Join the  for the following 6-day learning opportunity on location in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Approaches to Historic Site Stewardship: Perspectives from Monte Alban
HA 489E- on location in Oaxaca, Mexico

Join us at Monte Alban, the spectacular World Heritage Site in Oaxaca, Mexico, to explore multifaceted and contemporary approaches to sustainable heritage stewardship in historic and archaeological sites. Monte Alban is recognized by UNESCO as one of fourteen sites worldwide that serve as models for site management planning. It offers an exceptional laboratory for assessing strategies that emphasize effective planning, services, and fidelity to authenticity within the site while responding to demands and uncertainties from an array of external interests.

This innovative and intensive course combines workshops, site visits in and around Monte Alban and Oaxaca, and learning activities that strengthen your ability to:

* analyze the values and the social, economic and environmental dynamics that create a context for site stewardship
* assess both the opportunities and challenges that sites face in serving their communities
* consider the logistical requirements involved with site stewardship, public programs, and visitor services
* develop site management plans that stress sustainability and community engagement
* implement management and staff development systems that are appropriate to your site, community and resources

More information on Monte Alban can be found at http://www.sacredsites.com/americas/mexico/monte_alban.html.

Instructors: Dr. Nelly Robles Garcia and Dr. Jack Corbett

Across Mexico the terms “cultural resource management” and “heritage planning” are virtually synonymous with the name Nelly Robles Garcia. Over the past two decades her pioneering work and steadfast commitment to archaeological resources protection has moved the professional community and public policy from a static focus on technical skills and legal structures to an increasing emphasis on dynamic management, strategic planning, and a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between archaeological zones and the communities of stakeholders which surround them.

Currently director of the archaeological zone at Monte Alban, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of that monumental site with the historic center of the nearby city of Oaxaca, Nelly has spent almost her entire career in her native state. She holds an undergraduate degree in archaeology from the National School of Archaeology and History, a masters in restoration from the National School of Restoration, Conservation, and Museum Studies, both in Mexico City, and a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Georgia, where she studied on fellowships from the U.S.-Mexico Fulbright Commission and the American Association of University Women. Following an earlier period as director of the archaeological zone at Mitla in 1997 the National Institute of Anthropology and History named her to the post she holds today.

Dr. Jack Corbett, of Portland State University (USA) and the Instituto Tecnologico de Oaxaca (Mexico), has written extensively on community-based cultural and natural resources management under conditions of competition and conflict.

LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS

This course also provides an opportunity to experience the wonderful architecture and culture of Oaxaca and to enjoy its lovely sunny climate in the company of heritage professionals from across North America and beyond. Participants will be provided with information on accommodation options that range from modest ($70 per day) to mid-range ($85-100CND per night), and congenial meals and evening gatherings will be coordinated.

TRAVEL

Participants are expected to make their own travel arrangement to and from Oaxaca, arriving no later than the morning of Sunday, March 2 and departing no earlier than 2 pm on Saturday, March 8. Normal routing for travel to Oaxaca is through Mexico City. Mexicana Airlines offers regular local flights to Oaxaca (approximately 1 hour in duration), and bus transportation can be arranged (approximately 6 hours in transit). Participants are responsible for arranging for personal travel and health insurance.

For more information on this and other upcoming courses please visit our website http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/crmp/home.aspx or contact: