2016 Conference on Asia-Pacific Religious Culture Heritage Conservation

        In 2008, the General Assembly of ICOMOS urged nations worldwide to acknowledge the importance of "Religious Heritage and Sacred Places." That plea has since then inspired conservationists in the Asia-Pacific Region to consider and explore an appropriate protective measure - a balance between western art restoration theories and the uniqueness of Asian religious heritage sites. In addition to being scientifically-sound, heritage conservation methods also have to be locality-minded, culturally-focused, and sensitive to universal values. Religions worldwide are known to transcend borders; religious practices and objects, therefore, require conservation and promotional methods that go beyond unilateral point-of-view. The riches of religious artifacts and non-material legacy become a prominent feature in the world heritage catalog. 
        Taiwan is noted for its ethnically diverse society, and the nation bustles with vibrant religious activities and temple events. Taiwan also boasts an amazing diversity of religious heritage places. These heritage monuments and preservation environment are integrally linked with the unique locality of the Asia-Pacific, meaning that they are susceptible to the impacts of climate change, tourist activities, urban development measures, earthquakes, floods, and threats from manmade calamities. The goal of the upcoming seminar is to explore the specifics of success restoration cases reported by nations in the Asia-Pacific region through in-depth discussions, to provide participants a wider, macroscopic point-of-view, that these religious heritage monuments can be regarded with seriousness, and given the preservation care, attention and public recognition they deserve.
        The seminar focuses on "religious cultural heritage." 
        From the perspectives of site and object preservation and restoration, scientific methodology and educational campaigns, the seminar highlights the following discussion topics: 
        "Discourse on Religious Heritage Conservation and Restoration," "The Impacts of Disasters on Religious Architecture and Artifacts Preservation" and "Myths and Reflections on the Preservation and Restoration of Religious Sites." Keynote speakers from France, Japan, China, Taiwan, plus preservationists of religious and cultural heritage, along with specialists of religion, culture, museology, and architecture will enhance the seminar.