Hangzhou, China | 19–23 May 2025 – A delegate from Timor-Leste joined 24 other international participants for the International Course on Impact Assessment in a World Heritage Context, organized by ICCROM and WHITR-AP under the auspices of UNESCO.
This immersive program aims to equip heritage professionals with practical skills to assess the potential impacts of development projects on World Heritage properties. Emphasizing the critical link between nature and culture, the course aligns with the latest UNESCO Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessment.
One of the course highlights was learning from China’s advanced legal framework for World Heritage management, exemplified by the Hangzhou West Lake Cultural Landscape. For Timor-Leste—who ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2017 and is preparing its first tentative list—China’s integrated national, provincial, and local protection system serves as a valuable model. Timor-Leste, while still developing a dedicated heritage law, already has solid foundations through Decree-Law No. 33/2017 and a strong Environmental Impact Assessment framework.
Field Experience: Values, Attributes & Impact
Participants explored core concepts like Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), heritage values, and attributes through classroom sessions and field visits. Our team developed a project titled “Upgrade of Marine Aquarium Renovation Project”, where we assessed hypothetical impacts on heritage values and proposed mitigation strategies.
The role-play exercise simulated real-life decision-making, with participants acting as stakeholders—from heritage managers to community members. This interactive method illuminated the complexity of balancing development with heritage conservation.
Screening, Scoping & Reporting
Later sessions explored key steps in the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) process, including screening, scoping, and Monitoring and Evaluation. We emphasized the importance of community engagement, Traditional Custodian input, and aligning assessments with legal and policy frameworks. Mapping of core zone (heritage property), buffer zone, wider setting, and attributes helped contextualize decision-making.
Final Presentations: From Evaluation to Reflection
The course concluded with group presentations and detailed feedback from international experts. These sessions underscored the need for proactive planning, robust impact mitigation, and alignment with heritage values. The experience was particularly beneficial for countries like Timor-Leste, where capacity-building and institutional strengthening are key to advancing World Heritage goals.
“This training deepened my understanding of the institutional, legal, and regulatory foundations needed for effective heritage management. The shared knowledge from diverse countries provided insights we can apply in Timor-Leste as we prepare for our future nominations.” — Joanita do Rego Soares
Timor-Leste’s participation in this course marks another important step in its commitment to safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, contributing to sustainable development and global collaboration in heritage conservation.
