BIYEARLY NEWSLETTER • http://www.unesco.org/venice JULY - DECEMBER 2017 Bridges UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe

Issue 2 • 2017

In focus pages 2-3

News and Highlights from Science & Culture pages 4-8

Regional Bureau Interdisciplinary stories pages 9-11 for Science and Culture in Europe United Nations Ocean & UN Reform pages 12-14 Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Events page 15

Backstory page 16 Youth shaping the future!

The 2017 MAB Youth Forum – Committed to Sustainable Development was organized with a territory approach in Po Delta Biosphere 2017 MAB Reserve, 17-23 September 2017 by UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere programme (MAB), UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe based in Venice and the Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, and under the auspices of the Italian Ministries of the Environment and Protection of Land and Sea; of Foreign Affairs; of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism; and of Education, Universities and Committed to Research. It counted upon the support of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna Sustainable Regional Governments and the PiùInForma association. Y UTH Development Apart from the goals related to the MAB programme, another goal of this forum was to build together with the Social and Human Sciences sector of UNESCO an example of best practice in engaging with Youth, adopting a truly bottom-up approach in listening to their needs and requests. In line with the approach adopted for the organization of the 10th UNESCO Youth Forum (October 2017), the primary aim was to build FORUM sustainable relationships with young change-makers that are leading or co-shaping impactful initiatives in a 278 youth delegates from over 138 diverse cultural, environmental and UNESCO field of competence.The MAB Youth Forum was highly representative of the diversity and richness of the MAB WNBR. Biosphere Reserves in 84 countries economic issues, pledging to train agreed on a shared vision for and encourage young people to the future of youth in biosphere be more active in their biosphere reserves at the close of a week of reserves., to act as ambassadors A few lessons learnt and thoughts for the future debates at the 2017 MAB Youth of their biosphere reserves and The MAB Youth community already Forum in the Po Delta Biosphere develop tools to promote values and exists and is already very active Reserve, Italy. These delegates good practices. within the framework of the MAB either live or work in a Biosphere Programme and their Biosphere Reserve, areas that are committed Potential initiatives to be explored Reserves. During the Forum, to developing solutions reconciling include the creation of a thematic participants showed a very high level the conservation of biodiversity network for youth, regional youth of energy and motivation, a great with its sustainable use. “Despite forums, a funding advisory board, sense of commitment to the values of the fact that we come from diverse and volunteer and exchange the MAB Programme and its WNBR, backgrounds, we are united on programmes in biosphere reserves. and an infinite will to contribute these objectives and actions,” The youth delegates also remarked more to the Programme. states their final declaration, which that further efforts could be was presented at the 10th UNESCO made to collect data on youth They need however to better organize Youth Forum in October 2017. engagement and to incorporate themselves as a community in order youth perspectives in the Man and to make their voice better heard in these contexts. The forum gave them

The MAB Youth Forum delegates Forum ©2017 MAB Youth Biosphere (MAB) programme’s a unique opportunity to establish were particularly concerned with toolkits and documents. contacts, exchange their experiences fostering attractive and long-term and elaborate proposals for the future. employment opportunities linked The 2017 MAB Youth Forum was In the perspective of implementing a to the intrinsic values of biosphere part of UNESCO’s efforts to ensure comprehensive MAB Communication reserves, such as the conservation of that young women and men are Strategy, their lives and their stories could biodiversity and habitat restoration. engaged in policies and programmes be the most powerful “business card” They suggested creating hubs and affecting them and are leading of the MAB Programme. The training incubators, together with training actions to promote peace and participants received on communication programmes, to support business sustainable development in their has equipped them to use social media creation and employability, help and other tools to report more efficiently countries and communities. The on their activities and experiences and retain youth in Biosphere Reserves participants have been carefully UNESCO can find a way to channel this and promote innovation. selected and invited upon evaluation information through UNESCO-MAB official of a personal letter of motivation webpages. implementation of the Lima Action consistently in the governance of the The Declaration calls on the World and considering a support letter Plan, with a particular reference to the MAB Programme and of their Biosphere Network of Biosphere Reserves from their respective Biosphere Biosphere Reserves are territories where goal of strengthening and supporting Reserves. Participants from very strong (WNBR) to widely disseminate Reserve/MAB National Committee/ we can develop and strengthen models of a participatory and inclusive network and active delegations in the forum – such scientific and indigenous knowledge National Commission for UNESCO. sustainable development, ideally in all its of all stakeholders within the MAB and as South Africa, Canada and Ireland – have and to support transfer of This was done with the aim of dimensions, from which Members States Biosphere Reserves. All of this will only already expressed their will to be involved knowledge to future generations. selecting participants who were can take inspiration to meet the SDGs, bring the expected results if UNESCO and perhaps host the next Global MAB Biosphere Reserve managers are explore and test policies, technologies will ensure continued involvement of Youth Forum, which is a promise for the already actively engaged with and innovations for the sustainable youth in the programme and in Reserve future that MAB Youth will keep moving encouraged to work with schools to UNESCO and the MAB Programme management of biodiversity and natural governance. In this view, young people on. In the meantime, UNESCO should develop related programmes and to in their respective living/working resources, as well as for the mitigation and absolutely should not be kept in a kind of take steps to ensure that MAB Youth will strengthen ties between research context and could therefore commit adaptation to climate change. “MAB Youth Ghetto”, attending events be better involved in regional networks’

©2017 MAB Youth Forum ©2017 MAB Youth institutions and local stakeholders. themselves to follow-up concretely or participating in activities specifically meetings/ activities, in the MAB-ICC itself, The young participants made a on the outcomes of the Forum. >>full The 2017 MAB Youth Forum boosted targeting MAB Youth, but should be given and in future exchanges and projects. commitment to organize events story the contribution of MAB Youth to the an opportunity to be considered more with their local communities on Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 2 2017 MAB Youth Forum : Youth stories 2017 MAB

Committed to Sustainable Y UTH Development FORUM Philippe Pypaert, Monica Espinoza Miralles and Moctar Dembele (representing the Mare aux Hippopotames Biosphere Reserve Burkina Faso, at the forum at UNESCO’s 10th Youth Forum. Every week we gave space to one of the young people who participated in the MAB Youth Forum. The aim, giving them a voice in shaping the future of their territories and defining their engagement in their biosphere reserves! Monitoring the water quality of Palawan Biosphere Reserve Sustainability through the water path Jesus Bream lives and works in the Palawan Biosphere Reserve, Philippines. The reserve is a cluster of islands composed of one long main island and smaller groups Alfonsina Salvarredy represented the Laguna Oca y Herraduras del Rio Paraguay of islands around it. The 1,150,000 hectares of the biosphere reserve include Biosphere Reserve in Argentina. Her specific role within this Reserve is to the entire Province of Palawan Island, which is the westernmost province of the investigate the issues within the social area. Although“ my previous works have been Philippines. “I am very proud of the high biodiversity of the flora and fauna on my developed in my native communities, they are currently the basis of my professional reserve, since the development here has been monitored by the government I am development in a community where Man from his ancestral knowledge guides us in working for.” order to achieve a harmonious relationship with the environment.”

Zembra and Zembretta Islands Biosphere Reserve Promoting sustainable development through citizen science & collaboration Amel Mechmech Tunisia works as a local development officer in an NGO that opts Charlotte Mason represented the Rocky Mountains Biosphere Reserve in the United for a strategy which combines sustainable development and job creation through States o America. She is the Educational Outreach and Programs Director for the the revitalization of value chains and by inciting small economic players to adopt a Estes Park Environmental Center (EPEC). “The EPEC’s mission aligns very well with rational exploitation of their natural resources by training them on good sustainable the SDG’s and the MAB Programme, in that we promote sustainable development practices.“ I work on the labeling of local products and the search for new marketing through citizen science and collaborative projects throughout the Rocky Mountain opportunities for these products. But, through my master’s project and my Biosphere.” They monitor air quality, water quality, biodiversity, and wildlife professional internships, I had direct working experience in the Biosphere Reserve.” migration through a biological corridor. Our goal is to involve more young people in our biosphere reserve Investing in solutions to address ecological and sustainability issues Nerea del Moral Bilbao and Unai Urkidi Bilbao live and work in the Urdaibai Biba Jasmine represented the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, India. “In my current Biosphere Reserve. They live in Bermeo, one of the 22 municipalities of the Urdaibai capacity, at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), I Biosphere Reserve in the Basque Country, Spain. “Our goal is to involve more young got an opportunity to understand corporate sector’s approach to natural capital and people in the reserve, to know what it means to live in it, why we are a biosphere its existing support for biodiversity conservation in India.” The project helped him reserve and how we can care for and live in it. We believe that there is much forge new partnerships between corporate, NGO and government sectors, highlight ignorance and we want to break this barrier and the feeling of rejection towards the best practice and catalyze support and investment in rewilding, habitat restoration RB of Urdaibai regarding the development of economic activities.” and biodiversity conservation in and around critical biodiversity areas. Meet Louisa from Malindi Watamu Biosphere Reserve Meet Jesse from Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, South Africa Louisa Mwenda works with BirdLife International Africa, Kenya. Her previous Jesse Wildeman represented the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve in South Africa. experiences have been at the Kenya Wildlife Service, Ecoplan Ltd, Community Action She is a student at the Nelson Mandela University in the Garden Route Biosphere for Nature Conservation (CANCO) and The Aquaya Institute. “I am a member of the Reserve, and she is studying Nature Conservation. She grew up in the Garden Route UNESCO Youth Forum Kenya actively contributing to the Natural Science Programme of South Africa and was inspired constantly by the natural beauty and cultural Committee. I have had direct experience working with Biosphere Reserves and richness it boasts. “All my life I have explored the Garden Route from the perspective more specifically with Malindi-Watamu in ecological monitoring and education of a nature loving youngster, and now, studying Nature Conservation, I have been programmes focusing on conservation and cultural and national identity.” blessed with the ability to view my home in a more educated light.” Promoting the solidarity economy in Ecuador Teaching children about the importance of nature Diego Fernando Aguirre González represented the Reserva de Biosfera del Bosque Luiz Bispo represented Mata Atlantica Biosphere Reserve,Brazil . His motivation Seco in Ecuador. It has different ecosystems, which allows the production of food was to be empowered, inspired, meet young and adult leaders and to learn. He got is also varied, each locality generates its own typical food and develop cultivation a lot of insights and thought about strategies to conserve the biosphere reserve at techniques and seeds, something of which he is proud because despite being diverse a local, national and international level through a “SWOT analysis” and to boost his we can live in the same territory. “My main motivation to be part of the forum is networking. “I met great, inspiring, talented and passionate young leaders from all that it is a great meeting place to share ideas, experiences, hopes and failures in the corners of the planet. Together we could share experiences, knowledge, plan order to be able to consider learning and replicate them in our territories.” and make the final declaration which shall be approached by UNESCO.” Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 3 © Parco Tepilora - Toruism - Toruism Tepilora © Parco © MEdIES - Summer School on Integrated Management Approaches and Sustainable Tourism Strategies for Biosphere Reserves reserve. One of the expected results the integrative methodological for Biosphere Reserves was co- was to stimulate participants, framework for the preparation organised by: UNESCO Regional through interactive project work of integrated management plans: Bureau for Science and Culture in to contribute to the elaboration they worked in groups, under the Europe; UNESCO Chair and Network of a first management/action plan guidance of professors and experts. on Sustainable Development of the new biosphere reserve, Their exercises were focused on Management and Education in concerning its development and suggestions and recommendations the Mediterranean of the National logistic functions, in particular for the sustainable management of and Kapodistrian University of Integrated Management Approaches and Sustainable sustainable tourism. Presentations, the biosphere reserves, using as a Athens; Mediterranean Information discussions and interactive sessions case study the island of Sardinia. Office for Environment, Culture Tourism Strategies for Biosphere Reserves were combined with excursions, and Sustainable Development meetings with local experiences, The Summer School on Integrated (MIO-ECSDE) and especially, its The Summer School on Located in Sardinia, the biosphere products and consumption, guided visits to the territory. Management Approaches and Educational Initiative MEdIES; and, Integrated Management reserve has a total surface area of and invests for the future. The Participants were introduced to Sustainable Tourism Strategies Tepilora Regional Park. >>full story Approaches and Sustainable over 140,000 ha, and mountainous summer school highlighted the rich areas to the west and a flat strip to natural and cultural heritage of Tourism Strategies for the east, rivers and coastal areas. Tepilora, Rio Posada and Montalbo Biosphere Reserves took place Around 50,000 people live on this Biosphere Reserve and of the island Resilience of cultural heritage to natural disasters: Seismic resonance in Sardinia, Italy, on 13-20 July site, which includes the Montalbo of Sardinia (Italy) in general. An response assessed in Crete 2017. Postgraduate students, massif. intensive, multidisciplinary and Financially supported by UNESCO and local communities and the private sector. Participants stressed the importance of young scientists and managers experiential training was provided the Japanese Fund-in-Trust project Among its priorities was to facilitate an adopting interdisciplinary approaches of biosphere reserves from The MAB Programme was created to develop the understanding and “International Platform for Reducing exchange of experience and knowledge to the protection of monuments and by UNESCO in the early 1970s as competences of the trainees on Earthquake Disasters”, the project among experts from SEE. the establishment of interdisciplinary European countries, and more an intergovernmental scientific the multiple values of biosphere on “Seismic response assessments teams including geologists, geophysicists, specifically from South-East endeavour to improve relations reserves as “laboratories” of minarets and important high-rise The workshop included presentations mathematicians, engineers, and “catalysts” of sustainable historical and monumental structures on the engineering experience in a archaeologists. Many European projects Europe and Mediterranean between people around the world in Crete (Greece)” ended with a final restoration project (the Acropolis in do not encourage such interdisciplinary countries, received a high and their natural environment. development. It specifically aimed workshop held on 14-15 December Athens), the seismic scenarios for the approach, for example, having strong quality training in the newly- Tepilora, Rio Posada and Montalbo to deepen the understanding as 2017 in Chania, Crete (Greece). Aegean Sea (a necessary basis for heritage emphasis on engineering aspects but well as to offer insights on the added Tepilora, Rio Posada Biosphere Reserve favours conservation in the region) and more ignoring historical/archaeological issues. examining and comparing the integrated management approaches UNESCO’s contribution illustrates how experiences from Italy, Albania and The It takes time to generate a basis for and Montalbo Biosphere ambitions and plans of the many and sustainable tourism strategies the interdisciplinary actions under former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. better cooperation. >>full story implementation in South-East European Reserve. public and private players that have a for biosphere reserves and/or other types of designated areas countries are in line with their priorities in strong desire to protect and promote the field of Disaster Risk Reduction and, in The International Coordinating this relationship. Development (protected areas, natural parks, particular, their need of building capacities Council of the Man and the of the green economy should be etc.). to better address seismologic risks. Better Biosphere (MAB) Programme reinforced in all economic fields, as it protecting high-rise monuments against meeting in Paris has added new promotes general wellbeing for the During the summer school seismic risk is of great relevance for all sites to the World Network of community, allows equity, improves participants were provided countries in South-East Europe (SEE) and a concern for many World Heritage Biosphere Reserves, including four ecological integrity, brings about with information about how to prepare a successful application sites in the region. Organized with the that straddle national boundaries. inclusion and participation, fosters support of the UNESCO Regional Bureau These additions were made during resilience, promotes sustainable for nomination of a biosphere for Science and Culture in Europe, the final the MAB Council’s meeting held in workshop in Chania aimed to present the Paris from 12-15 June 2017. Tepilora, results of the project, raise awareness Rio Posada and Montalbo Biosphere of and transfer the research outcomes among regional and local authorities, Reserve (Italy) was one of the 23 © Bernard Gagnon - View of Agios Minas Cathedral, Heraklion, Crete, Greece new sites added on that occasion. Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 4 UNESCO supports summer school in Germany to share insights on plastics in aquatic environments Among the multiple human pressures on aquatic ecosystems is plastic litter. Increasingly detected and quantified in marine and freshwater systems, there is growing concern about the potential negative effect of plastics. The UNESCO Regional Bureau for science and Culture in Europe supported the Summer School on Plastics in Marine and Freshwater Environments held on

16-21 July 2017 at the German Federal munching microplastics - Plankton Kyst © Ren Institute of Hydrology in Koblenz, Germany. ©ISRBC - Sava River River ©ISRBC - Sava While the use of plastic materials has challenges and enhance collaboration Education); and, Plastics in the World of generated huge societal benefits, the opportunities in the future. 2050. ‘plastic age’ comes with downsides. It included a wide range of topics from Durability, unsustainable use, and Awareness raising to Education and The summer school was jointly organized inappropriate waste management cause capacity development; Monitoring and by the German Federal Institute of Sava River Basin countries first to test innovative flood an extensive accumulation of plastics in management (regulations); Impact and Hydrology (BfG); the International Centre natural habitats. In particular, one issue risk assessment (societal, economic etc.); for Water Resources and Global Change risk reduction technology in South-East Europe of emerging concern is the accumulation and, Plastics industry. It brought together (ICWRGC); the International Centre for of plastics in the aquatic environments, scientists, young professionals, experts Advanced Studies on River-Sea Systems In 2014, the Sava River flooded a forum for intergovernmental management in the Sava River basin”. both marine and freshwater. The subject from different governmental authorities (DANUBIUS-RI; the Federal Ministry for killing 79 individuals, affecting cooperation as well as essential has gained worldwide attention in the last and technicians from the water and the Environment, Nature Conservation, 2.6 million people and causing scientific and practical advice in The Sava River Basin (97,700 years. environmental sector from Africa, Asia, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB); 3.8 million euros in damages and disaster risk reduction. km2) is shared by 5 countries: Latin America and Europe. UNESCO-IHP’s International Initiative losses across the basin. To learn Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, The summer school provided the state on Water Quality (IIWQ); in close from such an experience and In 2015, at the UN World Conference Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. of the art in research, measures and The format of the workshop was a cooperation with the UNESCO offices in improve future response to floods, in Japan, representatives from 187 By bringing together emergency management options of plastics in marine combination of presentations and a Abuja, Jakarta and Venice. UNESCO through its Regional UN Member States adopted a new responders, professional volunteers and freshwater environments. Thereby, World Café offering the participants UNESCO through its Regional Bureau Bureau for Science and Culture in global framework, the “Sendai the focus of the school was to initiate and the lecturers an exchange of ideas. for science and Culture in Europe and flood forecasting operators Participants discussed: Plastics and provided financial support to 5 selected Europe and the International Sava Framework for Disaster Risk from the Sava River basin, along an international network of scientists, politicians and other experts in this field, Society (Awareness raising Citizen participants from South-East European River basin Commission scheduled Reduction 2015-2030”. It opened a with representatives from the in order to share insights into the current science); Plastics and Science; Plastics and countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, a simulation workshop on 5-7 major new chapter in sustainable Drin River basin, the Zagreb (country specific) situation, discuss related Policy (Management options Regulations Serbia and Slovenia). >>full story December 2017 in Zagreb, Croatia, development as it outlined clear training workshop aims to enhance to foster a more fluid dialogue targets and priorities for action regional cooperation by improving between riparian specialists and towards a substantial reduction transboundary coordination in flood civil protection agencies. of disaster risk and losses in lives, risk preparedness and response. from the possibility to interface livelihoods and health. UNESCO is modular solutions of the European UNESCO stands in solidarity with committed to operating in line with The workshop performed a collective Union’s Horizon 2020 project all the people affected by disasters it and, in addition to the Sustainable and participatory gap analysis of I-REACT, in particular geolocalised worldwide. It operates at the Development Goals and the 2015 the current system, putting in line crowdsourcing-social media services interface between natural and Paris Agreement, to promoting a early warning alerts triggered by combined with the Sava-FFWS System © AFP, Getty images AP, - 2014 Floods Sava banks; Police helps farmers move pigs from a farm; Flood damage; A dam of sandbags along the social sciences, education, culture culture of safety and resilience. the responsible national hydro- for flood forecasting and warning. banks of the Sava River; Considerable infrastructure damage throughout the Balkans; rescuing elderly people and communication playing a vital meteorological services and/or role in constructing a global culture Within this scope, UNESCO Regional water agencies as flood forecasting Hydrometeorological and water of resilient communities. It assists Bureau for Science and Culture operators, with monitoring, response agency units as well as departments’ countries in building capacity to in Europe, in collaboration with and flood-protection actions representatives were called along prevent disasters and manage the International Sava River basin performed by the civil protection with civil protection authorities and climate risks and ability to cope with Commission (ISRBC), with the sector in simulated floods scenario. professional volunteers to work back- natural hazards. UNESCO provides technical support of Deltares, the In other words, it tested the overall to-back and to collaborate on specific benefits and enhanced capacity of technologies, such those proposed Royal Haskoning DHV from The capacity of the stakeholders to case studies applied to in-field drills. member states are possible for Sava by I-REACT, case in point real time Netherlands, the CIMA Research achieve an effective flood risk riparian countries, and most likely and geo-localised crowdsourcing Foundation and the Instituto reduction for the national to the In particular, a well-tailored the Drin river basin in managing functions for a more accurate Superiore Mario Boella (ISMB) from transboundary level. demonstration, carried out with the floods-related Disaster. The key for situational awareness and response Italy, held a transboundary training contribution of the Civil Protection of it is the interoperationalisation of in flood related emergencies. >>full workshop on “Governance and Benefits derived from the use Croatia, and the technical partners integrated forecasting service, such story technology for flood risk reduction: of integrated and innovative involved highlighted that that major as Sava FFWS, with innovative cyber Linking early warning to emergency systems were explored, starting Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 5 2013 Ministry of Culture Bulgaria - Surova folk feast in Pernik in Pernik feast folk - Surova Bulgaria of Culture 2013 Ministry © © 2013 Ministry of Culture Bulgaria - Surova folk feast in Pernik

the Convention for the Safeguarding hands-on experience using development of national networks of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the UNESCO capacity-building of trainers and consideration of the the training workshop expanded the curriculum, including the recently changing role of facilitators, which regional branch of the programme’s developed materials on elaborating has evolved from delivering training Intangible Cultural Heritage: strengthening the European facilitators’ network and strengthen safeguarding plans. workshops to providing advisors, its delivery capacity, equipping acting as mediators and as resource branch of trainers for capacity building them with knowledge and tools The training content and persons concerning all matters required to deliver training and methodology of the Sofia workshop related to the implementation of the In the context of the global commitment of the Convention’s advisory services for effective took into account recommendations Convention. capacity-building programme for Intergovernmental Committee and the effective implementation of the the generous support from donor Convention for the Safeguarding countries. By mid-2011, UNESCO had Surova folk feast in Pernik region of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, developed and started translating popular masquerade ritual performed this training of trainers workshop the initial training curriculum, based in villages throughout the region. On convened in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 18- on the feedback from a first round the first night, Survakari masquerade 22 September 2017 expanded the of training workshops organized groups, consisting of men, women and regional branch of the programme’s between January and April 2011. children, don specially prepared masks facilitators’ network and strengthen and costumes and head towards the its delivery capacity to respond Among a series of 6 regional village centre where they light fires, to the capacity-building needs in workshops, Sofia hosted in March and tease and play with the watching European and, in particular, South- 2011 the first training of trainers’ audience. Some participants adopt Eastern European countries. workshop for the European region. special roles, such as the leader, the The initial curriculum on different newly-weds, the priest and the bear. The workshop was organised by aspects of the Convention was Early the next morning, they gather UNESCO with the support of the introduced, covering 4 content and walk throughout the village visiting

Regional Centre for the Safeguarding areas, including ratification, - Drubrovnik Joanne Goldby houses, where they ritually marry of Intangible Cultural Heritage in implementation, inventories and © young couples while the bear ‘mauls’ © 2013 Ministry of Culture Bulgaria - Surova folk feast in people for good health. Hosts await South-Eastern Europe. nominations to the Convention’s Pernik region(Albania) UNESCO conceived the Convention’s lists. This first training workshop their arrival with a ritual meal and gifts. capacity-building strategy in 2009 marked the creation of a network of for capacity building, particularly in to assist States Parties in creating expert facilitators in the region. South-Eastern European countries, After the folk feast, the Survakari distribute the gifts, often donating institutional and professional offering the opportunity to both collected funds to orphans and poor environments favourable to the Organized by UNESCO’s Section advancing capacities of current Bulgaria Inscribed in 2015 (10. The feast takes place each year on 13 people. The masquerade experience sustainable safeguarding of intangible for Intangible Cultural Heritage, facilitators and bringing new appeals to young people and raises experts on board. COM) on the Representative List of and 14 January to celebrate the New cultural heritage and promoting in cooperation with the Regional the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Year according to the old calendar. their self-esteem as continuers of the broad public knowledge and support Bureau for Science and Culture in Humanity. The core of the celebration is a tradition. >>full story for the Convention’s concepts and Europe, this new training of trainers’ In the context of the global objectives. It became operational at workshop in Sofia, Bulgaria, was a capacity-building programme for country level in 2011 thanks to the response to the growing demand the effective implementation of safeguarding. In particular, the of UNESCO’s recent global The workshop was organized thanks workshop analysed the lessons programme strategy meeting to the Intangible Cultural Heritage The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage meeting in Jeju, Republic of Korea (December 2017), learned to date from implementing Bangkok by in March 2017. Fund, and with the generous support inscribed 33 new elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. UNESCO’s global capacity-building of the Regional Centre for the programme in Europe; strengthened The strategy meeting highlighted Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural participants’ knowledge and the need for a stronger focus Heritage in South-East Europe under competencies required to be a on strengthening institutional the auspices of UNESCO, based in facilitator in the network; provided capacities at national level, the Sofia. >>full story Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 6 © Italian Carabinieri - Capacity-building workshop in Rome for the benefit of Montenegro and Serbia

on Stolen or Illegally Exported UNIDROIT, UNODC, WCO, as well Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cultural Objects (1995). as from the Carabinieri and other and International Cooperation to Italian Carabinieri “Recovered Treasures” ; I Grifoni di Ascoli Satriano di Ascoli ; I Grifoni Treasures” “Recovered Carabinieri Italian Italian specialized services.

© the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Speakers and trainers included senior Science and Culture in Europe. >>full representatives from international This workshop was organized thanks story Montenegro and Serbia to develop capacities on organizations such as UNESCO, to the generous contribution of the “Cultural heritage sites are symbols of unity, bearing witness to the dialogue of cultures that had always existed. Violent extremists protection against illicit traffic of cultural property know this, and that is why they seek to destroy it.” Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General As the black market trade in heritage has emerged as a global conflict”, promoted by Italy. cultural objects continues to issue that transcends the boundaries Also addressing the Security flourish, illicit traffic of cultural of the cultural sphere, becoming a Council was General Fabrizio UNESCO supports regional cooperation on culture and development property is of growing concern for development requirement, as well as Parrulli, Head of Italian Carabinieri in South-East Europe the international community. Not a security imperative as recognized in Department for the Protection of of the “Ohrid Strategy”; the only does it threaten the physical March 2017 by UN Security Council Cultural Heritage. He said they preparation of the next CoMoCoSEE integrity of the items themselves, Resolution 2347. had investigated the trafficking Ministerial Conference; and, among and the sites they came from, of almost 800,000 pieces of art other items, the advancement but also the cultural heritage and Briefing members after the text’s and 35,000 people, detaining over of CoMoCoSEE effectiveness identity of the affected communities. adoption, Irina Bokova, Director- 1,000 people in the defense of and common services. The main Heritage belongs to everyone and General of UNESCO, stated “the cultural heritage. theme proposed by Bosnia and the safeguard of its cultural and destruction of cultural heritage is Herzegovina, as CoMoCoSEE Chair spiritual value within its original a war crime and tactic of war, and Within this framework and for the current exercise, was the context is crucial. that defending that heritage is a priorities, UNESCO and the protection and promotion of security imperative”. Likewise, Italian Carabinieri are organizing museums and collections, their with these words “Cultural heritage diversity and their role in society. In its fourth edition in Rome (Italy) this new capacity-building As per established practice of the from 20-24 November 2017, the protection is a key element for peace workshop in Rome for the benefit CoMoCoSEE Committee of Officials, workshop addressed two countries and sustainable development”, the of Montenegro and Serbia. In participants delivered short from South-East Europe, Montenegro Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and addition to raising awareness and © Vijećnica City Hall - cc Mister No presentations on the proposed and Serbia, aiming to raise awareness International Cooperation expressed developing professional capacities, On 14 December 2017, the The present ministerial platform theme. Presentations included and develop professional capacities of great satisfaction with the adoption special attention was paid to the Committee of Officials of the is the leading initiative for cultural proposals for regional cooperation the concerned authorities to combat by the UNESCO General Conference implementation of the UNESCO Council of Ministers of Culture of cooperation in the region, with initiatives, as well as information on the looting and illicit trafficking of of the addendum to the UNESCO Convention on the Means of South-East Europe – Enhancing a specific objective of defining respective policies and measures cultural property, including through Strategy for the “Reinforcement of Prohibiting and Preventing the Culture for Sustainable coordinated regional policies for the protection and promotion of reinforced inter-agency and cross- UNESCO’s action for the protection of Illicit Import, Export and Transfer Development gathered in and priority actions to deal with museums and their role in society. border cooperation. In recent culture and the promotion of cultural of Ownership of Cultural Property Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. current and future challenges. Officials discussed the objectives, years, the protection of cultural pluralism in the event of armed (1970) and UNIDROIT Convention The meeting was organized by In 2014, ministers and heads of agenda and joint declaration for the the Ministry of Civil Affairs of delegation approved the Regional upcoming CoMoCoSEE Ministerial Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Strategy for Cultural Cooperation Conference – encompassing the National Commission of Bosnia in South-East Europe (Ohrid definition of the tentative dates. and Herzegovina for UNESCO, Strategy), and committed to its >>full story with the support of the UNESCO implementation through reinforced Regional Bureau for Science and joint action within the framework Culture in Europe, with the main of CoMoCoSEE. The meeting in purpose of setting the ground Sarajevo was convened by Bosnia for the organisation of the next and Herzegovina as current chair CoMoCoSEE Ministerial Conference, of council to discuss at technical

to be hosted by Bosnia and level about: the state of the art in ©UNESCO Herzegovina in the first quarter of regional cultural cooperation, with 2018. special focus on the implementation

“Cultural heritage sites are symbols of unity, bearing witness to the dialogue of cultures that had always existed. Violent extremists know this, and that is why they seek to destroy it.” Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 7 How can UNESCO Designations contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals? Piedmont Region, the University of Turin, and Turin UNESCO Creative City of Design.

This year’s edition of the International Academy on Sustainable Devopment was made possible thanks to the generous support of Compagnia di San Paolo, Fondazione CRT, and to the contribution of Italy to the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe. >>full story

Designated sites in Croatia: managing Disaster Risk Reduction and improving cooperation among actors disaster risk reduction principles within © Bidquelle/ I. Zrilic – Flooded Church of St. Donatus in Zadar, Croatia Museum of Republic of Srpska - Zmijanje embroidery of Srpska © Museum of Republic the concerned sites. The workshop applied a participatory methodology based upon the This question was at the core UNESCO designation, with a view to “Managing Disaster Risks for World of the International Academy Heritage Resource Manual” (2010). highlighting challenges and intrinsic Special focus was devoted to risk on UNESCO Designations and potential in their coordinated Sustainable Development - 2017 preparedness for geohazards, with management. particular emphasis on landslides, Edition convened in Turin, Italy, seismic events, floods, and wild on 8-13 October 2017. On its third The programme included panels on fires, through the participation of anniversary, the academy focused subjects related to the management an interdisciplinary team of highly on the role of cultural and natural of cultural and natural resources, qualified international professionals. resources in addressing sustained such as community involvement, and equitable development at local recognition and interpretation of The objectives were to raise awareness level, with specific reference to and understanding among relevant territorial capital, and the integration stakeholders of the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable of cultural and natural resources Development. disaster risk management and to build within broader management and The UNESCO Regional Bureau for and other stakeholders related stakeholders’ capacities in order to development plans. Participants Science and Culture in Europe, jointly to World Heritage properties and elaborate and integrate disaster risk The International Academy on in the workshop, selected through with the Ministry of Culture and the Biosphere Reserves in Croatia, to management plans into the governance Sustainable Development is a a call for applications, presented Croatian Commission for UNESCO, introduce disaster risk reduction of UNESCO designated sites. The capacity-building initiative jointly and discussed their respective convened the national training principles in site management plans methodology was based upon the created in 2015 by UNESCO and the experiences, combined with lectures, workshop entitled “Managing and improve cooperation in order to World Heritage Resource Manual. Research Centre Silvia Santagata group works, site visits and seminars Disaster Risks in UNESCO Designated ensure the best adequate response Using the manual and analysing the (CSS-Ebla). The previous two on local case studies in the area of Sites” on 25-28 September 2017 in in the case of disasters. Special specific context of the selected sites, workshops (2015 and 2016 in Turin Turin. Jelsa, Island of Hvar, Croatia. attention was drawn to the necessary a broader framework was developed and Piedmont) trained participants adjustments of relevant legal, through an interdisciplinary approach. © International Academy on Sustainable Development 2018 from 39 different UNESCO designated The event gathered site managing institutional and policy frameworks, >>full story The workshop’s interdisciplinary authorities, emergency responders in order to enable the application of areas, who have created an active, methodology combined cultural, innovative professional community. economic, and science disciplines to The 2017 workshop was addressed analyse the links between cultural to managing authorities and other and biological diversity and the main stakeholders from 5 different different dimensions of sustainable categories of UNESCO designations: development in UNESCO-designated World Heritage properties, Biosphere sites. The workshop was organized in Reserves, listed elements of cooperation with the UNESCO Chair Intangible Cultural Heritage, Global on Sustainable Development and Geoparks, and UNESCO Creative Territory Management, set up within Cities. Special attention was given the University of Turin, and the ILO to “multiple designated areas”, i.e. International Training Campus in local districts hosting more than one Turin, with the patronage of the © UNESCO / Sub-regional Workshop Managing Disaster Risks in UNESCO Designated Sites and excursions The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a universal, ambitious, sustainable development agenda, an agenda “of the people, by the people and for the people,” crafted with UNESCO’s active involvement. Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 8 Ark of Inquiry: Inquiry Awards for Youth Over Europe heads towards a Ark of Inquiry webinar on inquiry learning in science classrooms With the support of the UNESCO ASPnet International successful close at UNESCO in Paris Coordinator, the webinar targeted teachers of pupils As the EU-funded project nears the end of its 4-year aged 7-18 years. implementation in February 2018, Ark of Inquiry convened its Besides Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and final conference to foster an interactive place of connection Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE), the webinar covered the project’s inquiry learning model, access to between all its partners and a place of acknowledgment for the portal which has over 700 vetted inquiry activities, each member participant. Organized by UNESCO, through its and resources and training that allow participants to Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, the event customise these inquiry activities to address diverse learning needs. The webinar was mostly suited to took place on 20 November 2017 at its headquarters in Paris, primary and secondary school science educators; yet it France. was also an opportunity for other interested education

© University College Leuven-Limburg, Diepenbeek (Belgium) - Secondary school students professionals from the region. The final conference gave a first- by a supportive community in performing inquiry activities hand understanding on how inquiry enhancing teachers’ expertise: The webinar on Inquiry Based Science Education and Each webinar had a duration of 1,5 to 2 hours and was learning, Responsible Research and collaboration with different actors Responsible Research and Innovation was held on 6 conducted in English, a prerequisite for participation Innovation (RRI) and empowering (researchers, parents, peers) helps and 21 September 2017 as part of the Ark of Inquiry in the webinar. Interested science teachers partnered with English-language teachers at their school for the girls in science directly ignites the promote RRI and inquiry learning project. The topics were primarily geared towards training. >>full story passion of learning in the next in the classroom; teachers need primary and secondary school science teachers. generation of global citizens and to experience inquiry learning how UNESCO is striving to stoke the themselves during teacher training fire for generations to come. The in order to design and implement 3 main key findings of the Ark of inquiry in the classroom; whole- for engaging girls in science; when Inquiry project are: school training of teachers discussion of RRI is promoted - The right tools can better enable fosters collaboration and greater outside the classroom, it increases teachers to utilize inquiry-based understanding of how to use inquiry the staying power of inquiry learning with their pupils. The learning in the classroom; and, learning; and, the RRI concept Ark of Inquiry project identified approaching teachers as designers favours pupils’ orientation towards several strategies that have yielded of activities enables the flexibility scientific jobs and careers. promising results: following an needed to apply inquiry learning inquiry model helps teachers across different contexts and The event was welcomed by Svein structure classroom activities, while cultures. Osttveit, Director EO Office, on leaving room for flexibility when - Concepts like RRI are effective behalf of Qian Tang, UNESCO needed; using both formal and in enriching the inquiry learning Assistant Director-General for building, Paris / Fontenoy © UNESCO informal learning environments process. To help teachers and Education; Ana Luiza M. Thompson- helps promote inquiry learning and science educators achieve a Flores, Director, UNESCO Regional RRI ; involving pupils in evaluation better understanding to develop Bureau for Science and Culture in of inquiry activities better engages RRI awareness and thus enrich Europe; and, Maria Karamitrou, them in the inquiry learning process; the inquiry learning process, the Policy Officer, European pedagogical scenarios help teachers Ark of Inquiry project identified Commission. maintain an active role as designers several strategies that have yielded of Instructional Technology at the from teachers to policy-makers, of inquiry learning activities; the use promising results: RRI helps teachers The opening statement followed University of Twente, Faculty of researchers, EU projects of an awards system is motivating translate important matters into by a keynote address on the Behavioural Sciences and Head of coordinators, consortium members for teachers and pupils alike and their classroom materials; RRI role of Responsible Research the Instructional Technology and and pupils - all of which attended works best when integrated Into provides a framework within which and Innovation (RRI) in Inquiry- Educational Sciences departments, the conference as a testimony of the existing contests and communities; the research process, its ethical/ Based Science Education (IBSE) Netherlands. The conference casted “EU-project community” speaking and, inquiry activities engage pupils social dimension and sustainability made by Ton de Jong, Professor a broad spectrum of 80 participants: with one voice. >>full story and may help promote learning of can be suitably discussed; the 21st-century skills. effectiveness of RRI is enhanced - A supportive community when teachers give responsibility can provide teachers with the for discussions and ownership of the training and resources needed inquiry learning process during its to successfully use inquiry different stages; adequate flexibility learning in the classroom. Based is needed in the classroom for an “Ark of Inquiry: Inquiry Awards for Youth over Europe” is a research and development project on teacher training, oriented towards raising science awareness, particularly that of youth aged 7 to 18, to Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). Funded by the European Commission on qualitative and quantitative effective application of the RRI and involving 13 project partners from 12 countries, the project started in 2014 and has a duration of 4 years.” information, the following results concept during inquiry learning © Ark of Inquiry attest to the important role played lessons; RRI is an important tool Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 9 in learning about the sciences. By (STEM). Secondly, learning contexts focusing especially on the gender that include RRI elements can play dimension, UNESCO aims to work a role in increasing girls’ interest in towards the common goal of the Ark science. Thirdly, it is important to of Inquiry and the EU of promoting avoid stereotypes to reach all pupils gender inclusive science education in a classroom. by making scientific careers more attractive for women. Over the Stereotypes concern both science past years, research documented a itself and the pupils and relate consistent decline in pupils’ interest to textbooks, problem sets, in science and science careers, language used by the teacher, or particularly of girls. how girls and boys are addressed in the classroom. The influence The Ark of Inquiry project has of stereotypes about science is created a pedagogical scenario still decisive in the career choices on what kind of actions teachers of many girls and boys, and in could consider taking in order particular in girls’ decisions not to to contribute to girls’ interest in embark on a scientific career. Girls science. First, teaching/learning often have a restricted conception methods can play a role in of what science is, therefore, they ©Albania 2016 Progress Report ©Albania 2016 Progress increasing girls’ interest in science. are not considering science studies Inquiry learning that emphasizes that could lead to careers in fields UNESCO Education for Sustainable learner-centered learning provided that actually do match their future Developement 2030 Learning ojectives positive results related to female occupational interest. UNESCO commits to working towards an inclusive science pupils’ interest across a broad array working against stereotypes and classroom in South-East Europe of topics in Science, Technology Increasing the diversity of role promoting gender inclusive science Engineering and Mathematics models could be an example of education. >>full story “An Inclusive Science Classroom: science teachers from all over the engaging approach to teaching the Gender Issue” was the subject country were trained on how to use in the classroom pupils aged 7-18 of the Ark of Inquiry Training for inquiry learning and Responsible following the inquiry-learning Science Teachers held on 9-10 Research and Innovation (RRI) to model. The training focused on Mediterranean countries discuss progress on Education for Sustainable November 2017 in Tirana, Albania. equally engage girls and boys in how to use inquiry learning and Development Organized by the UNESCO Regional science learning. Responsible Research and Innovation Bureau for Science and Culture in (RRI), linking them to the gender 2016 in order to help implement the on ESD. At the meeting, all member Europe and Ellinogermaniki Agogi, in On 10 November (World Science dimension. Mediterranean ESD Strategy (link countries presented their recent close cooperation with the Albanian Day for Peace and Development), is external) and Action Plan (link is progress on establishing and Ministry of Education, Sports and members of the Albanian Women RRI is a process where pupils actively external). implementing a national ESD strategy Youth, the event sought to expand in Science Network joined for a engage in discussions and reflect and action plan. Many had made great the project to countries of South- discussion on how to address Gender upon their work. Further insight is The meeting was opened by the advances, mainstreaming ESD into East Europe that were not initially Equality in the science classroom. given by the European Commission Minister of Education of Cyprus, both formal and non-formal education involved in the project. As a supportive community, (2012); it shows that RRI implies for Costas Kadis, who said that ESD is systems and undertaking capacity parents, teachers, scientists and societal actors to work together a “strong instrument” to tackle the building for educators and trainers. UNESCO ambitions to increase other role models have a key role during the whole research and many problems – such as climate teachers’ understanding and to play. Participants worked on innovation process in order to ©UNESCO change, loss of biodiversity, armed The UNESCO Regional Bureau for appreciation of the scientific method the fundamentals of inquiry-based better align both the process and its 60 representatives of Ministries of conflict and displacement – that the Science and Culture in Europe is and to prepare them to actively science education (IBSE) with a set of outcomes with the values, needs and Education and Environment as well Mediterranean region is currently helping implement ESD (SDG Target participate in and contribute to the tools for an immediate application in expectations of society. as of NGOs from 18 Mediterranean facing: “Our efforts to maintain 4.7) in an interdisciplinary manner European research and innovation the classroom. countries and of five International peace and human rights have not and taking into account the regional process and society at-large. Inquiry A secondary expected result was Organizations, including UNESCO, been sufficient, they must be further context and specific demands of activities in science can play a role A first expected result of the the applied teaching techniques met in Nicosia, Cyprus, from 22 to 24 enhanced. We must take action the Member States. Several recent in engaging girls and boosting their training was for science teachers to further serve to empower and November 2017 to share experiences individually and collectively, through activities can be highlighted: the interest. Over two days, 40 Albanian to start applying a new, more stimulate both girls and boys equally and discuss advances in Education ESD. … The aim of the Mediterranean Ark of Inquiry project focused on for Sustainable Development (ESD) at ESD Strategy is to create citizens improving science education via © UNICEF Albania; SaveChildren Albania; Water Charity; SDG4 Quality Education policy-level. whose actions and values will be female teachers and students (last inspired by ESD.” workshop in Albania in October 2017); This was the first meeting of the the MAB Youth Forum in Delta Po Mediterranean ESD Steering The Mediterranean ESD Strategy is River, Italy (September 2017), and Committee, of which UNESCO is a closely aligned with the Sustainable the 2nd Open Balkan UNESCO Chairs member and which was established at Development Goals (SDGs) and the Meeting, focused on ESD (Bucharest, a Ministerial Conference in December UNESCO Global Action Programme Romania, October 2017). >> full story We must invest in education from the youngest age and throughout life, and in all circumstances! Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 10 After 18 months of intensive work, the I-REACT team gathered in Torino to attend the Mid-Term review meeting and I-REACT : Using crowdsourced data to help communities show for the first time a fully functional system ready to be tested in the management of disasters. prevent disasters I-REACT © I-REACT

risk maps that will allow first Thanks to the integrated use of contribute to. I-REACT will facilitate responders and authorities to simulated scenarios, seasonal & and promote the collaboration assess and constantly monitor the annual weather forecasts, historical of all actors involved in Disaster areas at risk. In addition to this, data, and real-time information, Risk Reduction, thus reducing the information from the field may I-REACT will be able to contribute to number of people affected. The also be conveyed to civil protection preventing or mitigating disasters, collaborative project involves 20 agents and firefighters through providing detailed risk maps European partners, led by the smart glasses that will keep them throughout Europe for flood- and Istituto Superiore Mario Boella updated while leaving their hands fire-related events. This will help (ISMB) of Turin. By coordinating the free. I-REACT will not only be decision-makers to take informed international cooperation package of useful in the warning and response and acknowledged decisions for the the I-REACT project, UNESCO works phases to a disaster. To lessen the preparedness of future disasters. side by side with the civil protection number of people affected, careful Reacting and preventing disasters is a departments of selected European prevention measures are foreseen. collective effort, which everyone can member states. >>full story

Ground Source Heat Exchangers innovative solution for sustainable energy soon to be applied at Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb

Each year, the International © I-REACT Day for Disaster Reduction is an opportunity to acknowledge how people and communities around can be implemented to mitigate the with a higher situational awareness the world are reducing their effects of these disasters. in disasters by allowing them to exposure to natural hazards and send/receive geolocalised real-time to raise awareness about ways Since 1989, the International Day for reports compounded with digital to rein in the risks that they face. Disaster Reduction has promoted information like photos or videos of This year’s campaign focuses on a global culture of natural disaster an emergency event to notify the © Arch. zeljko.kovacic -Cheap-GSHPs work in progress at the yard of the technical museum Nikola Tesla in Zagreb reducing the number of people risk reduction. This year, the theme responders and decision makers. affected by disasters worldwide. “Home, Safe Home: Reducing In turn, emergency managers will A demonstration of Cheap-GSHPs CHEAP-GSHPs project is funded by Horizon 2020, call LCE-03-2014, under the technology- Exposure, Reducing Displacement” is be able to disseminate crucial data - Cheap and Efficient Application specific challenges about renewable electricity and heating/cooling technologies. of reliable Ground Source Heat Natural hazards affect millions of in line with the second of the seven and directions, among emergency Protection and the Promotion of Exchangers and Pumps will soon be Nikola Tesla in Zagreb (Croatia), the people every year worldwide. In targets of the Sendai Framework operators and citizens, to avoid Museums and Collections, their effective, hosted by the Nikola Tesla chosen demonstration site, and 2016, 24.2 million people were for Disaster Risk Reduction. Its disaster-affected areas or adopting Diversity and their Role in Society, Technical Museum in Zagreb, Croatia. from the assistance of the Faculty of forced to abandon their home due objective is to raise global awareness mitigating measures suitable to approved by the UNESCO General The management authorities of the Mechanical Engineering and Naval to the strike of a natural disaster. about effective actions, policies and reduce the impact of hazardous Conference on 20 November 2015. Architecture at the University of Moreover, in the last twenty years practices that reduce the exposure to events. museum are committed to replace the heating system based on highly Zagreb. over 1.35 million died as a result of disaster risk at the community level. UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science consuming, undersized and expensive their vulnerability and exposure to Science and technology play a vital The crowdsourced information and Culture in Europe is participating electric heaters located in the The project has progressed from natural hazards, and over 4 billion role in saving homes and livelihoods provided by citizens, together with in a European Commission H2020 temporary exhibitions room, by the the preliminary assessment and were displaced and left homeless, and this is one of the main goals of the information scrambled from project entitled Cheap-GSHPs (Cheap Cheap-GSHPs solution. planning phase to a full-fledged injured or in need of emergency the I-REACT project. social media, will be integrated and Efficient Application of reliable operationalisation. The main goal is to assistance. With the ongoing rise into the stream of data that Ground Source Heat Exchangers), UNESCO believes that museums are show how sustainable energy based in global temperatures due to The project is generating the most I-REACT will collect from European altogether with the National places for the transmission of scientific on an innovative shallow geothermal climate change, the magnitude and complete tool for the prevention and Emergency Management Systems Research Centre of Italy, Institute of knowledge, the development of power system is applicable in listed occurrence of extreme weather management of disasters. One of its like Copernicus and images from Atmosphere Sciences and Climate educational policy, and laboratories buildings, case in point the large events is more likely to grow. key features is a mobile app that will satellites and drones. This will and other partners. It benefits of self-sustainability in line with the exposition room of the Technical However, measures and actions provide citizens and communities constitute a system with detailed from the strong support (including Recommendation concerning the Museum Nikola Tesla of Zagreb. >> full financial) of the Technical Museum I-REACT (Improving Resilience to Emergencies through Advanced Cyber Technologies) is a Horizon2020 3-year project (2016-2019) involving a story consortium of 20 partners. The project will integrate multiple existing systems and European assets to facilitate early planning of disaster risk reduction activities. The focus will be on natural disasters triggered by extreme weather. Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 11 Ocean Literacy for All, a manual for change in a changing blue planet curators and foundations – joined by the presence of Gesine Meissner, a initiatives, the “Ocean Literacy for “We have sleep walked our way into a in. Research, art and communication Member of the European Parliament; All” initiative aims at developing plastic plague. SDG14 has helped raise working together for the ocean Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for a plan to foster ocean awareness awareness about ocean health & how it are essential in the Ocean Literacy the Ocean; Vladimir Ryabinin, IOC and ocean literacy education in all is related to climate. Humanity is starting process. Good practices in formal Executive Secretary; Barbara Degani, segments of society. to move. Ocean Literacy is key to keeping and non-formal education as well Vice-Minister of the Environment momentum.” as examples of successful public- and Protection of Land and Sea of Ocean Literacy stands as a global private partnerships were presented Italy; and Francesca von Habsburg, strategy that can bring about UN Special Envoy for the #ocean @ to create the basis for an exchange founder of Thyssen-Bornemisza Art change through an improved public ThomsonFiji #OceanLiteracy4All amongst the participants. Contemporary. knowledge base across the world’s population regarding our global The event counted on a strong high Building on existing national, regional ocean and the close links between level commitment. It was honoured and international ocean education ocean and our well-being. >>full story

At the invitation of UNESCO and its be no sustainable future without a Intergovernmental Oceanographic healthy ocean, Ocean Literacy is key Commission, high-level world to achieving the 2030 Agenda for experts gathered on 4-5 December Sustainable Development, which is at 2017 in Venice, Italy, to define a the top of UNESCO and IOC’s agenda. roadmap to advance ocean literacy at a global scale. At this occasion, In this context, IOC organized UNESCO released “Ocean Literacy the International Ocean Literacy UNESCO

for All. A toolkit”, a publication Conference, a two-day event hosted © highlighting ocean literacy in Venice by the UNESCO Regional activities around the world and Bureau for Science and Culture in bringing together experiences Europe with the financial support of Did you know that only 5% of the ocean floor has been mapped when *Mars* has already been mapped in high resolution? UN Special Envoy for the from a variety of stakeholders who the Swedish Government. This event Ocean @ThomsonFiji is clear—the #OceanDecade will be absolutely essential to achieve #SDG14. promote ocean literacy as a major is the first step in a collaborative tool for sustainable development process to put together initiatives in classrooms, boardrooms and worldwide toward shaping a global governmental institutions. framework for ocean literacy, and to Ocean Literacy for All. A toolkit invite all relevant stakeholders to unite The ocean is a source of food, Action issued at the end of the Most of us live our lives unaware of around a coherent approach to Ocean energy, minerals, increasingly Conference, which calls on all how our day-to-day actions affect the Literacy. of medications; it regulates the stakeholders to “support plans to health of the ocean, its sustainability Earth’s climate and hosts the foster ocean-related education […] and its many resources on which The conference addressed topics greatest diversity of life and to promote ocean literacy”. we depend. The ocean is Earth’s life covered by the Ocean Literacy for ecosystems, and is a provider of support. “Far and away, the greatest All voluntary commitment and, with economic, social and aesthetic The publication provides threat to the ocean, and thus to a participatory approach, design a services to humankind. Knowing educators and learners worldwide ourselves, is ignorance”, as declared roadmap on Ocean Literacy for the and understanding the ocean’s innovative tools, methods and by Sylvia Earle, President of Mission next 3 years, in preparation for the influence on us, and our influence resources to understand the Blue. The ‘ocean blindness’ can next UN Ocean Conference. Ways on the ocean is crucial to living complex ocean processes and be countered by improving access by which the initiative will best and acting sustainably. This is the functions and, as well, to alert to accurate and compelling ocean support Sustainable Development essence of ocean literacy. them on the most urgent ocean education that strengthens the Goal 14 on the conservation and issues. learner’s connection with the ocean. sustainable use of the ocean, seas “Ocean Literacy for All. A toolkit”, This is the essence of ocean literacy: and marine resources were debated, the two-volume manual produced “Ocean Literacy for All. A toolkit” an understanding of the ocean’s as well as means to develop in by UNESCO’s Regional Bureau for presents the essential scientific influence on us and our influence on tune with the International Decade Science and Culture in Europe and principles and information needed the ocean. of Ocean Science for Sustainable Intergovernmental Oceanographic to understand the cause-effect to take greater personal Development (2021-2030): The Ocean Commission (IOC) is the result of relationship between individual responsibility for the ocean, as As the marine environment takes We Need for the Future We Want. joint work and contributions by and collective behaviour, and the well as work through partnerships ©#saveourocean campain members of the global partnership centre-stage in the pursuit of The conference gathered for the and networks, sharing ideas and led by IOC. It builds on the “Ocean impacts that threaten the ocean sustainable development, today first time over 100 participants from experiences and developing new Literacy for All” initiative, an IOC health. more than ever, it is crucial to ensure 30 countries covering all regions approaches and initiatives in that citizens and policy-makers are (Europe, Africa, North and South voluntary commitment to the UN We trust it will inspire citizens, support of ocean literacy. >>full well equipped in their knowledge of America and Asia). A wide variety Ocean Conference (New York, scientists, educators and learners story how human and ocean well-being of speakers – educators, scientists, June 2017), as well as the Call for are tightly connected. As there can activists, journalists, contemporary art #OceanLiteracy is a crucial part of our planet’s alphabet so get involved & let’s protect our only blue home! @IocUnesco #SDG14 @ThomsonFiji #OceanLiteracy4All Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 12 “We have reached the point of no return. We the ocean and the planet and, we need to act now, today. We can make a real One Ocean forum sets a code of conduct for concrete all need to do our part. It is easy as difference by adopting a responsible approach and actions to protect the ocean and save our future we can start by avoiding single-use sustainable actions. We need to make our best to plastic, including bottles and straws. leave the ocean, as we have known it, to our future generations.”, appealed Princess Zahra Aga Khan. We all have a role to play.” Each single action is important for the ocean! Held under the high patronage of Princess Zahra Aga Khan, the One Ocean forum brought together major ongoing bond with the sea who The discussion developed around stakeholders and prominent experts shared the changes and scenarios pressing issues, such as marine from different fields - the scientific/ that they have experienced first- litter and pollution, global and academic world, artists, divers and hand, namely: world champion climate changes, and possible sailors to open an international sailor Paul Cayard, world free- solutions such as blue technologies dialogue on marine preservation. diving champion Davide Carrera, and innovation, and ocean literacy The forum included eyewitness environmental artist Anne de - understanding the ocean, its contributions of 4 men and women Carbuccia, and National Geographic influence and how essential it is for with a longstanding deep and explorer and journalist Paul Rose. our wellbeing. >>full story

‘Our Ocean’ Conference unveils global action to mobilize science for a healthier ocean

Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development in One Ocean Forum 2017 © One Ocean Forum 2021-2030, the IOC aims to mobilize scientists, policy-makers, businesses, and civil society around an The One Ocean forum, as a in Europe, with the scientific of the importance the ocean has international programme of research regular event, aims to promote contribution of SDA Bocconi School for our home planet earth. Climate and scientific innovation with applied effective actions towards marine of Management. The aim was to change, marine pollution and ocean solutions to boost the sustainable preservation, creating a network of raise awareness about threats to acidification are menacing the ocean development of nations. “intelligence” and identifying best the ocean environment, to commit health. “We need both individual and practices in order to solve the issues to marine preservation and to set a collective actions at once to solve Because ocean science is affecting the marine ecosystem. code of ethics to disseminate related ocean issues”, explained Francesca transdisciplinary by its very nature On 3-4 October 2017, the first principles and actions. Santoro, Ocean Literacy specialist and no single country can measure edition launched an international While ocean issues are receiving all the changes taking place in the at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental ocean, this Decade of Ocean Science dialogue on ocean sustainability to increased attention on the Oceanographic Commission (IOC) identify principles and commitments international agenda, much would help identify and close the stationed at the UNESCO Regional gaps in our knowledge of the ocean. that individuals and organizations still remains to be done. Not Bureau for Science and Culture in can share and commit to for the enough people are aware Europe. ”We are all stewards of After all, we cannot manage what protection of the ocean and its we cannot measure. The more we resources. know about the world’s ocean, the better countries can apply science In the steps of the UN Ocean to developing smart and effective Conference in New York (June 2017) policies to use ocean resources and its call to sustainable action and sustainably. investment in innovative solutions, © Our ocean Malta the One Ocean forum was held for As countries announce at the Our eradication, global food security, Coming out of this Decade, a new two days in Milan, Italy. Promoted Ocean Conference measures to economic growth and regulating the generation of decision-makers and by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda combat ocean degradation and Earth’s climate. We still know very little citizens will be better equipped to (YCCS), the event was organized advance sustainable development, about this vital lifeline, and what is our veil over the state of the ocean and in cooperation with UNESCO’s the Intergovernmental Oceanographic planet’s largest ecosystem – but we ensure it can continue providing the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO announced 3 know for certain that the ocean is in benefits and resources we need to Commission and UNESCO Regional major commitments to boost global trouble because of human activities. ensure our future wellbeing. Bureau for Science and Culture science and awareness-raising actions for the conservation and sustainable The IOC has set forth to develop a The Decade of Ocean Science will use of the ocean. global framework for coordination and contribute to achieving the ocean “The ocean is vital for our cultures, our economies, our lives, the very survival of our planet” Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General ambitious partnerships that can deliver sustainable development goals of the Our ocean provides livelihoods for the ocean we need for the future we United Nations 2030 Agenda.>>full millions by contributing to poverty want. Actively calling for a United story

© One Ocean Forum 2017 Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 13 UNESCO host in Venice of 21 United Nations agencies for the Regional REGIONAL COORDINATION MECHANISM UN System Meeting for Europe and Central Asia

On 19-20 October 2017, the UNESCO reform and the preparation of the Regional Bureau for Science and Regional Forum for Sustainable Culture in Europe hosted at its Development (RFSD). premises in Venice, Italy, the joint meeting of the Regional Regional directors decided on the Coordination Mechanism and the next steps regarding advocacy for Regional UNDG Team for Europe SDGs, country support and inter- and Central Asia. The Regional UN agency cooperation. system meeting, to which 21 UN entities participated, was preceded The Regional UN System meeting was on 18 October by a technical-level co-chaired by Ms. Olga Algayerova, meeting of the UNDAF Peer Support Executive Secretary of the United Group. Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and Chair of the In close cooperation with the RCM and Ms. Cihan Sultanoglu, UNESCO offices in Almaty, Tashkent UNDP Assistant Administrator and

and Teheran, the UNESCO Regional Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and Central /Europe © UNDG.ORG Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe and the Commonwealth of Europe participates and contributes Independent States and Chair of the The Regional Coordination to the work of the Regional Regional UNDG Team for Europe and While countries in Europe and promotes cooperation among UN (PSG). The ECA R-UNDG Team covers Mechanism addresses issues Coordination Mechanism and the Central Asia. that have high priority on the Central Asia are taking steps regional entities and their various 18 programme countries with full- sustainable development agenda, Regional UNDG, as well as of its call for policy coherence at UNDAF Peer Support Group (PSG). Twenty-one entities - UN Agencies, towards achieving the 2030 partners in addressing regional, fledged UN presence (i.e. presence the regional level and require The regional bureau hosted at Funds and Programmes - were Agenda and its 17 Sustainable crosscutting policy issues. of a Resident Coordinator and inter-agency cooperation in view Palazzo Zorzi, its premises in Venice, represented at the Regional UN Development Goals (SDGs), the functioning UNCTs) and 4 countries, of their cross-sectoral nature. Currently particular emphasis the seventh Regional UN system System meeting in Venice: FAO, entities of the UN system in the Chaired by the Executive Secretary where the UN is represented through is on the following themes: meeting for Europe and Central Asia. IAEA, ILO, IOM, ITU, OHCHR, UN region are continuing to connect of the United Nations Economic either selected UN entities (with no Millennium Development Goals; Habitat, UN Women, UNAIDS, the dots and align their activities Commission for Europe (UNECE), RC) or their projects national staff. All 2030 Agenda for Sustainable The dialogue focused on the UNCTAD, UNDP, UNECE, UNEP, to support these efforts. Regional the RCM works in close cooperation programme countries are in middle- Development; Gender equality implementation and monitoring of UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, and empowerment of women; UN system meetings play a central with the Regional UN Development income category. Green Economy; and, Health. the Sustainable Development Goals UNIDO, UNOPS, WFP and WHO. >> role in reaching decisions related Group for Europe and Central Asia (SDGs) in the region, the United full story to policy coherence, provision (ECA R-UNDG), which focuses on The key objective of the ECA R-UNDG Nations Development System (UNDS) of leadership support, strategic programming, coordination and is to support UN Country Teams in policy guidance, quality assurance policy work at the country level. these countries to strengthen UN and oversight. The decisions taken The ECA R-UNDG works closely with positioning through advancing the during the meetings are binding UN Country Teams (UNCTs) through UN coherence agenda and enhancing and taken by consensus. provision of strategic guidance and strategic programming, resource policy advice. mobilization, and partnership- The Regional Coordination building. Mechanism (RCM) has been The team also provide oversight mandated by resolution 1998/46 functions through the Resident The ultimate result that the ECA of the Economic and Social Council Coordinator/UNCT performance R-UNDG strives to achieve is (ECOSOC) and has held regular management system, as well as strengthened and high quality inter-agency meetings since 1999. coordinated technical support for UN contribution to countries in the rollout and implementation of achieving their national priorities in The RCM, as coordinator of the the UN Development Assistance the context of and in alignment with work of the organizations of the Frameworks (UNDAFs), particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable UN system at the regional level, through the Peer Support Group Development.

“We are reforming our development system to become much more field-focused, well-coordinated and accountable to better assist countries through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – our contribution to a fair globalization.” Secretary-General’s remarks at UN Reform Event, September 2017

UN COUNTRY TEAMS © UNESCO - Members of the regional UN system and staff at the meeting in Venice on 19-20 October 2017, hosted by UNESCO Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 14 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The United Nations has proclaimed 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, in recognition of the tremendous potential 2017 of the tourism industry, which accounts for some 10% of the world’s economic activity, to contribute to the fight against poverty and foster mutual September understanding and intercultural dialogue, which are at the heart of UNESCO’s mission. July Introduction to IBSE and Ark of Inquiry Summer School on Integrated online webinar for teachers in SEE Management Approaches and 6 & 21 September 2017. Online Sustainable Tourism Strategies for Biosphere Reserves Training of Trainers for Europe on Tepilora Regional Park - Sardinia, Italy. capacity-building for the safeguarding of 13-20 July 2017 Intangible Cultural Heritage Sofia, Bulgaria. 18-22 September 2017 Summer School on Plastics in Marina and Freshwater Environments 2017 MAB Youth Forum committed to Koblenz, Germany. 16-21 July 2017 Sustainable Development Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, Italy. 18-23 August September 2017 Sub-regional Workshop Managing Cheap-GSHP Project geothermal system Disaster Risks in UNESCO Designated installation kicking off day (Technical Sites Museum Nikola Tesla of Zagreb) Hvar, Croatia. 25-28 September 2017 Zagreb, Croatia. 21 August 2017 Ecohydrology for the Circular Economy and Nature-Based Solutions towards mitigation/adaptation to Climate Change European Marine Science Educators Lodz, Poland. 26-28 September 2017 Association (EMSEA) Conference Idrija, Slovenia. 19-21 April 2017 Capacity-building workshop on illicit XXVII Conference of the Danubian trafficking of cultural property Rome, Countries on Hydrological Forecasting International workshop on the Italy. 20-24 November 2017 and Hydrological Bases of Water integrated approach to culture-based Management local development: synergies between I-REACT Mid-term evaluation Golden Sands, Bulgaria. 26-28 heritage and creativity Turin, Italy. 30 November 2017 September 2017 Turin, Italy. 8-13 October 2017 October PLASTIC Free initiative December Venice, Italy. 14 October 2017 Workshop on Disaster Risk Management International Ocean Literacy Conference in the field of Cultural Heritage RCM & Regional UN System Meetings Venice, Italy. 4-5 December 2017 Vrdnik Kula, Serbia 2-3 October 2017 Venice, Italy. 18, 19-20 October 2017 Transboundary Training Workshop on One Ocean Forum Milan, Italy 3-4 Second Balkan UNESCO Chairs Meeting Governance and Technology for Flood October 2017 Bucharest, Romania. 26-28 October Risk Reduction: Linking early warning 2017 to emergency management in the Sava Our Ocean Malta River Basin Malta. 7-10 October 2017 Zagreb, Croatia. 5-7 December 2017 November Council of Ministers of Culture of South- Getting Girls Involved in the Science East Europe – Enhancing Culture for Classroom! - “Ark of Inquiry” Training for Sustainable Development - Meeting of Science Teachers in Albania the CoMoCoSEE Committee of Officials Tirana, Albania. 9-10 November 2017 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 14 December 2017 In designating 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the United Nations General Assembly noted “the importance of Ark of Inquiry Final Conference international tourism in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various Paris, France. 20 November 2017 civilizations, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world”. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

>> all events Bridges Issue 2 • 2017 • page 15 We are choking our OCEAN to death. Plastic free!

Backstory BIYEARLY NEWSLETTER • http://www.unesco.org/venice ISSUE 2 2017 JULY - DECEMBER PLASTIC FREE INITIATIVE Shaping Ocean Literate citizens

With the increasing use of plastic, human influence has become an issue as many types of plastics do not biodegrade. Waterborne plastic poses a serious threat to fish, seabirds, marine reptiles, and marine mammals, as Bridges well as to boats and coasts. Dumping, container spillages, litter washed into storm drains and waterways and wind- blown landfill waste all contribute to UNESCO Regional Bureau this problem. It is our responsibility to rethink plastic for Science and Culture in Europe use and our behaviour... A unique big ocean to be protected Launched on 14 October 2017 in Venice by the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe and IOC, the Plastic Free Initiative is of a purely civic, educational nature. The scope is to raise awareness and consciousness of the harmful impact of plastic debris in the marine and Contact us : terrestrial ecosystems. The activity, which successfully catalyzed the attention of representatives from local institutions and citizens, is in line with the European SEA CHANGE project, our ocean our health, carried Palazzo Zorzi, Castello 4930 - 30122 Venice - Italy out with the contribution of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Tel: +39.041.260.15.11 Fax: +39.041.528.99.95 Commission of UNESCO, with the aim of shaping ‘Ocean Literate’ citizens. [email protected] The SEA CHANGE project, funded by the European Commission COPYRIGHT © 2012 UNESCO -Seasonal Landcover and Arctic Sea Ice /NASA courtesy Horizon2020 programme, aims to establish a fundamental “Sea Change” in the way European citizens view their relationship with the sea, by empowering them, as Ocean Literate citizens, to take direct and sustainable action towards a healthy ocean and seas, healthy communities and ultimately a healthy planet. The goal is to raise awareness of citizens at cultural, environmental and scientific levels. A greater consciousness may induce behavioural changes and virtuous practices.

The afternoon included the screening of themed films and the presentation of the book by Franco Borgogno, “Un Mare di Plastica” (Plastic sea). For the first time, in August 2016, a group of researchers travelled the mythical passage to the North West, from Greenland to Western Canada, to collect data on the presence of plastics and microplastics in that extreme stretch of the Arctic sea, a very precious place for the marine life. Franco Borgogno participated for the European Research Institute at the expedition organized by the 5 Gyres Institute, an NGO specialized in the study and dissemination on the theme of plastic pollution. Through the story of the journey and the research experience, the author explained to the audience not only that it is important to become aware of the most serious widespread modern pollution, but how we can change our behaviour in everyday life, not to damage the ocean, our planet and the future.

NOAA Herrmann - Visible Plastic & R. Pollutants For more information, please visit our website: Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe www.unesco.org/venice United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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NOAA - Marine debris