The UNESCO World Heritage Training and Research Center for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHITRAP) is a non-profit organization that specializes in world heritage research and training. It is the first category 2 institute under the auspices of UNESCO established in the Global South. The secretariat is currently located in Shanghai, with three sub-centers in Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou.
ORGANIZATION
WHITRAP (Beijing) serves under the direction of both Peking University and the Secretariat of the National Commission for UNESCO in China. WHITRAP(Beijing) underwent an organization restructuring, and starting July 2019, the School of Archaeology and Museology of Peking University is responsible for its operation and management, under the supervision of Peking University.
The first category 2 institute under the auspices of UNESCO specializing in heritage conservation in Global South
Serves the States parties that adhere to the World Heritage Convention and other UNESCO member states in the Asia and the Pacific region
Lead by Peking University, operate by the School of Archaeology and Museology
FUNCTIONS
Peking University has a wide range of disciplines. For those concerning natural heritage, the relevant disciplines include biology, geology, geography and landscape studies. For those concerning cultural heritage, the relevant disciplines include archaeology, cultural relics architecture, conservation science and landscape studies. With Peking University as its foundational entity, WHITRAP (Beijing) is mainly responsible for the protection, management, research and training of natural heritage, archaeological sites and cultural landscapes.
WHITRAP (Beijing) fully respects the interdisciplinary characteristics of heritage studies, and with strong academic and professional support from Peking University, it focuses on the advancement of the World Heritage Convention and its Operational Guidelines. Through training and education, research and practice, exchange and cooperation, and information and communication, WHITRAP (Beijing) aims to further contribute to the training and research of World Heritage protection in the Asia and the Pacific region.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
WHITRAP(Beijing) organizes heritage investigation and conservation workshops, supports cultural heritage lectures, recruits and cultivates interns, actively spreads awareness and knowledge of world heritage protection, and provides relevant education and training opportunities.
Heritage Tourism Joint Workshop
International Workshop on urban and rural cultural heritage protection and development in Pingyao, Shanxi
2020 Huangguoshu Tunpu Survey and Cultural Heritage Protection Joint Workshop
2021 Dali Cultural Heritage Protection Joint Workshop online courses
International talent Seminar on world heritage and nature reserves
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
With Peking University as its academic foundation, WHITRAP (Beijing) undertakes research and evaluation of world heritage nominations from all parts of China, and participates extensively in various expert seminars and advisory meetings for world heritage nominations.
World Heritage Value Study of Huangguoshu Tunpu
World Heritage Value Study of Baiheliang Inscription
EXCHANGE AND COOPERATION
WHITRAP(Beijing) actively expands its external network and has established diverse cooperative relationships with international organizations, universities, museums and research institutions,etc., in the field of heritage protection in the Asia and the Pacific region.
Support the OUR WORLD HERITAGE program
University Network of Heritage in the Asia and the Pacific region
Organized the side panel "World Heritage Education towards a Sustainable Future" of the 44th Session of the World Heritage Committee
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
Since 2020, WHITRAP(Beijing) has cooperated with Beijing Prominion Publishing Co., Ltd. and the School of Archaeology and Museology of Peking University to jointly produce the journal “Study on Natural and Cultural Heritage".
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