“The Asia Cooperation Program on

Conservation Science” Marks 20 Years

and Goes Global

 -The NRICH to Announce Expansion of International Exchanges and

Beneficiary Countries at 20th Anniversary Ceremony on August 5-

On August 5th, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (Director General Lim Jong-deock; hereafter, NRICH), affiliated with the Korea Heritage Service (hereafter, KHS), held a commemorative event marking the 20th anniversary of the Asia Cooperation Program on Conservation Science (hereafter, ACPCS) at the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon.
* ACPCS (Asia Cooperation Program on Conservation Science): A program that invites cultural heritage professionals from Asian countries to Korea for training in various fields including conservation science, archaeology, architecture, and safety and disaster prevention, aimed at enhancing their preservation capabilities
Established in 2005, this program is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is the longest-running initiative in Korea to strengthen the conservation capabilities of overseas cultural heritage professionals. Over the past 20 years, it has trained 120 participants from 19 countries. It has fostered cooperation in cultural heritage preservation among Asian countries and achieved remarkable results by enhancing participants’ conservation capabilities through research opportunities with experts at the NRICH.
To mark the 20th anniversary of ACPCS, a commemorative publication was released, and the event was specially broadcast live on YouTube and conducted via online video conference (Zoom). Many cultural heritage conservation professionals from overseas participated. Former trainees from Cambodia, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka were invited to join the discussions on the future direction of the program. Alongside this, the NRICH also held a ceremony to announce its vision for international exchange. The NRICH shared and discussed its mid- and long-term vision for international exchange: “Enhance the value of K-Heritage and contribute to the international community by diversifying international cooperation efforts.”Along with the vision, three core values were presented: Research and Analysis for Future Challenges, Cooperation in the Preservation of World Heritage, and Strengthening the Global Recognition of K-Heritage.
The NRICH will actively pursue international exchange projects based on four key strategies: ▲ Diversifying international cooperation networks, ▲ Strengthening strategic partnerships with international cultural heritage organizations, ▲ Expanding joint research and academic exchange, and ▲ Expanding beneficiary countries and participants.
Beginning next year, ACPCS plans to expand beneficiary countries from Asian countries to the global stage, in line with the mid- and long-term vision for international cooperation. It aims to make a significant contribution to the preservation of world heritage, while gradually increasing the number of participants and extending training periods. The program will be renamed ICPC next year.
*ICPC (International Cooperation Program of Conservation): The new name for ACPCS
Moving forward, the NRICH is expected to play a pivotal role in leading the preservation of cultural heritage based on international cooperation networks both within Asian countries and worldwide.
Attachments:
1. Attached Photo
2. ACPCS Poster
3. Overview of NRICH’s International Cooperation Framework and Detailed Project List