On October 25, a bilateral meeting between the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHITRAP Shanghai) and the Built Heritage Innovation Lab (BhiLab) of the CNR ISPC successfully concluded in Rome at the CNR Headquarters. The event marked an important moment for international cooperation on heritage preservation. Delegations from China and Italy came together to exchange valuable expertise in urban conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic sites.

During the meeting, WHITRAP, a UNESCO Category II center based at Tongji University in Shanghai, and CNR ISPC discussed critical topics, including the conservation of urban and rural heritage, sustainable development of historical settlements, and innovations in surveying and analyzing built heritage.

The highlight of the meeting was the signing of a pivotal cooperation agreement aimed at advancing the “Cultural Heritage Conservation and Enhancement of Urban and Rural Settlements and World Heritage Sites in Fujian Province, China”. This agreement, signed between CNR ISPC, WHITRAP, and Xiamen University, solidifies a collaborative relationship that has been growing since 2019. Over the past years, this partnership has led to joint workshops, training programs, and conferences, all focused on the shared goal of protecting and enhancing cultural heritage.

This latest accord is expected to further bolster the exchange of knowledge and methodologies between the involved institutions, setting a new standard for international efforts in heritage conservation. It also reaffirms the commitment of both nations to safeguarding cultural landmarks for future generations.

Following the meeting, the Chinese delegation embarked on a cultural tour of Rome, offering them the opportunity to explore the city’s rich history – from Porta Maggiore to St. Peter’s Basilica – while tracing the various phases of urban development that have shaped the Eternal City over centuries.

The cooperation between WHITRAP, CNR ISPC, and Xiamen University represents a significant step in reinforcing the ties between China and Italy in the field of heritage protection and sustainable urban development.