Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkacho), the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU), the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Japan, are organising a training course entitled "Preservation and Restoration of Wooden Structures", which will be held in Nara, Japan, between 1 September and 1 October 2015. This course aims to provide participants with the latest methods and techniques for investigation, analysis, preservation, restoration and management of wooden structures. It is aimed at professionals from countries in Asia and the Pacific that have ratified the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Travelling and living expenses for a majority of the 16 selected participants will be covered by the organisers. Specific objectives of the course on "Preservation and Restoration of Wooden Structures" include the following:

• to provide participants with a knowledge of recording/documentation and analytical methods for wooden structures;
• to provide participants with a practical knowledge of technology/techniques and hands-on training for preservation and restoration of wooden structures;
• to provide participants with a knowledge of principles and methodologies for preservation of wooden structures;
• to provide participants with a knowledge of maintenance, utilization, and risk management of wooden structures;
• to provide participants with an opportunity to network with colleagues from the region and share experiences.

The training curriculum includes three types of contents:

• lectures, on a range of issues including an introduction to Asian and Pacific wooden structures, theory and practice of conservation of cultural heritage, surveying wooden structures, etc.;
• practical training and on-site lectures, on issues including documentation, damage/deterioration surveys, case studies of conservation/restoration and management/utilisation of wooden structures, etc.;
• presentations and discussions, including on the present status of preservation and restoration of wooden structures in the participants' countries of origin.

ACCU will select 16 participants among the applications submitted by 12 June. Applicants should be professionals aged 45 or younger, who are engaged in the preservation and restoration of wooden stuctures and who can make effective use of the results of the training course upon returning to their home country. They should have a good command of English. Applications to participate in "Preservation and Restoration of Wooden Structures" should include a letter of recommendation from the UNESCO National Commission in the relevant country. For additional information and access to the application form, please visit http://www.iccrom.org/preservation-and-restoration-of-wooden-structures/