The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), the key professional body for built and historic environment conservation specialists, has opened booking for a major conference on ‘Conservation: Making the Economic Argument’. It will take place in Cardiff on 24 September 2009 with Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, WAG, joined by specialists from inside and outside Wales, exploring the substantial economic case for conservation.
Richard Dean, Chair IHBC Wales Branch and co-organiser, said: ’We’ll examine economic issues linked to retaining and enhancing the historic environment. The subject is cross-cutting, from regeneration and tourism to environmental and low-carbon benefits, as well as the socio-economic angle, so there’s a lot to explore.’
‘All conservation professionals must address economic realities, so this will let delegates understand the issues as well as help make the case more effectively. Naturally we’ll make particular reference to conservation in Wales, but anyone working with historic places – and that means pretty much everyone – will be able to learn from a day like this,’ Richard Dean continued.
Dave Chetwyn, IHBC Chair and one of the key speakers, endorsed the approach, saying: ‘Economic arguments are essential if we are to raise awareness of the huge diversity of benefits that conservation can bring to all communities. The inter-disciplinary skills that underpin conservation bring cross-cutting benefits and outcomes for everyone. IHBC members are multi-skilled practitioners. It’s right that the Institute should identify the multitude of benefits arising from our work’.
The conference is linked to the IHBC’s September Council Meeting, as each year it visits a major UK centre to raise professional and political awareness of conservation and of the Institute. Seán O’Reilly, IHBC Director, said ‘It’s great that our Council, as skilled practitioners, can help spread the good work of the IHBC through events like this. We’re especially delighted that the Minister, as well as Cadw’s Director, Marilyn Lewis, have given their support by speaking’.
Queries:
Seán O’Reilly: (0131) 5583671; director@ihbc.org.uk
For details and bookings see links from the IHBC’s home page at www.ihbc.org.uk
or telephone Devon DeCelles on 0131 558 1854 M: 0780 737 9226
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Click here to link to Conference page
