Working with policy-makers for integrating heritage science research into political priorities

This paper draws upon the deliberations and outcomes of a discussion group at the ICCROM Forum 2013 on Conservation Science which focussed on the role of policy-makers within conservation science as important agents who can determine the future of this field, and how to strengthen the relationship between heritage professionals and policy-makers. In developing recommendations, five key areas were considered: identifying policy-makers; the actors involved in drafting and deciding a policy; what policy-makers require from conservation scientists; what conservation scientists require from policy-makers; and the ways to develop common interest between conservation scientists and policy-makers for efficient policy-making. This report summarizes the findings from each area concluding with two parts: key messages to policy-makers; and recommendations to conservation scientists to ensure that the key messages are included in policy-making.