Heritage at Risk; ICOMOS World Report 20082010 on Monuments and Sites in Danger; ICOMOS World Report 20082010 on Monuments and Sites in Danger

Foreword§Each edition of Heritage at Risk is a grim but highly necessary reminder that our cultural heritage in every part of the world is always in peril and demands constant vigilance and preparedness. As with all previous issues, this Heritage at Risk illustrates catastrophic events and heritage losses in the last two years, but on the positive side, it also provides lessons to be learned and mistakes not to be repeated. The contrast between the widespread destruction of the earthquake in Haiti and the comparatively limited damages of the equally strong one in Chile alerts us to the need for greater disaster preparedness and advance planning for damage mitigation.§Amid the large number of deaths, wars, terrorism, the continuing human suffering and the irreversible loss of heritage over the last two years, and even the slow-motion disasters due to poor maintenance and stewardship, ICOMOS can find a measure of consolation in the vibrant rebirth of ICORP, our International Committee on Risk Preparedness. We will never be rid of threats and catastrophes, but in the future ICOMOS can be better prepared to prevent heritage losses as well as to come to the assistance of our colleagues at times of need.§ICORP, Heritage at Risk, our Blue Shield partnership and the ICOMOS Global Heritage Monitoring Network currently being developed in partnership with Brandenburg University of Technology at Cottbus in Germany are interrelated tools in the growing ICOMOS toolkit for heritage disaster preparedness, response and recovery.§This issue of Heritage at Risk also marks the transition in its editorial authority from Michael Petzet to the able hands of Christoph Machat. It is sad to see Michael go, but if I know Michael, he will remain on the sidelines, ready to advise and help. Heritage at Risk was Michael s creation and a concept that he nurtured from a simple idea to an internationally respected publication. It is but one more element in his rich presidential legacy, and one for which all of ICOMOS must be profoundly thankful.§Gustavo Araoz§President