The Institute of Conservation (Icon) has voted to leave the European Confederation of Conservation-Restoration Organisations (Ecco).
Icon's chief executive, Alastair McCapra, said the main reason for the change had been concern about the diversity of the profession. "Most other professional conservation bodies in Europe are heading towards a graduate-only profession," he said. "We are of the view that the profession should be open to anybody who attains a certain level of expertise, regardless of how they achieved it."
It had been hoped that Icon's sister body in Germany, VDR, would also vote to leave Ecco and join forces with the UK organisation to form a new body. But members rejected the proposal to leave.
Sharon Heal
Icon's chief executive, Alastair McCapra, said the main reason for the change had been concern about the diversity of the profession. "Most other professional conservation bodies in Europe are heading towards a graduate-only profession," he said. "We are of the view that the profession should be open to anybody who attains a certain level of expertise, regardless of how they achieved it."
It had been hoped that Icon's sister body in Germany, VDR, would also vote to leave Ecco and join forces with the UK organisation to form a new body. But members rejected the proposal to leave.
Sharon Heal
