National Trust for Historic Preservation and National Trusts Globally call for Protection of Heritage Sites as part of UN Conference of Climate Change Deliberations
International Conference of National Trusts Meeting in Dublin Endorses Declaration on Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Sustainable Development
Posted September 15, 2009 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
Washington, D.C. (September 15, 2009)— National Trust for Historic Preservation president Richard Moe and leaders of National Trust organizations from around the world yesterday endorsed a declaration asking world leaders to place the protection of our global heritage sites at the heart of the forthcoming UN Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change deliberations. The "Dublin Declaration" calls on world leaders to reach agreement on greenhouse gas reductions; promote policy frameworks at national and international levels that encourage investment in low carbon technologies; and support measures that protect heritage sites.
The declaration is the first of its kind and was discussed and endorsed at the International Conference of National Trusts, held this year in Dublin and sponsored by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland. The subject of the conference is "Sustainable Stewardship of the Built Environment", and its more than 200 conferees will focus on the theme: "Conservation in a Changing Climate."
Statement from Richard Moe:
Yesterday's endorsement of the Dublin Declaration on Climate Change by the International National Trusts Organization marks the first time that the world's heritage community has united to take decisive action on an issue of global importance.
INTO has sounded an alarm bell, reminding people everywhere that the world's natural and cultural heritage is imperiled by climate change. By urging governments to take strong actions to fight climate change, including reinvestment in existing communities, reuse of existing buildings and retrofits to increase energy efficiency, INTO has spotlighted the fact that wise stewardship of the built environment can – and must – play a key role in efforts to address the climate-change crisis and foster sustainable development.
I am enormously proud of the action taken by INTO, and I join my colleagues in the international preservation community in urging immediate and effective action to address the defining issue of our time – and to protect the heritage that enriches and inspires us all.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
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