On May 7, 2024, Prof. Babatunde Rabiu and Ms. Junfei Qian, the review experts of UNESCO to the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the Auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO HIST), paid a visit to the IRDR International Programme Office (IPO). The visit was accompanied by Prof. Xinyuan Wang (UNESCO HIST) and Ms. Li Li (UNESCO Beijing Office).

Ms. Fang Lian, the IRDR Science Officer, presented IRDR's mission and activities with highlight on  collaboration with UNESCO HIST. Prof. Qunli Han, the IRDR Executive Director, underlined the growing need of DRR research cooperation for sustainable management of IDAs. designated by  UNESCO.

The experts commended joint activities and deliverables by IRDR and UNESCO HIST. Prof. Rabiu expressed interest in exploring collaborations between IRDR and the African science and technology community in supporting IDAs in Africa.

Concerning DRR cooperation in IDAs, please refer to the Huangshan Dialogues and conference paper: Integrating DRR into the Conservation and Management Mechanisms of the Internationally Designated Sites—View of IRDR (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-60196-6_41).