Through technical sessions, field exercises, and peer learning, the course emphasized the broader role of impact assessments in heritage management—not only for evaluating isolated projects, but also as a strategic tool to guide long-term planning, strengthen climate resilience, and promote integrated conservation approaches.
As a next step, participants will reconvene for a dedicated in-person session on 20 June 2025 to present their final course assignments, apply the skills gained, and receive certificates of completion.
This initiative reflects the ongoing collaboration between UNESCO and its partners to equip professionals and institutions with the knowledge and tools required to align development with the principles of the World Heritage Convention, ensuring that cultural and natural heritage remains protected for present and future generations.
The training was designed to enhance national capacities to identify, assess, and address risks posed by proposed developments. It was based on the , published in 2022 by UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOMOS, and IUCN, which offers a practical framework for integrating heritage considerations into planning and decision-making processes.
Participants were introduced to the complete impact assessment cycle using the toolkit’s 11-step methodology, which guides users through identifying attributes from a property's Statement of OUV, assessing development proposals, exploring alternatives, and preparing Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) reports that contribute to informed and sustainable heritage management.
A central feature of the course was the use of the Rachid Karami International Fair in Tripoli, a World Heritage property in Danger, as a case study. Participants visited the site for a full day and took part in a simulated development scenario, applying the assessment methodology in a practical context to explore potential impacts on the site’s integrity and authenticity.
