Architect Pramila Shilpakar, represented Khwopa Engineering College in the National Workshop on Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) held from August 28-29, 2023. The event, a joint effort by UNESCO and the Department of Archaeology, emphasized the importance of HIA in preserving Nepal's cultural heritage.
The workshop, attended by municipal representatives from various Nepalese cities, featured presentations by experts. Dr. Ronald Lin from UNESCO discussed the significance of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and authenticity in heritage conservation. Ramesh Raj Poudel, Chief Archaeological Officer, outlined the legal status and procedural provisions of Impact Assessment in Nepal, while Dr. Kai Weise shared insights from past HIA projects.
Eugene Jo from ICCROM-IUCN World Heritage Leadership Programme explained the HIA process. Attendees later evaluated the impact of an infrastructure project near Patan Durbar Square. The assessment revealed potential impacts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive HIA procedures to protect Nepal's cultural heritage.