Terra 2026 World Congress in Al Ain - Earthen Heritage Focus

Home

Organised By

About The Congress

The Terra World Congress is a well-known worldwide meeting whose themes relate to the study and conservation of earthen architectural, archaeological and cultural landscape heritage, as well as contemporary earthen architecture. It is organised under the aegis of ICOMOS – ISCEAH, the International Scientific Committee on Earthen Architectural Heritage.

The Terra 2026 World Congress in Al Ain is the 14th edition which will be organised by Department of Culture and Tourism- Abu Dhabi with the main theme “Managing Change in Earthen Cultural Landscapes”. This is the first time it will be hosted in the Arab region and is expected to draw 700 – 1000 participants with an estimated 120 – 150 presentations.

The four-day program will feature talks, posters, digital material, side-events and activities, that showcase the most recent findings and best practices in the study and conservation of earthen heritage. Sessions covering technical knowledge, management issues, methodology, research advancements, case studies, and best practice guidelines will be covered in the programme.

Submit Abstract

Congress Highlights

mic
0
+

Speakers

public
0
+

Countries Represented

event
0
+

Sessions

group
0
+

Life Interaction Activities

Story of our Logo

Story Behind The Logo

Inspired by the recovered collapsed earthen walls at the Iron Age site of Hili 2 in Al Ain which presented finger impressions from the masons over 3000 years ago. The logo aims to create a modern symbol that celebrates the timeless and enduring tradition of earthen architecture and highlights its tangible and intangible attributes. This aligns with the mission of the Terra World Congress to preserve, promote and celebrate earthen architecture and earthen architectural heritage.

Managing Change in Earthen Cultural Landscapes

Theme 1: Transmitting Earthen Heritage and Architecture

Sub Theme 1: Celebrating Earthen Heritage and Earthen Communities Front
Sub Theme 1: Celebrating Earthen Heritage and Earthen Communities
Sub Theme 2: Reviving Earthen Heritage Through Education and Research Front
Sub Theme 2: Reviving Earthen Heritage Through Education and Research
Sub Theme 3: Promoting Earthen Architecture and its Benefits Front
Sub Theme 3: Promoting Earthen Architecture and its Benefits
Sub Theme 4: Documenting, Transferring and Teaching Know-How in Earthen Architecture Front
Sub Theme 4: Documenting, Transferring and Teaching Know-How in Earthen Architecture

Theme 2: Safeguarding Earthen Cultural Landscapes

Sub Theme 1: Understanding ECLs and Their Local Traditions Front
Sub Theme 1: Understanding ECLs and Their Local Traditions
Sub Theme 2: Identification and Documentation of ECLs Front
Sub Theme 2: Identification and Documentation of ECLs
Sub Theme 3: Approaches to Conservation for ECLs and Earthen Buildings Front
Sub Theme 3: Approaches to Conservation for ECLs and Earthen Buildings
Sub Theme 4: Management Frameworks for ECLs Front
Sub Theme 4: Management Frameworks for ECLs

Theme 3: Innovations in Earthen Architecture

Sub Theme 1: Innovations in Conservation, Materials, Techniques and Practices Front
Sub Theme 1: Innovations in Conservation, Materials, Techniques and Practices
Sub Theme 2: Adaptive Re-use of Earthen Architecture Front
Sub Theme 2: Adaptive Re-use of Earthen Architecture
Sub Theme 3: Promoting Creativity in New Earthen Architecture Design and Cultural Landscapes Front
Sub Theme 3: Promoting Creativity in New Earthen Architecture Design and Cultural Landscapes

Theme 4: Resilience to Vulnerabilities of Earthen Cultural Landscapes

Sub Theme 1: Regulations for Earthen Building Practices and conservation of earthen heritage Front
Sub Theme 1: Regulations for Earthen Building Practices and conservation of earthen heritage
Sub Theme 2: Impacts of Climate Change and Natural Hazards on Earthen Cultural Landscapes Front
Sub Theme 2: Impacts of Climate Change and Natural Hazards on Earthen Cultural Landscapes
Sub Theme 3: Challenges in Armed Conflict Areas in Earthen Cultural Landscapes Front
Sub Theme 3: Challenges in Armed Conflict Areas in Earthen Cultural Landscapes

Key Dates

The Key dates for the congress are:

  • 25th January 2025: Abstract submission Portal will be opened.

  • 13th April 2025: Deadline for Abstract submission.

  • 1st June 2025: Abstract acceptance (full paper submissions will start)

  • 30th November 2025: Deadline for Full papers submission.

  • 14th TERRA Congress from 13 to 16 April 2026.

Please note we have adjusted the submission, review, and notification timeline to allow ample time for travel planning.

We look forward to reviewing your submissions.

Submit Abstract in 14th Terra - World Congress