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Global Heritage Fund Creates a New Model for Heritage Conservation in the People Republic of China (PRC)

April 26, 2003

 

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Global Heritage Fund Creates a New Model for Heritage Conservation in the People Republic of China (PRC)

Showing the Power of Master Conservation Planning and Conservation Trust of Lijiang Ancient Town, Yunnan China

Palo Alto, March 26, 2003 - Global Heritage Fund (GHF) has created a new public - private model for international heritage conservation in China. This unique model using an innovative Conservation Trust combined with government-approved Master Conservation Planning (MCP), has shown proven success in preservation and authentic restoration of the traditional Naxi architecture in the Ancient Town of Lijiang, Yunnan province, reversing over 10 years of destruction and neglect for this UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the heart of the Northern Yunnan province in Southwest China, near the borders of Myanmar and Tibet is one of the last surviving ancient towns in China, Lijiang. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Lijiang’s Naxi people have preserved much of their native Dongba culture and live in houses that are built according to traditional Naxi architecture. The town’s unique architecture, streetscapes, canals and waterways, in combination with the people and their distinct culture give Lijiang its ‘universal value to mankind’.

The Ancient Town of Lijiang is at risk of losing the last remnants of its ancient heritage and culture due to its recent popularity and growth in tourism. New construction is strangling the ancient town while many of the ancient residences have been abandoned because of the prohibitive cost of authentic restoration.

“As in many developing countries, communities consider construction and development a step forward for tourist and economic development. Unfortunately, more often than not, rapid development and unplanned growth has a negative impact on the local population and puts the future at risk, said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director Global Heritage Fund. “In the case of Lijiang Ancient Town, the last ‘living’ ancient city in China, an exodus of centuries old families and residents from the ancient town coupled with unchecked new concrete and industrial construction is destroying Lijiang”.

In 2002 GHF started to lead conservation efforts in the People’s Republic of China based on the newly developed model for heritage conservation. UNESCO Asia Pacific and GHF created a joint partnership with the Lijiang Ancient Town Committee for the development of the first Master Conservation Plan (MCP). The Master Conservation Plan, Lijiang’s first comprehensive roadmap for conservation was developed with the technical support of Shanghai Tongxi University. The MCP addresses permanent protection for the Core and Protected areas and provides detailed guidelines for zoning, land use, construction, preservation and authentic restoration of Lijiang’s traditional Naxi architecture. In accordance with recommendations from the MCP as well as advocacy of GHF and UNESCO Asia Pacific, Lijiang has recently demolished 14 newly constructed cement block high-rise buildings that were built directly in front of the North Entrance of town.

GHF has established a matching Preservation Incentive Fund (PIF) to help multiply resources needed for the residential preservation. The PIF provides micro loans and grants for low-income and poverty level residents to assist them in undertaking the costly preservation and authentic restoration of their homes.

GHF lead the initiative to create the first public and privately funded Lijiang Trust for Conservation. The Conservation Trust is now channeling private sector support for conservation and restoration of primary structures and streetscapes within the Ancient Town Core Conservation Area. “We closed 2002 with the wonderful milestone of distributing funds to the first group of Lijiang homeowners, that has resulted in the preservation of 14 ancient residences. An additional 32 residences are planned for restoration in 2003”, said Jeff Morgan. “All GHF funding will continue to be matched by the Lijiang Ancient Town Committee for up to 200 ancient residences and GHF is working to involve all community stakeholders in the planning process for the future of Lijiang”.

About Global Heritage Fund

The Global Heritage Fund’s mission is to enable successful long-term preservation of humankind’s most important archaeological sites and ancient townscapes, creating new engines for economic growth in developing countries. GHF works to develop comprehensive Master Conservation Plans, provides early matching grants and training, builds local institutions and promotes sustainable tourism development to ensure permanent protection for global cultural treasures. The Global Heritage Fund is a registered non-profit conservancy based in Palo Alto, California.