Preparatory assistance may be provided for regional meetings, organized to ensure that, for instance, where similar sites in neighbouring countries exist, the sites selected for nomination are of World Heritage value. Technical cooperation responds to States Parties requests for help in projects aimed at safeguarding properties already inscribed in the World Heritage List. This can be in the form of studies or the provision of experts, technicians or equipment. Emergency assistance is given to sites in imminent danger due to severe damage from sudden events, such as land subsidence, fires or explosions, flooding, or outbreak of war. Emergency assistance can provide help in drawing up an emergency plan to safeguard an endangered property or take other emergency measures to protect the site.
Training plays a key role in the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
Over the years, in the natural heritage field, funds have been allocated for training courses in wetland management, wildlands planning, forestry, environmental education, agroforestry and management of protected areas in arid lands. In the conservation of cultural sites, the World Heritage Fund has provided technical support through granting fellowships and devising training courses in architectural conservation, urban planning in historic cities, stone and wood conservation, and in restoring mosaics and mural paintings. Priority is given to group training at local or regional level though individuals may be considered for refresher programmes or exchanges of on-site experience. Reporting A portion of the World Heritage Fund is allocated to States Parties on their request to help them prepare periodic reports on the application of the World Heritage Convention and on the condition of listed sites. These reports are a crucial part of World Heritage conservation.