UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards

Why in News?

Recently, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2022 has been announced which included four winners from India.

Award-Winning Countries: What’s the Scenario?

  • Global Performance:
    • Thirteen projects from six countries that have been acknowledged for awards were:
      • Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal and Thailand.
  • India’s Performance:
    • Award of Excellence: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
    • Award of Distinction: Stepwells of Golconda, Hyderabad
    • Award of Merit: Domakonda Fort, Telangana, and Byculla Station, Mumbai
  • Significance of Heritage Sites:
    • There is a nature and culture linkage that heritage sites demonstrate. They can address climate change with net-zero water requirements.
    • The restoration of wells shows how conservation of heritage sites can have multiple objectives.

What is UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation?

  • Since 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation programme has recognised the efforts of private individuals and organisations in restoring, conserving and transforming structures and buildings of heritage value in the region.
  • It encourages other property owners to undertake conservation projects within their communities, either independently or by public-private partnerships.
    • The awards give people a sense of pride and sense of ownership of their own heritage.

Note

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai:
    • The museum is a part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai's world heritage property.
      • It was established as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India in 1922.
  • Byculla Station, Mumbai:
    • The station was built in 1853. The first train of the country passed through Byculla station almost one-and-a-half centuries ago. It has been restored to its original Gothic, heritage, architectural glory.
  • Domakonda Fort, Telangana:
    • The Domakonda Fort is private property and was built in the 18th century with an amalgam of styles including stucco work, arched pillars, flat ceiling, and a courtyard with a water garden pond.

Source: TH