I’ve been very happy with the speed of response from UNESCO’s office in Paris regarding World Heritage sites and those of the United States Dept. of State Mission to UNESCO. They have provided materials to read, how to get involved and how to apply for consideration. To Mr. Romain Debuy of the UNESCO World Heritage Center in Paris I say thank you as I do to Eric Woodward of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO and Jonathan Putnam of the National Parks Service.
In addition to doing what I can to promote an effort to achieve World Heritage designation for the Erie Canal, I’ve corresponded with New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York State Senators Chuck Schumer & Kirsten Gillibrand, and Western New York Congressmen Brian Higgins & Kathy Hochul.
I’ve asked that they consider taking a lead in the effort. This would not only be a good thing for the whole State of New York it would be honestly well deserved and in time for the 200th Anniversary of the commencement of canal construction on July 4, 1817.
It is also something that the people of New York should take an interest. Find below the latest correspondence I have received. Once again, I thank the two gentlemen!!
Mr. Wrona,
Thank you for your interest in the U.S. World Heritage program. In addition to the website that Eric directed you to, you should also read our brief brochure on the nomination process here:
http://www.nps.gov/oia/topics/worldheritage/World_Heritage_Nomination_Fact_Sheet.pdf
The Department of the Interior has decided that the U.S. will not revise its current Tentative List until 2016 (though the process itself is likely to begin before then). Feel free to write or call before then for any updates.
Jonathan Putnam
Office of International Affairs
National Park Service
1201 Eye Street, NW (0050)
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 354-1809
FAX: (202) 371-1446
Website: http://www.nps.gov/oia
Celebrating 40 Years of World Heritage:
Hi Mike,
Thanks very much for your message and for reaching out about the idea of designating the Erie Canal as a World Heritage site!
We’re currently in the process of getting more detailed info posted for Americans interested in designating U.S. sites to the World Heritage list, but in the meantime, the best info is here.
As you may know, this is the 40th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention – a great time to revitalize U.S. participation in the World Heritage program, as you suggest!
World Heritage in the U.S. is actually headed by the National Park Service, I’m ccing some of my colleagues there in case they have better advice for you.
In the meantime, thank you very much again for reaching out to us, Eric
Eric Woodard
Executive Director
U.S. National Commission for UNESCO
Office 202-663-0024, Cell 202-550-7776
P.S. If you would like to know more about UNESCO activities in the U.S., I’d encourage you to subscribe to the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO E-Newsletter – it is a great source for information and little known opportunities that you might find interesting!
This email is UNCLASSIFIED.
