UNESCO Strengthens Fire Resilience for Heritage in the Era of Climate Change

The recent years have seen the rise in the frequency and intensity of fires. The vulnerability of heritage against fire is increasingly in the spotlight, raising alarm about the irreversible loss of cultural sites, biodiversity and traditional knowledge.

At the same time, culture can also play a major role in mitigating fire risks and building resilience. The UNESCO conference “Fire Resilience for Heritage in a Changing Climate” will bring together policymakers, heritage professionals, environmental experts and community leaders to examine the threats and the way forward.

The conference will mark the launch of the first global publication of its kind, “Fire Risk Management Guide for Cultural and Natural Heritage”. The UNESCO guide will serve as a valuable tool for stakeholders on fire prevention, mitigation and response strategies – featuring case studies as well as tips to adapt best practices.

Using the UNESCO publication as a guiding text, the two-day meeting will foster inter-sectoral cooperation, draw lessons from recent fire disasters and recoveries, and identify priority actions and concrete recommendations in reducing fire risk.

The conference will take place in Valparaíso in partnership with the Government of Chile.

Objectives

Better understand the impact and increasing threats of fire on cultural and natural heritage, exacerbated by climate change, as well as the challenges and gaps

Raise awareness on the urgent need to safeguard heritage in the context of increasing fire risks, but also its contributing role for in climate and disaster resilience

Foster policy coherence and cooperation between stakeholders of the culture, disaster and climate sectors
Better understand the challenges and gaps in preventing and mitigating fire risks for cultural and natural heritage

Identify priority actions and concrete recommendations for stakeholders in reducing fire risk and strengthening resilience