The UNESCO Chair on Threats to Cultural Heritage (TCHER) is pursuing its mission by contributing to the protection of Cultural Heritage in emergency situations, in several ways, including:
- Research and academic collaboration: UNESCO Chair TCHER leads and participates in research projects that promote the study of ancient civilizations and their contributions to human culture and heritage.
- Capacity building: UNESCO Chair TCHER provides training and educational programs to professionals and students in the field of Culture and Cultural Heritage, helping to build the capacity of individuals and institutions working in this area.
- Networking and partnership building: UNESCO Chair TCHER acts as a bridge between different institutions and organizations involved in the study and preservation of Culture and Civilizations, fostering collaboration and cooperation.
- Outreach and dissemination: UNESCO Chair TCHER use its expertise and resources to raise awareness about the importance of Civilizations and their heritage among the general public, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
- Advising and supporting policy-making: UNESCO Chair TCHER provides expert advice and support to intergovernmental bodies and national governments on issues related to ancient civilizations and their heritage, helping to inform and shape policy decisions.
- Developing emergency response plans: UNESCO Chair TCHER works with local communities and governments to develop emergency response plans for cultural heritage sites and collections. These plans outline the steps to be taken in the event of a disaster, including evacuation procedures, emergency contact information, and measures for protecting and preserving cultural materials.
- Building local capacity: UNESCO Chair TCHER works to build the capacity of local communities and organizations to respond to emergencies and protect cultural heritage. This includes training programs, workshops, and other forms of education and outreach.
- Conducting risk assessments: UNESCO Chair TCHER conducts risk assessments of cultural heritage sites and collections to identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies for addressing them. These assessments should take into account factors such as location, type of materials, and the potential impact of different types of disasters.
- Facilitating international cooperation: UNESCO Chair TCHER serves as a bridge between local communities and international organizations, facilitating cooperation and coordination in the response to emergency situations. This includes partnering with other UNESCO Chairs, UNESCO offices, and other international organizations to provide technical assistance, funding, and other forms of support.
- Raising awareness: UNESCO Chair TCHER aspires to play an important role in raising awareness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage in emergency situations. This can include participating in public education campaigns, publishing research, and working with media outlets to disseminate information about the risks facing cultural heritage and the steps that can be taken to protect it.
- Advocating for policy change: UNESCO Chair TCHER advocates for policy changes at the local and national levels to support the protection of cultural heritage in emergency situations. This includes working with governments to incorporate cultural heritage into disaster management plans, and advocating for the inclusion of cultural heritage protection in international disaster response frameworks.