Heritage conservation has got a fresh boost. In an attempt to carry forward conservation of heritage and cultures of people around the world, an international forum will be set up where noted conservation specialists can meet to build partnerships and exchange ideas. The forum, termed International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), will comprise representatives of 53 countries across the globe. According to sources, conservation of heritage structures in the Capital is a priority.
The announcement was made during the 12th International Conference of National Trusts held in Delhi, which will be officially inaugurated by PM Manmohan Singh on Monday. Officials said this was the first time that the conference was being held in the sub-continent. INTO will be launched by Vice-President Hamid Ansari and its charter will be signed, thereafter, by many assembled delegates who represent national trusts across the world.
SK Misra, chairman, INTACH who is organising the event said: "Interaction with specialists on an international level will help promoting awareness for heritage conservation." Misra cited the examples of nations like Sri Lanka and Russia who didn't have a national trust but are setting up one now following the example laid out by other countries like India.
"Encouraging exchange programme will help in lending expertise to developing nations. We will also seek outside help for funding," said David Brown, executive vice president, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, USA. There are a total of 10 committee members for INTO. These include representatives from Australia, USA, Malta, Slovakia, Netherlands, Bermuda, UK, Canada, Scotland and India. The overall theme for the New Delhi conference is heritage and development. Said an official: "If conservation is to succeed, it must for beyond a narrow focus to deal with broader issues such as poverty alleviation. The conservation of heritage and culture of people across the world is an important global issue today, an issue which embraces equally our natural heritage, our built heritage and its art forms alongwith the traditional knowledge systems like folklore, music and dance." All the participating national trusts offer an alternative structure to the local government in the field of heritage conservation.
Source: The Times of India
