Cabinet approves proposal to sign agreement with UNESCO

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet today approved a proposal to sign an agreement with UNESCO for establishment of a Centre for World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia-Pacific region at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun as a category-2 centre of the UN body.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal for signing the pact which was mooted by the Environment Ministry and the Centre will provide capacity building support to countries in the region for upkeep of heritage and natural sites.

This is the first time that an existing institute will be accorded recognition by UNESCO. There are nine category 2 centres related to cultural heritage and the Centre at WII is the first for natural heritage.

"The centre will provide capacity building support to countries of the region for upkeep of heritage sites, including natural heritage sites and mixed (cultural and natural) heritage sites inscribed under the World Heritage Convention," sources said.

According to the UNESCO website, the body has designated 98 International and Regional Institutes and Centres as Category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO. Though not legally part of the organization, these institutes and centres are associated with UNESCO through formal arrangements approved by the General Conference. They are selected upon proposal by Member State(s).

After the establishment of the Centre in Dehradun, India will be uniquely placed to provide services for preparation and evaluation of proposals for new sites in Asia-Pacific region and training and capacity building on management and monitoring of heritage sites.

The step will also have a catalytic effect on improving management of heritage sites in the country.

India has 32 properties inscribed including seven natural sites which includes 39 serial sites in the Western Ghats, all parts of forest, sanctuaries and national parks.

The operationalising of the UNESCO C2C at WII would enable India to establish her leadership in the Asia-Pacific region, which comprises of around 50 countries, in matters relating to identification, management and monitoring of world heritage and to build capacity of a range of professionals and stakeholders.