In a collaborative effort aimed at safeguarding one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the Americas, community leaders, UNESCO, and Honduran organizations have united to preserve the Maya site of Copán in Honduras.
The initiative is driven by a shared commitment to cultural heritage conservation and community empowerment, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect and promote the rich legacy of the ancient Maya civilization.
Located in the western region of Honduras, near the border with Guatemala, Copán stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic achievements of the Maya people. Renowned for its intricate stelae, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and elaborate ceremonial structures, the site offers invaluable insights into the Maya civilization’s political, religious, and cultural dynamics during its heyday from the 5th to 9th centuries AD.
Despite its historical significance, Copán has faced numerous challenges, including environmental degradation, urban encroachment, and insufficient resources for conservation and maintenance. Recognizing the urgent need to address these threats, local communities, governmental agencies, and international partners have come together to develop a comprehensive strategy for the site’s preservation and sustainable management.
UNESCO’S HOLDS A WORKSHOP
Copán Ruinas, Honduras, in a bid to empower the local community in managing and safeguarding the Maya Site of Copán, UNESCO recently conducted a workshop aimed at updating the site’s management plan. This workshop, a pivotal component of the “Post-COVID-19 Management of World Heritage Sites” project, was implemented in collaboration with the Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History and generously supported by Japan.
The primary objective of the workshop was to facilitate open and constructive dialogue, ensuring that the voices of various community organizations were heard to enrich the management plan for this invaluable archaeological and cultural site. Over the course of four days, participants delved into key topics concerning the site’s preservation and sustainability.
Led by Mathieu Dormaels, a distinguished World Heritage expert from ICOMOS, the workshop addressed critical aspects such as universal accessibility, effective communication strategies, integration of digital technologies for broader outreach, and the promotion of sustainable tourism as a catalyst for local development.
Active participation was observed from a diverse array of civil society organizations, including local indigenous commissions, the municipal network of women, the association of tour guides, chambers of commerce and tourism, and concerned local residents invested in preserving Copán’s rich heritage. The municipal authorities of Copán Ruinas played a pivotal role by providing facilities at the community center for the workshop’s proceedings.
The workshop culminated in a closing ceremony attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Jun Nakahara, the ambassador of Japan in Honduras, Alexander Leicht, UNESCO representative for Honduras, Mauricio Arias, mayor of Copán Ruinas, Ivana Oviedo, representative of the Secretariat of Culture, Arts, and Patrimonies of the Peoples of Honduras, and Lídisis Figueroa, deputy manager of Heritage at the Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History.
Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980, the Maya Site of Copán stands as a testament to the artistic, political, and military achievements of the Mayan civilization during the classical period. Beyond its historical significance, Copán holds deep cultural and ceremonial meaning for local indigenous communities, making its preservation a matter of utmost importance.
This ambitious UNESCO project, supported by the Japanese government, adopts a participatory approach to strengthen the formulation of a management plan that incorporates lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through an inclusive process, it seeks to support the development of a site management plan that considers disaster risk reduction and promotes a model of sustainable tourism.
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative aims to enhance the cultural, social, economic, and environmental value of cultural heritage, fostering sustainable development and instilling local community pride in their historical legacy.