Dear Colleagues.

We are organizing a regional conference on the future and new challenges facing the Protection Management of Archaeological Heritage.

The scope of this conference is to present and use past experience with a view to contribute as a think tank to new ways of managing the protection and preservation of our archaeological heritage in times of economic crisis. The challenges are now greater than ever, as the cultural society needs to regroup its forces, reinforce its role, create new synergies and undertake fresh initiatives in order to maintain standards and offer sustainable solutions. The conference will function as a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas by all professionals involved in protection management in these difficult times.

As there are many sectors of occupation which play an important role in protection management and which face serious challenges and threats in the present days but also in view of the future, we have identified 15 topics for distinctive panel discussions during the conference sessions. We believe that bringing together and publishing expert opinion and experience in various fields, in regards to preoccupations and possible solutions concerning the future in Protection Heritage Management, in times of economic crisis, will accumulate food for thought and reference on the one side and on the other shall stimulate closer and better collaboration possibilities. The fortieth anniversary of the World Heritage Convention is a momentum that should trigger new inspiration and instigate creativity for a stronger and broader framework of protection for our cultural heritage.

Furthermore, as Greece belongs to the ICAHM South- East Mediterranean Region, a special session will be dedicated to this area and the grave difficulties it faces.

You are cordially invited to submit your abstract by February 29.

On behalf of ICOMOS Hellenic

Dr. Elena Korka, archaeologist Director, Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Antique Shops and Private Archaeological Collections Vice-president for S E Mediterranean Region ICAHM

E-mail cititrv@otenet.gr