Former co-ordinator for the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site has been awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours List 2023.
Deborah Boden has been recognised for her services to heritage. Now a consultant advising on protected landscape management and investment for environmental growth, Ms Boden is also a trustee of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Trust, and chair of the World Heritage UK Climate Emergency group.
Ms Boden oversaw management of the largest industrial landscape World Heritage Site in the UK for 18 years. She steered the team that achieved the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site’s inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2006. Her work ensured that the status delivered a range of social and economical benefits, including attracting over £90m in capital investment for the sensitive management of this internationally important historic environment.
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Originally from Chesterfield, Ms Boden studied history at University of Wales College, Cardiff and Museums Studies at the University of Leicester. Prior to her move to Cornwall, she worked in the museums sector, leading cultural development organisations in Leicestershire and Essex before taking on leadership of Museums and Art Galleries, including the archaeology service and Bristol and Region Environmental Record Centre (BRERC), for Bristol City Council.
Ms Boden commented: "I was pleased to be recognised, but especially as this award reflects the hard work of the talented and dedicated teams that I have been fortunate to work with over the years – including those within the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site team, and all its partnership organisations, as well as those in Leicestershire, Essex and Bristol.
"Their hard work has enabled communities to preserve their cultural identity and celebrate their pride in their towns and villages on a global stage. I hope that the award will also be seen as a reflection of the increasing value people place on protecting historic buildings and natural heritage, and how important management and stewardship of these is to our wellbeing.
"Our communities are the ultimate guardians of these assets, so integral to identity and sense of place, and it is a privilege to work with so many enthusiastic and committed groups across the country."
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