Plans are being formulated to execute a local public awareness campaign to focus on the role of Barbados on the World Heritage Committee and the nomination of Bridgetown as a World Heritage Site. ??

This comes against the backdrop of Barbados being represented at the 33rd Session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), World Heritage Committee, in Seville, Spain from June 22 to 30, 2009.

The four-member delegation is headed by Chairperson of the Barbados National Commission to UNESCO, Alissandra Cummins. World Heritage Committee Member and Director of the Natural Heritage Department, Steve Devonish; Barbados’ Permanent Ambassador in Brussels, Yvette Goddard and Senior Cultural Policy Officer in the Ministry of Community Development and Culture, Donna Greene, will also represent Barbados at the meeting.

This year’s conference will address the conservation, preservation and management of natural and cultural heritage sites throughout the world. During the convention, the Committee will also consider the requests for inscription of new sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage list and examine the state of conservation of venues already inscribed on the list.

There are a total of 186 signatories to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention while The World Heritage Committee consists of 21 countries.

Barbados is represented on the World Heritage Committee by Alissandra Cummins in the area of cultural heritage, while Steve Devonish represents natural heritage.

Under the guidance of the Barbados National Commission to UNESCO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development and Culture, Barbados is seeking to have Historic Bridgetown and The Garrison nominated as World Heritage Sites. These two locations have been identified as possessing outstanding universal value, authenticity and Integrity.

In addition to being a Committee Member, Barbados has also been asked to chair the World Heritage Committee’s finance meeting.

aalleyne@barbados.gov.bb

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