How the World Heritage Youth Ambassadors are Preserving the World’s Treasures
As the world becomes more modernized and urbanized, the need to preserve cultural and natural heritage has become more imperative. Our planet is home to irreplaceable treasures, from historic sites and monuments to unique landscapes and natural wonders.
The World Heritage Youth Ambassador Program (WHYAP) was established to educate and empower young people to become advocates for the protection and preservation of these treasures. WHYAP is a joint initiative of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Panasonic Corporation, and it aims to create a global network of young people committed to safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
The program trains young people to become ambassadors for their local heritage sites and encourages them to become involved in local conservation efforts. WHYAP also provides a platform for young people to share their ideas and experiences with other youth ambassadors from around the world, creating a network of young people passionate about heritage preservation.
One of the key objectives of WHYAP is to raise awareness about the importance of world heritage sites and the role young people can play in their preservation. Through a variety of initiatives, including workshops, seminars, and events, WHYAP helps young people understand the value of cultural and natural heritage and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
The program has been successful in raising awareness about heritage preservation among young people. In 2018, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Panasonic Corporation launched a survey of the first-generation youth ambassadors around the world to assess the impact of WHYAP on their lives. The results showed that 84% of youth ambassadors reported an increase in their knowledge of cultural and natural heritage, while 77% said that they felt empowered to advocate for heritage preservation in their communities.
One of the key success stories of WHYAP has been the creation of a youth-led project to preserve the Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches in Ethiopia. The Lalibela Churches are a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of 11 monolithic churches carved out of solid rock in the 12th century. One of the youth ambassadors from Ethiopia, Betelhem, initiated the project to create a virtual reality model of the churches to help raise awareness of their historical and cultural significance.
Through the WHYAP network, Betelhem was able to connect with other youth ambassadors from around the world and receive support and guidance to turn her idea into a reality. Today, the virtual reality model of the Lalibela Churches is available for people all over the world to experience and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia.
In conclusion, the World Heritage Youth Ambassador Program is an essential initiative that empowers young people to become advocates for preserving cultural and natural heritage. Through education, advocacy, and action, the program is creating a global network of passionate and informed young people committed to safeguarding the world’s heritage for future generations. By supporting the efforts of WHYAP, we can help create a world where our cultural and natural treasures are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
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