The site managers' forum of the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee is held in Fuzhou, Fujian province. [Photo/fznews.com.cn]

Fuzhou in Fujian province launched the site managers' forum of the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee online on July 7, gathering 100 representatives from 55 countries across the world.

The forum will run until July 13. Participants will submit a declaration to the committee through the forum's discussion on the management of world heritage sites under the theme of transformation and continuation.

"The protection and sustainable development of world heritage sites are facing threats and challenges like climate change, natural disasters, population growth, excessive exploitation of natural resources, and wars," said Tian Xuejun, chairman of the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee.

Therefore, global heritage site managers and stakeholders should cooperate to promote the sustainable development of world heritage sites and by taking measures like strengthening intercultural dialogue and interdisciplinary capacity building, as well as protecting outstanding value according to the characteristics and needs of heritage sites, Tian added.

The main focus of the forum is to enhance the effectiveness of heritage site management and stakeholders' participation, as well as to tackle climate change and to develop sustainable tourism, which will help heritage site managers improve management methods and achieve long-term sustainable development of heritage sites, said Mechtild Rossler, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center.