Committee Background
The ICOMOS International Wood Committee (IIWC) is one of the specialized scientific committees of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites). IIWC was established in 1975.

Objective
The objective of IIWC is to promote international cooperation in the field of preservation of wood in buildings and structures and to advise on the development of ICOMOS programmes in this field.

Activities
IIWC shall accomplish its objective by providing a forum for the interchange of experience, ideas, knowledge, and the results of research between administrators, architects, engineers, historians, legislators, and other professionals. Further, IIWC aims to coordinate existing studies, to promote further studies, to extend technical cooperation, and to establish links with specialized institutions or industrial organizations in appropriate fields. The activities of IIWC include the organization of meetings, the preparation of publications, and the gathering and dissemination of information. A series of international symposia have been organized since 1977; the latest in Kenozero, Russia (2002), Patzcuaro Michoacan, Mexico (2003), Istanbul, Turkey (2006), Florence, Italy (2007) and Wroclaw, (2009, in cooperation with ISCARSAH, the International Scientific Committee on the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage).

Managing Group
A Managing Group, consisting of five members, has the responsibility to realize the approved plan of activity. The Managing Group is elected by the IIWC members during the ICOMOS General Assembly which is held every three years.

Members
IIWC is open to ICOMOS members of various professional backgrounds who have experience, knowledge, or particular interest in the preservation of wood in historic buildings or structures. There are two categories of individual membership: Expert members (with a speciality in the field of wood conservation) and Associate members (who wish to gain knowledge and build up an expertise in a given field through active volunteer work). Interested persons should send their application, including a short curriculum vitae, to the ICOMOS National Committee in their home country or directly to the President of IIWC.

Supporters
Non-ICOMOS members, who want to make a contribution to IIWC, may be invited to participate in committee meetings and activities. They should send their contact information to the IIWC Secretariat or to any of the Managing Group members.