Our Priorities

Meeting the Challenges of Today

Embracing the potential of the past to create a more resilient and inclusive society, WMF continues to rise to the issues of our time, drawing on heritage to address some of today’s most pressing challenges. Under the leadership of President and CEO Bénédicte de Montlaur, WMF is exploring strategies that support climate adaptation and resilience, inclusive heritage, balanced tourism, and post-crisis recovery.

BEN TGO Koutammakou 202105 038
Koutammakou, Benin and Togo.
BEN TGO Koutammakou 202105 038
Koutammakou, Benin and Togo.

Core Priorities

New methods of working are needed to mitigate intersecting issues affecting heritage sites and the communities that surround them. Partnering with local communities, funders, and governments, we draw on heritage to address some of today’s most pressing challenges.

Climate Adaptation

Climate change will continue to intensify, testing communities around the world and causing more frequent damage that disrupts our sense of place. WMF harnesses the potential of heritage to help communities mitigate, adapt, and prepare for loss in the face of the impacts of global warming. 

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Inclusive Heritage

Many of the monuments we have inherited are historical reflections of power and privilege that fail to capture the full arc of humanity. WMF strives to amplify voices less often heard to tell a more representative story of the human experience. 

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Post-Crisis Recovery

Damage to cultural heritage from natural disasters, armed conflict, and willful acts of destruction extends beyond bricks and mortar into the hearts and minds of those affected by tragedy. WMF supports and champions community-led recovery initiatives that are symbols of resilience.

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Balanced Tourism

While well-known destinations are often overwhelmed with visitors, overlooked sites struggle to maintain operations and generate economic opportunity. WMF applies sustainable tourism strategies aimed at recalibrating the impacts of travel to support a better quality of life for the local population.