'Making' the Island Heritage List (IHL)

The ruins of  17th century Colbeck Castle is one of my favourite sites in Jamaica.

I fell in love with the ruins of St. Paul - a 16th century Catholic Church in the historic district of Macao.

No- the Island Heritage List (IHL) is not created as a‘look-a-like’ to the World Heritage List! In fact there are no processes attached to the IHL. The idea is to provide a platform which celebrates and recognizes island heritage distinctiveness through an intermingling of tangible and intangible assets. 

The only requirement is simply to provide a brief about the nominated heritage asset/ experience. It’s not a statement of justification! Remember the mantra in this space is that every heritage is worth celebrating.  

This is intended to be a holistic exercise. I’m pretty certain we will be hearing about places and experiences never before highlighted (at least not in the mainstream). It’s therefore an ideal opportunity to promote your island uniqueness!

But we hope to also make this effort – your effort- worthwhile on the political front. Island Heritage-scape is always mindful that island vulnerabilities continue to impede fair play in various areas of development including heritage. The intent is to use the data over time to contribute to an overall assessment of SIDS presence in global heritage, and lobby for prominent place and ‘special treatment’ for SIDS in global heritage. 

Experiencing 'side-walk' dining in Singapore.

We always want to learn about what’s out there - from the 'mythical-modern' allure of the Asia-Pacific islands; to the ‘assorted’ offerings in the AIMS region; and embracing the ‘magnetic’ appeal of the Caribbean - let the nominations begin…simply, suggest your 'heritage asset/experience' in the commentary box below.

Festivals are an intrinsic part of  heritage in the Caribbean.