Imagine exploring ancient temples and scenic landscapes powered by new partnerships! On Friday, the 2025 General Assembly of the RCEP Member States World Heritage Cooperation Alliance (RCEP-WHCA) kicked off in Huangshan city in Anhui Province on the Chinese mainland. 🌏
Launched in June 2025, the alliance brings together heritage site representatives from six RCEP member countries—China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam—to build a cross-border platform for conservation and sustainable tourism.
Peter Semone, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), says RCEP-WHCA bridges borders, disciplines and sectors to exchange knowledge, build capacity and develop innovative conservation models. He added: "Together, we can ensure that the cultural and natural wonders of the Asia Pacific continue to inspire, educate and sustain for centuries to come."
RCEP members host a staggering 178 World Heritage sites (117 cultural, 51 natural and 10 mixed). This event aims to advance the Huangshan Initiative, fostering international cooperation for the protection, inheritance and promotion of these treasures.
Keynotes from UNESCO, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and other bodies set the tone, while ten heritage management organizations from Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand and the Chinese mainland shared best practices in conservation, governance and community engagement.
Agreements signed at the conference include partnerships between Huangshan (Anhui Province on the Chinese mainland) and Ha Long Bay (Vietnam), Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Sichuan Province on the Chinese mainland) and between Tunxi Old Street (Anhui Province on the Chinese mainland) and the Historic City of Malacca (Malaysia). These steps enhance collaboration in heritage protection, capacity building and global promotion.
RCEP-WHCA also sealed MoUs with PATA and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), further boosting the flow of technology, capital and talent among heritage sites.
The opening ceremony featured Ding Chun, Secretary of the CPC Huangshan Municipal Committee, and a welcome address from He Yi, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Huangshan Municipal Committee and Mayor of Huangshan City. Around 180 representatives from heritage institutions, research bodies, tourism agencies and international organizations across 15 RCEP member countries—such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Singapore—took part.
With partnerships like these, World Heritage cities are set to pulse with fresh energy and sustainable growth. Stay tuned for more exciting updates! ✨
Reference(s):
New alliance to keep world heritage cities pulsing with new exchanges
cgtn.com
