First European Forum of World Heritage Site Managers. April 23 Part 2 ENG

More than 500 UNESCO World Heritage Sites document Europe’s cultural and natural heritage. Architectural monuments, urban ensembles, industrial, archaeological and natural sites, cultural landscapes… they all bear witness to the history of our continent.

Aware of the importance and representativeness of Europe in relation to the UNESCO World Heritage List, the European Network of World Heritage Associations was created in 2015 as a meeting place for associations and similar initiatives to regularly exchange information and experiences on World Heritage.

This forum is organised by the Alliance of Cultural Landscapes and Related World Heritage Sites, an association that brings together sites from Spain, Portugal and Andorra, in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Culture, the Patronato de la Alhambra and the European Network of World Heritage Site Associations.

The forum will provide both a theoretical framework and a platform for heritage managers to share practical experiences—both successes and challenges—on key topics. Discussions will focus on five major themes identified in recent international reports and declarations: the role and mandate of site managers, climate change challenges, sustainable tourism opportunities, management best and worst practices, and communication strategies. Each theme will be explored in dedicated working sessions, allowing participants to exchange insights and develop collaborative solutions.

As an outcome of the forum, European Site Managers, supported by coordinators and raconteurs, will compile a document reflecting their concerns, visions, and proposed solutions on these topics. This collective effort aims to enhance heritage management across Europe, fostering stronger collaboration, better protection strategies, and increased public awareness of World Heritage sites.