Heritage, Climate Justice and Equity

Abstract

ICOMOS Climate Action Working Group (C.A.W.G). 

In this document, ICOMOS addresses the relationship between climate change, climate justice, and cultural heritage, highlighting that climate impacts directly affect vulnerable communities, Indigenous peoples, and countries with limited capacity for effective resource management. These inequalities place both tangible and intangible heritage at risk and are linked to situations of social, economic, and cultural exclusion.

The text proposes a people-centered approach grounded in human and cultural rights, recognizing the value of Indigenous knowledge in climate action. It also emphasizes the need to restructure governmental models and adopt participatory, equitable, and inclusive governance in order to strengthen cultural resilience and promote sustainable development in the face of the global climate crisis.

This document was prepared by the members of the Climate Action Working Group: Clara Arokiasamy, Sheridan Burke, Milagros Roman Flores, Patrick Chao-Shiang Li, Kate Lim, Lydia Loopesko, Laure Marique, Deirdre McDermott, William Megarry, Ave Paulus, John Peterson, Mario Santana, Cecilie Smith-Christensen, Chris Underwood, Alex Yaning Yen.