The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage, ICCROM and Norwegian University of Science and Technology are proud winners in the category Education, Training and Skills.
– The award is a great honour, says Director General Hanna Geiran. For the last 40 years we have provided valuable training to proffessionals in wood conservation from all over the world.
The Awards jury states:
– The International Course on Wood Conservation Technology is widely considered to be one of the best training programmes in wood conservation in the world. The interdisciplinary approach is an important way to transfer specialised technical knowledge about the conservation of wood throughout Europe and beyond, and the combination of theoretical and practical training, which has been refined over many years, is exemplary. The approach is replicable for other types of material, and we believe that it fully demonstrates the power of example.
The ICWCT has a practical approach and favours learning by doing, with laboratory exercises, conservation workshops, field studies, museum visits and other excursions included in the curriculum. This approach widens the perspective of the participants and gives a broad and thorough understanding of the complexities and versatility of wood, allowing them to extend their knowledge beyond their own professions.
The course concludes with a practical group examination which awards university credits through The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Interaction between the participants continues long past the conclusion of the course, creating an international network of expertise which students use and benefit from in their professional capacities, exchanging knowledge and professional support.
Europa Nostra’s Executive President, Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, says: “This year’s Award winners are powerful examples of how our heritage reconnects us with nature, helps create a sense of belonging and place, and is an integral building block in developing a circular economy that supports a sustainable and inclusive way of life. I congratulate these exceptional winners – professionals and enthusiasts alike – for their essential and commendable work”.
