Australia ICOMOS discussion paper: “Guidelines for managing cultural heritage in disasters” In recognition of the vital importance of protecting our heritage in the face of natural and human-made disasters, particularly with the increased threats inherent in global warming, the Executive Committee called for interested Australia ICOMOS members to help prepare disaster management guidelines for heritage places. The starting point was the Draft Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Places Damaged by the January 2003 Bushfires in South East Australia, prepared shortly after the event by a group of Canberra-based members. A small committee was formed in 2009, tasked with preparing guidelines that could be used by heritage professionals and tradespeople, government agencies, community organisations, and place owners and managers. The scope was expanded from bushfires to a wide range of disasters, and the geographic range widened to all of Australia. As a first step, the committee has written a discussion paper (see links below), which is presented as very preliminary set of draft guidelines. It is informed by their individual expertise on the topic of disaster management, a survey of Australian and international literature, as well as input from heritage professionals with direct disaster response experience. The draft is divided into a general section applicable to all types of disasters at Australian heritage places, and sections that more specifically address those types: when and where to expect them, what pitfalls to expect in each case, and how best to mitigate the damage that might arise. It includes an annotated bibliography pointing readers to sources of further information. At this point in the process, we would like to ask Australia ICOMOS members to comment on the discussion paper. Please keep in mind that this document is more a starting point than an end result. We remain equally conscious that disaster management is more than a set of written guidelines and anticipate that such guidelines will be but one tool in a much broader set of approaches. This feedback will inform the next steps: the discussion paper will be revised and then distilled into succinct guidelines that can be usefully applied in disaster preparation and management. The current flood devastation in large areas of Queensland and Victoria provides an additional imperative to finalise our document. How can you respond? There are a number of options: Add a comment directly onto this blog Send your comments in an email to the Secretariat or directly to Natica Schmeder (our project co-ordinator) Insert comments into the discussion paper using the “track changes” facility (a Word version of the document is provided for this avenue). If using this method, please ensure that you add only your name to the end of the existing file name when saving it, and/or before sending it to us. We ask that you please provide comments by 18 February. If you have any queries, please contact either the Secretariat or Natica. Thank you for your input. Dr Jane Harrington President, Australia ICOMOS Click on the links below to download the discussion paper. Australia ICOMOS Guidelines for Managing Cultural Heritage in Disasters – Discussion Paper_November 2010 (Word version) Australia ICOMOS Guidelines for Managing Cultural Heritage in Disasters – Discussion Paper_November 2010 (PDF)