Ireland to Host Conference of National Trusts
An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, and the International National Trusts Organization (INTO) announced that the 13th International Conference of National Trusts will be held in Dublin on Sept. 13 - 17.
The theme for the conference is "Heritage of the World in Trust: Conservation in a Changing Climate." More than 300 representatives from heritage trust organizations around the world are expected in addition to climate change experts, conservationists and academics.
Unveiling the conference program, An Taisce's recently inaugurated Honorary President, Professor John Sweeney, said, 'Protecting our heritage—comprising our buildings, landscapes and native species—requires all citizens to take part in acts of conservation. By this, we mean taking small steps like retro-fitting older buildings; holidaying at home, or spending a morning helping to clean up a beach.
'The conference program will look at examples of best practice of citizen involvement in conservation. A particular focus will be on ensuring that the next generation becomes a champion of conservation."
Simon R. Molesworth, chairman of INTO, said: "Many of us believe that National Trusts can set the standards for sustainable property custodianship, ensuring we have a neutral carbon footprint: we can be responsible exemplars in a world facing great change. How we respond to this new world order will vary from country to country as climate change manifests itself in differing ways around the globe."
INTO is a network of National Trusts and similar organizations from around the world, united by their common interest in the conservation and enjoyment of our shared heritage—built and natural, tangible and intangible.
Delegates will consider economic, social and political as well as environmental change. Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said "We need to help people to recalibrate their values."
Over the course of the five-day conference, which will be held in Dublin Castle, delegates will discuss topics ranging from how we look after historic sites in light of challenges caused by climate change to sustainable tourism and energy efficiency. Community participation in conservation and engaging the public through social networking are also featured on the conference program.
For more information, go to http://www.internationaltrusts.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/icnt13_leaflet1.pdf.