Heritage Education Network Belize participated in the ICOMOS Indigenous Heritage Discussion on Authenticity & Outstanding Universal Value

Today Heritage Education Network Belize participated in the Indigenous Heritage Discussion on Authenticity & Outstanding Universal Value by ICOMOS Canada.

“The ICOMOS Working Group on Indigenous heritage and ICOMOS Canada convened stakeholders internationally to explore guiding principles and prepare a Terms of Reference that will guide the ICOMOS working group on Indigenous heritage for the years to come.”

— ICOMOS CANADA: Indigenous Heritage Discussion on: Authenticity & Outstanding Universal Value, 19 January 2021

Themes included:

1. Heritage Authenticity

2. Outstanding Universal Heritage Value

3. How to reconcile different stakeholder values

Heritage Education Network Belize’s participation specifically focused on the concept of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ and the norms of highlighting places that are the 'first' or the 'best examples' of heritage. The discussion was dominated by ideas that many sites do not fit the set criteria for ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ and are therefore excluded despite the need for protection.

Other discussions included various topics about controversial concepts of heritage (tangible/intangible), community understanding and identity and heritage landscapes.