International ICOMOS Conference ‘Protecting delta’s: heritage helps!’ in Amsterdam

ICOMOS Netherlands convened the conference ‘Protecting delta’s: heritage helps!’ from 23-28 September in Amsterdam, to contribute towards safe and sustainable communities in delta regions. More than 100 water, heritage and planning experts from over 20 countries answered the call to share innovative strategies on heritage protection and water management, to build and promote linkages within and between communities, and to identify opportunities to collaborate for mutual benefits.

Europa Nostra was represented by Council member Laurie Neale. She called for an increased appreciation of traditional heritage skills and technologies by the official scientific and engineering communities, as these tested solutions can be superior to newer ones for tackling the challenges of climate change and consequent water management.

Following the conference, it was issued ‘The Statement of Amsterdam’. This declaration was officially presented by the President of ICOMOS Netherlands, Diederik Six, in the Meeting of the Scientific Committee of ICOMOS on 10 October in Costa Rica.