With free access to the conference’s dynamic symposia and panel discussions, Palau’s communities are provided a unique opportunity to increase their awareness of, and become involved in, the benefits of the study, preservation, promotion, and management of their rich heritage. Sessions are dedicated to such diverse and timely topics as human responses and interactions with past island environments, the conflicting versions of the past sometimes presented in oral history and archaeology, native Pacific islanders working as heritage professionals in their own culture, and community museums as collaborators between traditional and scientific knowledge. Other topics include the study of ancient human remains and its potential value to today’s Pacific Island health problems, balancing heritage preservation and development, and the potential of sustainable heritage tourism for economic benefit and heritage preservation.
Presenting their ideas at the conference will be such renowned heritage professionals as ecologist Dr. Simon Haberle from the Australian National University, archaeologist Dr. Helene Martinsson-Wallin from Gotland University in Sweden, physical anthropologist Dr. Michael Pietrusewsky of the University of Hawaii, and archaeologist Dr. Christophe Sand, Head of the Department of Archaeology of New Caledonia, among many others. Presenting the keynote address will be Dr. Rufino Mauricio, Director of the FSM National Historic Preservation Office, Chairman, ICOMOS Pacifica, and Secretary General of the FSM National Commission on UNESCO.The Pacific Island Heritage Photo Contest is being held in conjunction with the conference. Images are to depict the conference themes with emphasis on the alliance between cultural and environmental heritage preservation, as well as inspire local conservation efforts while capturing the essence of the people and heritage of the Pacific Islands. Entries will be displayed in the conference’s exhibit hall and the 12 shots best representing the themes will be published in a Pacific Island Heritage 2010 Calendar. For more information, email Calvin Emesiochel at [email protected] conference is being organized by the Palau Bureau of Arts & Culture of the Ministry of Community & Cultural Affairs, Garcia & Associates: Natural & Cultural Consultants, and the Belau National Museum. Conference sponsors include UNESCO, the Guam Preservation Trust administered by the Micronesian Area Research Center, the World Archaeological Congress, and the Australian National University. Additional conference information can be found at the website www.pacificarchaeology2009.com or by emailing [email protected] is needed to support the costs of this influential gathering. Your tax-deductable donation to the event will help light the way for the future of the natural and cultural heritage of Palau, Micronesia, and the Pacific islands. Contribution checks should be addressed to “Pacific Archaeology 2009” and can be mailed to Pacific Archaeology Conference 2009, Box 666, Koror, PW. In-kind donations are also welcome and greatly appreciated. Should you have any questions or require further information, please call the Bureau of Arts & Culture (488-2489).
