Sharing our Common Heritage

The Commonwealth Heritage Forum is an innovative new membership organisation open to all those interested in sharing in the conservation of the built heritage of the Commonwealth. We welcome membership from individuals, heritage bodies and trusts, professional practitioners and academic institutions.

The Forum subscribes to the principles and core values of the Commonwealth while working with partners to raise awareness through education and improving livelihoods by sharing skills and expertise. It has an important role to play in meeting certain Sustainable Development Goals in particular, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13 Climate Action. By reusing and adapting the legacy of the past to meet 21st century requirements, best use can be made of the embodied energy which buildings contain reducing the carbon footprint of new development while revitalising historic neighbourhoods and existing communities. The creation of buildings and settings, by architects, engineers and craftsmen from myriad cultures generated a fusion of architectural traditions across the Commonwealth that are united in their diversity and creativity. This is a heritage shared by the whole Commonwealth.

Our interests embrace all aspects of our shared built environment from industrial archaeology to the conservation of historic buildings, areas, structures and man-made landscapes of all periods.

Some of the shared built heritage of the Commonwealth is a significant component of the infrastructure of many countries. In many places this is highly valued, but sometimes it is contested and its cultural value questioned. The Forum believes that by inviting individuals and organisations in Commonwealth countries to connect, there is scope for multiple narratives and for sharing perceptions, knowledge and experience to promote understanding and respect for the cultural sensitivities of all its peoples.

The Forum has the potential to draw together many widely-dispersed organisations and individuals. By sharing expertise, best practice and common solutions to common problems, we can help each other recognise opportunities for conservation-led regeneration, sustainable economic growth, skills development, training and youth programmes.

Our Aims

COMMUNICATION

To increase understanding and individual and collective knowledge of all the built heritage of the Commonwealth and between its peoples and institutions.

education

EDUCATION

To advance research, education, heritage skills and scholarship of the architectural, designed landscapes and engineering heritage of Commonwealth countries.

INSPIRATION

To encourage the conservation of all buildings and places of heritage interest by exchanging professional knowledge and expertise.

conservation

CONSERVATION

To facilitate the conservation of all the historic built environment by providing opportunities for learning, research, understanding, skills development and capabilities for all.

"Old buildings do not belong to us…
We are only trustees for those who come after us."

- William Morris

What we do

The CHF is supported by an International Advisory Committee representing the principal regions of the Commonwealth. As we expand, individual countries will establish their own national chapters under the global umbrella of the Forum.

We publish regular online newsletters containing news, information and articles on subjects of common interest.

We publish an annual journal of longer, in-depth articles on all aspects of shared heritage from case studies to technical solutions to common problems.

We hold annual conferences to include site visits, lectures, seminars and presentations to share expertise and knowledge.

We are collating a list of shared heritage buildings and structures at risk to help find creative solutions for their adaptation to beneficial new uses.

We manage the largest ever Commonwealth heritage project - the £ 12.26 million Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme.

Our Sponsors

 

Individual sponsors include

Andrew Fane OBE
Anne Chapman - Daniel

Our Supporters

Organisations which share our aims include:

  • Adam Architecture
  • Asia - Scotland Trust
  • BACSA (British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia)
  • Bermuda National Trust
  • British Council
  • British Napoleonic Bicentenary Trust
  • Caribbean Heritage Network
  • Commonwealth Association of Architects
  • Commonwealth Association of Engineers
  • Commonwealth Association of Museums
  • Commonwealth Association of Planners
  • Commonwealth War Graves Commission
  • Commonwealth Walkway Trust
  • Fiji National Trust
  • Friends of the Georgian Society of Jamaica
  • Heritage and Cultural Society of Africa
  • Heritage Foundation of Pakistan
  • Heritage Trust of Antigua & Barbuda
  • Historic England
  • ICOMOS (International Council of Monuments & Sites)
  • ICOMOS Singapore
  • Institute for Historic Buildings Conservation
  • INTACH (Indian National Trust for Architecture & Cultural Heritage)
  • INTO (International National Trusts Organisation)
  • INTBAU (International Traditional Building Architecture & Urbanism)
  • National Trust of Barbados
  • Naval Dockyards Society
  • The Heritage Alliance
  • The Prince’s Foundation
  • Peregrine Bryant Architects
  • PUBLIC (People United for Better Living in Calcutta)
  • SAVE Britain’s Heritage
  • Seaforth Land Holdings
  • South Georgia Heritage Trust
  • Think City Malaysia
  • Turquoise Mountain
  • UK Antarctic Heritage Trust
  • United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association
  • University of the West Indies
  • The West India Committee

"A nation’s culture resides in the
hearts and in the soul of its people."

- Mahatma Gandhi

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