The "Joint Event for the World Heritage Youth Education Bases" was held successfully at the Wushan Chenghuang Pavilion in Hangzhou on 13 April 2025. During the event, Macao Cultural Heritage Reinventing Studies Association (MCHRSA) passed the re-evaluation for its qualification as one of the World Heritage Youth Education Bases, thus maintaining its title. The aforementioned event was co-hosted by the The Suzhou Centre of the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHITRAP Suzhou Centre), the Suzhou Gardening and Greening Bureau, and the Management Committee of Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area, and organised by the Hangzhou West Lake World Cultural Heritage Monitoring and Management Centre.
MCHRSA successfully renewed its "Education Base Certificate" accreditation through the WHITRAP Suzhou Centre, the re-accreditation and was invited to attend in the event. Ms. IP Un I, the Vice Director General of MCHRSA, was the representative of the association. The re-accreditation signifies the regional acknowledgement of MCHRSA's contributions to the education and promotion of cultural heritage by a prominent global contributor. MCHRSA will deepen the fellowship with the Asia-Pacific World Heritage conservation network.
"2024 Exhibition for Innovative Cases of the World Heritage Youth Education Bases" debuted on that day, showcasing the outstanding achievements in heritage education from various bases over the years. In the event, representatives of World Heritage Youth Education Bases joined a cultural exploration themed "Wushan Daguan Scenic Spot" led by the team of West Lake Ambassador. The walking tour covered some key attractions such as Ruishi Ancient Cave, Baocheng Temple, Dongyue Temple, and Wugong Temple, with experts and scholars from different regions of China, exploring two thematic routes: the Yanrui Ancient Trail and Temple Street. Participants visited historic sites like Ruishi Ancient Cave, Baocheng Temple, and Wugongshan Shrine, examining real-world cases of traditional architectural conservation and revitalisation, and experienced the unique "city-landscape integration" heritage preservation model of Hangzhou, which harmoniously blends urban development with cultural landscape protection.
Ms. IP stated that MCHRSA will continue to leverage Macau’s unique position as “the exchange and cooperation base with mainstream Chinese culture and co-existence of different cultures”, actively providing platforms for youth cultural exchange and strengthening the collaboration with mainland provinces and cities. Our representative has acquired valuable insights during the recent trip to Hangzhou. The conservation efforts observed there will serve as significant references for Macau's initiatives in cultural heritage preservation. MCHRSA strives to implement practical cases and contribute to the advancement of Macao’s cultural heritage preservation cause. The association will adhere to the philosophy of “love heritage with creativity and knowledge” and continue to promote cultural heritage activities aligned with UNESCO Asia-Pacific standards in the upcoming year.
The World Heritage Youth Education Base serves as a crucial platform for implementing the UNESCO "5C" strategic plan. Initiated and established by the WHITRAP Suzhou Centre, the World Heritage Youth Education Base aims to inspire young people's awareness and protection consciousness of cultural heritage through education, practising the "Suzhou Declaration on World Heritage Youth Education" and cultivating future custodians of heritage. Since 2010, the WHITRAP Suzhou Centre has selected and established education bases nationwide with high standards, encompassing diverse entities such as museums, heritage sites, schools, and cultural institutions. Currently, 53 education bases have been set up across China in 12 provinces, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and Macao SAR.
