by the activities of other INTO members.” Emily Drani, Executive Director, Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda

With the tagline “Our Cultural Heritage, the Key to Environmental Sustainability”, the 17^th International Conference of National Trusts (ICNT 17) 2017 brought together delegates from across the world to explore the connection between their cultural traditions and concerns for sustainable development. We shared experiences, both scientific and practical, on conservation towards a sustainable environment.

Delegates also had the opportunity to discuss topics ranging from ways to strengthen culture in a dynamic development process; to managing and promoting it across the world, and to including culture and heritage in development policies and programs. Delegates also examined the following specific issues:  the impact of economic development on cultural landscapes; the relationship between cultural rights and social development; issues of heritage preservation and poverty; disaster risk forecasting and management; and the impacts of climate change.

The full report is still being edited but INTO Farms kept a conference blog and a short summary by Catherine Leonard can be read here.

You can read our ICNT 2017 press release here.

The statement drawn up by BPPI in consultation with INTO, of which it is a member, presented in Bali is The Gianyar Declaration 2017.