The World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHITR-AP) is a Category Il Centre under the auspices of UNESCO, Established in 2008, it is the first international organization in the field of World Heritage to be headquartered in a developing country.Mandated by the State Parties to the World Heritage Convention and other UNESCO Member States, WHITR-AP advances the conservation and sustainable development of World Heritage across the Asia-Pacific region.
WHITR-AP comprises three branches-Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou-each with a distinct focus:
WHITR-AP Shanghai (hosted by Tongji University) Dedicated to conserving cultural heritage, including the sustainable development of ancient towns and villages, architectural sites and complexes, and cultural landscapes.
WHITR-AP Beijing (hosted by Peking University) Responsible for natural heritage conservation, archaeological excavation,and the management of cultural landscapes.
WHITR-AP Suzhou (hosted by Suzhou Municipal Government) Specializes in training for conservation and restoration techniques of ancient architecture, alongside World Heritage youth education.
The Members of the Board are composed of the representatives fromthe following organizations:
·World Heritage Centre (WHC)
·National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO National Culture Heritage Administration
·National Forestry and Grassland Administration
·Tsinghua University
·Peking University
·Tongji University
·Suzhou Municipal Government, Jiangsu Province, China
·International Center for Space Technology of Natural and Cultural Heritage under the Auspices of UNESCO (HIST)
·Representative of a State Member of the World Heritage Committee
·Observers: ICCROM, ICOMOS, IUCN
Mission
To further the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in the Asia and the Pacific region through training, research and practice cooperation and exchange, editing and publishing, dissemination and promotion, increase ability of all those professionals and bodies involved with World Heritage site nomination, conservation, and management in the region.
