Climate Change and UNESCO Heritage

Introduction

The Climate Change and UNESCO Heritage pilot project brings public and private bodies and their data together within three UK UNESCO heritage sites to develop and test models of improved joint working, plus new approaches and data tools to share and analyse geodata effectively.

The project aims to enable the development of cross-cutting solutions to the impacts of climate change and to develop shareable tools and models for natural and heritage sites worldwide.

Background

Some of the most difficult social, environmental and economic challenges, such as reducing crime or achieving net zero, sit across the areas of responsibility of multiple public sector organisations. The UK government wants to ensure the public sector is set up to deliver better outcomes where these rely on more than one part of the public sector.

The Climate Change and UNESCO Heritage project aims to enable the development of cross-cutting solutions to the impacts of climate change and to develop shareable tools and models for natural and heritage sites both in the UK and worldwide. 

The project has received £1.8 million funding through the HM Treasury Shared Outcomes Fund. The UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) was successful in our bid to receive funding from the third round of the Shared Outcomes Fund, as announced in November 2023.

The Climate Change and UNESCO Heritage project runs over the course of 2024-25, and brings together multiple government departments and independent organisations.

For the latest on the project, please see the Project Announcements section below.

Support from the Heritage Minister

Speaking of the project, Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant MP, said:

‘I am delighted to see some of our iconic UNESCO sites playing a central role in making sure we are able to protect our heritage assets against the threat of climate change. I look forward to seeing this project progress and uncover how we can make the best use of our data and expertise, so that we can continue to care for these important places and the communities they serve for generations to come.’

Project Announcements

Proposals sought for UKNC Research & Innovation Consultant
CLOSED

 

The UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) is seeking proposals from consultants with expertise in research and coordinating cross-disciplinary groups to become our Research & Innovation Consultant.

The work of the Consultant will support a broader understanding of the growing role and positioning of UNESCO sites as pioneers for localising and testing innovative participatory approaches for addressing global sustainable development challenges, both in the UK and internationally. 

The UKNC will welcome submissions for this opportunity from a range of profiles such as independent researchers or partnerships, practitioners and academics.

Click HERE to read more and download the full Research & Innovation Consultant Brief.

Three sites announced as pilot locations in UKNC’s groundbreaking new Climate Change & UNESCO Heritage project

15 August 2024

The UK National Commission for UNESCO and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced that three UNESCO sites in the UK are set to receive funding and support to take part in the groundbreaking pilot project, Climate Change & UNESCO Heritage.  Click here to read more.

Proposals sought for Climate Change & UNESCO Heritage Stakeholder Mapping & User Research Consultant
16 April 2024 (CLOSED)

 

The UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) is seeking proposals from consultants with expertise in stakeholder mapping & analysis, audience development and user research to deliver novel approaches for its high-profile new pilot project: ‘Climate Change and UNESCO Heritage’.

Click HERE to read more and download the full Evaluation Consultant Brief.

Expressions of Interest sought for CC&UH Evaluation Consultant
27 February 2024 (CLOSED)

 

The UKNC seeking an evaluation consultant to identify suitable approaches for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Climate Change and UNESCO Heritage (CC&UH) project.

The consultant will produce an overall evaluation plan for the pilot, complete with reporting framework, to be used by both the central UKNC project team and by teams at the three project pilot sites. Additionally, the consultant will return to support the end of project evaluation needs at the end of the project.

Click HERE to read more and download the full Evaluation Consultant Brief.

Shared Outcomes Fund Round 3 – Pilot Project Summaries
November 2023

 

HM Treasury announces Shared Outcomes Fund Round 3 funding Pilot Project Summaries.