Bureau Members

ISC Water and Heritage bureau:
And each member’s vision for the ISC

Meisha Hunter (ICOMOS USA) President
‘For the future survival of the world’s infrastructural water heritage, particularly in the era of climate change and sea level rise, increased efforts at cross-disciplinary dialogue between water managers and preservationists are needed. Diverse stakeholders must unite to envision a sustainable future for water, both as a life-sustaining resource and as the driving force for the heritage it embodies’

Ping Kong (ICOMOS Germany) Secretary General
‘Water heritage is deeply intertwined with the rise and sustainability of civilisations. To protect and sustain this vital heritage, it is essential to empower future generations to understand and value water’s role in our past, present, and future. Developing innovative, engaging and accessible learning materials for youth education will prepare young people to carry forward the responsibility of preserving our water resources for a sustainable future.’

Akifumi Iwabuchi (ICOMOS Japan) Membership Secretary
‘Water-related heritage, which has living and tangible features, and its associated intangible aspects of indigenous knowledge system could improve the lives of local people. Indeed, it is located within landscapes created and maintained by harmonious interaction between man and ecosystem. These days, however, water-related heritage is the most vulnerable to global climate change.’

Henk van Schaik (ICOMOS Netherlands) Honorary Vice President – Advisor Triennial Plan development
‘To have the significance of water related heritage (material, conceptual and spiritual) on the agenda (policy, planning and upkeep) of water management,  requires bridging the mandatory, institutional and disciplinary divides between water  management and heritage institutions  through the development of narratives  on the cultural, social , economic and ecological values of (cultural) heritage for the livelihoods and sustainability of present and future communities.’

Saranya Dharshini (ICOMOS UK) Vice President (Europe)
‘To define and advocate for water heritage by promoting inclusive outreach, integrating gender narratives, and ensuring the protection and conservation of both tangible and intangible heritage, fostering policies that honour the socio-cultural and biodiversity values of water, along with traditional knowledge systems, knowledge providers, and grassroots efforts, for a sustainable and resilient future.’

Kevin Lane (ICOMOS Argentina) Vice President (Latin America and the Caribbean)
‘Making past water technology relevant to the 21st Century through recording, recovery and restoration, thereby helping to tackle water insecurity and climate change.’

Taha Ansari (ICOMOS International) Vice President (Arab States)
‘To answer this question: what’s water heritage. Make an inventory of all water heritages throughout the world. It has a great deal in spreading the importance of water heritage (tangible and intangible). What are the values of water heritage? For achieving our goals. Encourage young researchers to knowledge and understanding of water heritage’

Olufemi Adetunji (ICOMOS Nigeria) Vice President (Africa)
‘To have a world where water heritage is cherished and protected, fostering sustainable development, ecological balance, and cultural continuity for present and future generations. To preserve and enhance water heritage by safeguarding natural water bodies, traditional water management systems, and cultural practices, ensuring their sustainable use and resilience against environmental challenges.’

Sukrit Sen (ICOMOS India) Vice President (Asia and the Pacific)
‘to highlight and preserve water-related intangible cultural heritage, especially through the arts, make these connections accessible, and develop frameworks to integrate such informal knowledge systems into formal structures for broader recognition and respect.’

–––––––––––––––

Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a member. We ask for a CV demonstrating your expertise in water and heritage, a covering letter and your ICOMOS membership number. iscwater@icomos.org