Promoting Sustainable Preservation and Utilisation of Cultural Heritage through Workshop in Palau
2026.06.16
ACCU Nara conducted a preliminary survey in Palau in May in preparation for an international workshop scheduled to take place in the Republic of Palau in October 2026.
During the visit, ACCU Nara signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development of the Palau National Government regarding the implementation of the workshop and held discussions about the details of the training programme.
In addition, with the cooperation of an instructor for the Workshop, Dr YAMAGUCHI Hiroshi (Senior Researcher, Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), the team disucssed the possibility of conducting 3D documentation of a traditional men's meeting house (Bai) as part of the Workshop and exchanged views on the challenges and opportunities related to the preservation and utilisation of cultural heritage.
Located in Airai State, this Bai is the oldest surviving example among the few traditional Bai structures that remain today.
In addition, ACCU Nara shared information with relevant organisations, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Palau is actively promoting sustainable tourism initiatives, and synergies between ACCU Nara's Workshop and other ongoing projects are expected.
The workshop is scheduled to be held over a week in October 2026 and will be jointly organised by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan, ACCU Nara, and the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development of the Republic of Palau, with the cooperation of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.
This Workshop builds on the outcomes of the 2025 Thematic Training Course, "3D Documentation and Management of Archaeological Sites and Cultural Site Restoration," conducted in November 2025.
Based on discussions with the Government of Palau, the workshop will focus on the themes of "3D Documentation and Utilization of Cultural Heritage" and "Heritage and Tourism Management."
It aims to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and practical skills that support both the preservation and sustainable utilisation of cultural heritage.