Private Sector Partnerships
From 14:30 to 16:00, Wednesday 15 March 2016, Lima, Peru
Chair
Ricard Fornesa (Spain)
Moderator
Martí Boada (Spain)
Organization/Institution in Charge
ABERTIS
Overview
The UNESCO International Centre for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves marks the first time UNESCO has collaborated with a private entity, resulting in a new, imaginative formula that seeks to serve as an example for other centres that may be created under the auspices of UNESCO. This is without a doubt a bold move by a 21st century company concerned about environmental and cultural heritage, saving a castle from ruin by renovating it and providing it with a new use to guarantee its survival.
The UNESCO International Centre is a landmark project, representing, in itself, a biosphere reserve that brings together history, the environment and culture. It is currently a geographical reference point within the Mediterranean region and serves as a model for international cooperation and a collaboration platform between the two shores of the Mediterranean. Moreover, the Centre acts as a facilitator for the development of agreements and links between all of the reserves.