To achieve the goals of the China Principles project, three components were defined by the project partners: development, dissemination, and application of the Principles. A fourth component of research was developed by the GCI to provide greater contextual depth for the project. The four components are:

Component One: Development of the Principles
This stage of the project—in which the Principles were drafted, reviewed and amended—was structured as a series of workshops, meetings, and site visits in Australia, China, and the United States over a three-year period. The drafts of the document were undertaken by the Chinese core team. The GCI and DEH team members provided input, critique, and an international perspective and expertise.

Component Two: Dissemination of the Principles
Dissemination has been undertaken primarily by SACH through periodic regional meetings and workshops with experts, an internal conference at the completion of the Principles, and the strengthening of China ICOMOS as a professional organization and as the body formally responsible for issuing the China Principles. Publication of the Principles in both English and Chinese has provided for dissemination within China and externally.

Component Three: Application of the Principles
Application of the Principles at selected sites in China provides high visibility models of how the Principles can be used to address important conservation and management issues, while establishing a systematic framework for decision-making. At the Mogao Grottoes and the Chengde Imperial Mountain Resort and Outlying Temples, master plans for management and conservation have been developed and in-depth investigations and implementation of parts of each plan undertaken in collaboration with the site authorities.

Component Four: Research
To better inform the process and provide essential context for understanding conservation needs in China, the GCI is developing case studies of sites visited in China and undertaking research on the history of conservation theory and practice in China. Literature searches have been conducted on Chinese treatment of specific management and conservation issues, related to work in Component Three.

Last updated: November 2006