Partners in Preservation: What the US-UNESCO Split Means for Our National Heritage

Program Overview

This one-hour virtual program, hosted by the UNA-USA Climate and Environmental Action
Affinity Group, is designed to highlight the connection between U.S. National Parks, the National
Parks Foundation, and UNESCO. It will feature a conversation with the co-authors of the article
“UNESCO Programs and Their Value in the World Today,” Vernon “Tom” Gilbert and Chris
Groves, to provide a firsthand account of the history and ongoing collaboration between these
entities.

The event is designed to attract a broad audience, with a special invitation to National Park
Service employees, members of the National Park Ranger Association, and other environmental
organizations. The core goals are to:

1. Educating: Increase public understanding of UNESCO’s role in global conservation,
   especially within the U.S. National Park system.
2. Connecting: Highlight the importance of the U.S. retaining its membership in UNESCO
   to support conservation efforts both domestically and internationally.
3. Mobilizing: Encourage attendees to take action by signing a petition or letter to their
   Members of Congress advocating for continued U.S. support for UNESCO.

Program Agenda

• Welcome & Introductions (5 minutes)
• Guest Speaker: A Conversation Between UNESCO & NPS
• Engaging with UNESCO Chairs
• Global Goals Ambassadors for Life on Land
• Call to Action & Member Recruitment
• Closing Remarks

Event Details

When: Wednesday, October 8 at 8pm ET

Where: Zoom (Virtual)

Register here