The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites Regional Workshop for Europe 30 September – 2 October 2018, Palermo (Italy) Thematic Session 2: Interpretation of heritage and educational services. “The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The ideas and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization”

1. Regional Workshop for Europe
30 September-2 October 2018, Palermo (Italy)
With the support of: Within the framework of:

2. Thematic Session 2
Interpretation of Heritage and
Educational Services
Chair: Matteo Rosati
Officer-in-Charge, Culture Unit, UNESCO Regional Bureau for
Science and Culture in Europe
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)

3. Framework – Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
Presentation of heritage, communication and education are
basic responsibilities
for all kinds of UNESCO designations

4. Framework – Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
World Heritage properties
 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972)
 Duties of State Parties include the presentation and transmission to future generations of the
heritage situated in their territories (art. 4)
 Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the 1972 Convention
 Intangible dimensions of heritage play a role in property management;
 Management systems should foster positive learning environments;
 Presentation of heritage as a way to develop a shared understanding of the property by all
stakeholders
 2022 World Heritage Strategic Action Plan
 Importance of communication to increase public awareness, involvement and support for WH

5. Biosphere Reserves
 3 inter‐connected functions: conservation, development and logistic support  sites of excellence
for knowledge generation, including through demonstration projects, education, training, and
capacity enhancement
UNESCO Global Geoparks
 Visibility as a key objective to promote sustainable local economic development through geotourism
and to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society (e.g. the sustainable use
of natural resources, the effects of climate change, the reduction of natural disasters‐related risks)
 Need to produce information materials and to develop activities for dissemination with the aim to
explore, develop and celebrate the links between goelogical heritage and all other aspects of the
area’s natural and cultural heritage
Framework – Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)

6. Framework – Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
Interpretation: full range of potential activities intended to heighten public awareness and enhance
understanding of the complexities of heritage sites.
Presentation: denotes the carefully planned communication of interpretive content through the
arrangement of interpretive information and infrastructure at a heritage site, aimed at different
objectives:
 Facilitate understanding and appreciation of heritage
 Foster public awareness and engagement in heritage protection, preservation and conservation
 Communicate heritage values to a range of audiences
 Safeguard the tangible and intangible values, protecting them from the adverse impact of (i.a.)
inaccurate or inappropriate interpretation
 Better integrating the sites in their broader cultural, social, environmental, and economic
environment
 Encourage inclusiveness in the definition and communication of local heritage values, by facilitating
the involvement of stakeholders

7. Framework – Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
Rapidly changing framework, influenced by:
‐ massive increase of tourism,
‐ evolution of communication media and ICTs,
‐ economic, social, demographic and environmental transformations
How can visitor centres improve the interpretation,
presentation and communication of heritage,
with respect to external and internal stakeholders,
including through educational activities?

8. Proposed issues for discussion:
• When presenting heritage, how to link the hallmark of the “initial recognition” to
the broader site context?
• How to propose a shared narrative, based on participatory and inclusive approaches
and encompassing different perceptions of values and viewpoints?
• How to satisfy the expectations, needs and capacities of different target audiences?
• What is the role of interpretation and outreach within the management system and
overall performance of a site?
• How to align the interpretation and presentation of sites with UNESCO’s mission and
core values, namely with the contribution to the building of peace, the eradication
of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue?
Framework – Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)