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UNESCO and IYA2009

UNESCO and IYA2009. M. Alarcon 1 , R. Missotten 2 , Y. Berenguer 2 , A. Sidorenko-Dulom 3 1) Division of Basic and Engineering Sciences, Natural Sciences Sector 2) Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences Sector 3) UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Culture Sector UNESCO

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UNESCO and IYA2009

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  1. UNESCO and IYA2009 M. Alarcon1, R. Missotten2, Y. Berenguer2, A. Sidorenko-Dulom3 1) Division of Basic and Engineering Sciences, Natural Sciences Sector 2) Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences Sector 3) UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Culture Sector UNESCO Paris, France

  2. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) • A specialized agency of the United Nations founded on 16 November 1945 • Goal: to build peace in the minds of men through education, the social and natural sciences, culture and communication • Functions: • Laboratory of ideas • Standard-setter • Clearinghouse of information and knowledge • Capacity-builder • Promoter of international cooperation

  3. UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector • To better assess and manage the Earth’s resources • To reinforce the capacities of developing countries in the sciences, engineering and technology • To assist governments formulate and implement effective science and technology policies and strategies

  4. Natural Sciences Sector Divisions and Programmes • Division of Basic and Engineering Sciences: International Basic Sciences Programme • Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences: Man and the Biosphere Programme, International Geosciences Programme • Division of Water Sciences: International Hydrological Programme • Division of Science Policy and Sustainable Development • Secretariat of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

  5. Natural Sciences Sector Partners • ICSU Scientific Unions: IUPAP, IUGS, IUPAC, IMU, IUBMB • Other UN agencies/institutes: IAEA, WMO, WHO, UNU • International centres/institutes: Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Centre Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN), UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education

  6. UNESCO Culture Sector • UNESCO is in the vanguard of international efforts to protect world heritage. • Certain places are of outstanding universal value and as such form part of the common heritage of humanity. • Protecting World Heritage is the duty of the international community as a whole.

  7. The UN International Year of Astronomy 2009: the proposition

  8. UNESCO accepts to propose IYA2009

  9. UNESCO endorsement of IYA2009 • At the 172nd session (early autumn 2005) of the UNESCO Executive Board, the Government of Italy presented the proposal to proclaim 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, with co-sponsorship by France, Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom. • At the 33rd UNESCO General Conference (Autumn 2005), a resolution was approved supporting the proclamation of 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy.

  10. UNESCO 33 C/Resolution 25 on IYA2009

  11. Onward to the declaration of IYA2009! • Consultations of UNESCO working group on IYA2009 with the Italian Permanent Delegation on the proposed draft resolution (DR) for the UNGA and actions to take to gather sponsorships and support for the DR at the UNGA. • 1st preparatory meeting at UNESCO on 20 August 2006 brought together important partners for IYA2009: UNESCO, IAU, Italy, France, UK, National Institute of Astrophysics of Italy (INAF), COSPAR, International Astronautical Federation. The meeting emphasized the importance of working together to pursue the UN proclamation of IYA 2009. • 2nd preparatory meeting at UNESCO was held on 18 September 2007 and brought together UNESCO, IAU, INAF, Italy, France, Brazil and representatives of other countries supporting the UN proclamation of IYA 2009.

  12. UNESCO experience with IYP2005 • The UN International Year of Physics (IYP) 2005 provided significant opportunities for international collaboration and networking between UNESCO and the international physics community (IUPAP, EPS, APS, SFP, JPS, CPS, AAPPS, and many others). • The activities of IYP2005 were implemented through an International Steering Committee made up of representatives from physical societies all over the world, including UNESCO. • International, regional and national activities of various scales were organized.

  13. IYP 2005 activities • Launching of IYP 2005 with Conference “Physics for Tomorrow,” 13-15 January 2005, organized by UNESCO, IUPAP, EPS, SFP. • EPS13 International Conference “Beyond Einstein – Physics for the 21st Century,” July 2005 • 25th IUPAP General Assembly, October 2005 • World Conference on Physics and Sustainable Development, November 2005, organized by UNESCO, IUPAP, ICTP, SAIP. • International physics talent search, international poster competition, physics awards, public lectures, physics exhibitions and demonstrations, physics symposia for teachers, issuance of commemorative stamps (32 countries)

  14. UNESCO and the International Year of the Planet Earth (IYPE) 2008 • IYPE 2008, a joint initiative between UNESCO and IUGS, was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on 22 December 2005 • On 26 August 2004, the joint Council of IUGS and the International Geological Congress, together representing Earth science communities in 140 countries, adopted a Declaration on the International Year • IYPE aims to demonstrate new and exciting ways in which Earth sciences can help future generations meet the challenges involved in ensuring a safer and more prosperous world. • www.yearofplanetearth.org

  15. IYPE 2008 proposed activities • Science Programme: project proposals on any of the 10 broad themes will be invited for the year • Outreach Programme: • World’s IYPE Launch Event, UNESCO Paris, 12-13 February 2008 • Africa IYPE Launch Event, 22-23 May 2008, Arusha, Tanzania • TV documentary on Earth Sciences • International Conference on Indigenous geo-knowledge and geoscience • Musical symphony, songs, concerts • First World Conference of Young Earth Scientists • Research grants for geoscientists from less developed countries • Maps, stamps, coins, exhibitions, geoparks • Lecture tours and excursions

  16. UNESCO World Heritage Centre Thematic InitiativeAstronomyand World Heritage Anna Sidorenko-Dulom Programme Coordinator

  17. Rationale Consideringthat properties related to science are among the most under-represented on the World Heritage List, Recognizing the absence of an integrated thematic approach for sites which have a symbolic or direct connection to astronomy, Keeping in line with the general UN objectives and with the need to safeguard World Heritage in order to contribute to sustainable development, The World Heritage Centre, in close consultation with the States Parties, UNESCO Venice Office and ICOMOS, has elaborated the Thematic Initiative “Astronomy and World Heritage”.

  18. Goal • To enhance links between science and culture on the basis of research aiming at the acknowledgement of the cultural and scientific values of properties connected with astronomy. • The identification, safeguarding and promotionof these properties are the three lines of actions for the implementation of this programme.

  19. Why Astronomy and World Heritage? • To take into consideration the relationship between mankind and the sky as a part of human environment • To understandthe role of these world heritage properties connected with astronomy • To safeguard the cultural properties and the cultural or natural landscapes • To promotethem through public awareness-raising campaigns

  20. Which properties are associated with astronomy?How could natural properties or biosphere reserves be associated with astronomy and night sky preservation ? According to the World Heritage Convention, the Sky cannot be nominated on the World Heritage List or protected under this Convention.  Only natural or cultural properties which are located on the territory of State Parties could be proposed for nomination.

  21. EXAMPLEPotential natural properties or precisely delineated natural areasof outstanding universal value from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beautywith a strongconnection to astronomical observations From natural properties to “Starlight” Reserves Pilot-Project proposal Nomination of “Starlight” Reserves Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

  22. UNESCO World Heritage Centre and IAU • The Memorandum of Understanding between the UNESCO World heritage Centre and IAU within the framework of the Thematic Initiative "Astronomy and World Heritage" is in process; • The new partnership with “Starlight Initiative” launched by the Spanish authorities is under preparation by the World Heritage Centre. The main objective is to create the “Starlight Reserve” Concept for recognition of the natural sites which contribute by its landscapes to astronomical research (working meeting on this issue will be held on 10 and 15 October at UNESCO) : IAU representatives confirmed their participation to this meeting; • There is a need to establish a tripartite collaboration between UNESCO/WHC, the Advisory Bodies of the World Heritage Committee and IAU aiming to create the International Scientific Committee for Astronomical (or Scientific) Heritage.

  23. SPACE EDUCATION PROGRAMME (launched in2002) • Promotes space-related subjects and disciplines in schools and universities, particularly in developing countries • Provides teachers/educators opportunities to develop/ improve their knowledge and skills in space-related areas, eg access to educational materials relevant to their needs • Raises public awareness of the important contribution of space to the well-being of society Contributes to the preparation of the next generation of space workforce

  24. UNESCO is lead agency for UN DECADE ON EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENT (UNDESD) 2005-2014 Quality Education Space studiese.g. astronomy Space studiese.g. astronomy Value driven Critical thinking & problem solving process Participatory decision-making process

  25. Space Science Space & Aeronautic Engineering Space Technology Applications

  26. Space education workshops • Space education team made up of representatives of space agencies, planetaria, observatories & other space-related institutions • Donation of portable telescopes to schools in coop. with Meade Instruments • Drafting a pilot “National Space Education Programme” with national authorities as a blueprint for organization of space activities in the country Encourages North-South& South-South cooperation

  27. Possibilities of cooperation with UNESCO through its network of schools worldwide • Distribution of low-cost telescopes • Distribution of astronomy-related educational materials for all levels • Organization of outreach events (sky observations, star-gazing nights, competitions, lectures, talks, etc) Contact Space Education Programme Coordinator:Yolanda Berenguer (y.berenguer@unesco.org)

  28. UNESCO-IAU Cooperation • Continue seeking support for IYA2009 proclamation by UN General Assembly • Strengthen coordination at all levels, especially dissemination of information. • Permanent Delegations of UNESCO Member States should be kept informed. • Jointly encourage strong participation of developing countries • Explore joint organization of international activities, e.g. IYA2009 opening ceremony

  29. Thank you for your attention!

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