The President of the Region of Catania in Sicily, Dr Raffaelo Lombardo launched a Masters in the Management of UNESCO World Heritage Sites which the University of Catania is organising. This course was designed by Dr Ray Bondin, who is also the scientific director. The degree is also being done with the collaboration of UNESCO agencies.

In his speech, Dr Lombardo thanked Dr Bondin for his constant collaboration with world heritage sites in Sicily.

He stated that the administration would not only sponsor students for the course but will insist on officers attending this course.

Dr Bondin explained the background of the course. Sicily has one of the highest areas of recognised world heritage sites but still lacks enough expertise in management of these sites. This international degree is aimed at addressing this shortage and at assuring that a number of students will graduate as managers for world heritage sites every year.