Towards a stronger connection between Culture and Nature: paving the way to a sustainable future

Federal Office of Culture in cooperation with the Federal Office of Environment

30.09.2025 08.15 – 09.15

Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB), sala 118-119

Programme

08.15 Welcome remarks

H.E. Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs, Switzerland

08.20 Introduction by the moderator

Benoît Dubosson, Swiss Federal Office of Culture

Brief overview of why bridging the culture and nature divide is essential for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

08.25 Key messages

• Cécile Fattebert (IUCN)
• Leticia Leitao (ICOMOS)
• Eugene Jo (ICCROM)
• Berta de Sancristóbal, UNESCO World Heritage Centre

08.45 Panel discussion: Breaking Institutional and Disciplinary Barriers, Scaling Up Integrated Conservation Practices

• Cécile Fattebert (IUCN)
• Leticia Leitao (ICOMOS)
• Eugene Jo (ICCROM)
• Berta de Sancristóbal, UNESCO World Heritage Centre

• Exploring how institutions and disciplines can better collaborate to implement integrated conservation policies.
• Case studies showcasing policy innovation and governance models that support cross-sector collaboration.
• The role of traditional knowledge and community-led conservation efforts in bridging cultural and natural heritage management.

09.10 Conclusions by Carine Bachmann, Director of the Federal Office of Culture

09.15 End of the side event

The side event will take place in English without translation.

Culture and nature are deeply interconnected, yet too often treated separately in policy and conservation efforts.

Addressing this divide is essential in a world shaped by growing inequalities, the climate and biodiversity crisis, and rapid digital transformation. This is not just a theoretical concern – it requires a shift in conservation practices to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

This side event will bring together leading experts from IUCN, ICOMOS, and ICCROM to explore how integrated conservation practices can drive meaningful change. Panelists will discuss the limitations of siloed approaches, showcase successful initiatives that blend cultural and natural heritage management, and highlight the benefits of cross-sector collaboration. The discussion will also examine how international frameworks, such as the World Heritage Convention and the 2003 Convention on Intangible Heritage, can support this shift by promoting more holistic and adaptive conservation strategies.

The event will foster a dynamic exchange between panelists and the audience, encouraging open dialogue on key challenges and opportunities in integrated conservation practice. Participants can expect an engaging discussion focused on the path forward: how to implement more cohesive policies, bridge institutional and disciplinary barriers, and scale up successful approaches. Through these exchanges, the session will provide a platform for diverse perspectives, offering fresh insights and concrete ideas to help shape the future of conservation in a rapidly changing world.