About I-PAL

Heritage Interpretation Latin America and the Caribbean

Professional Organisation of Cultural and Natural Heritage Interpreters of Latin America and the Caribbean
We are dedicated to promoting best practices, encouraging continuous professional development, and strengthening the recognition of our profession as an essential part of heritage management and communication in the region.

At I-PAL, we believe that the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage enriches our lives by promoting experiences that convey knowledge, deepen understanding, and provoke reflections that establish an emotional and intellectual connection between visitors and their surroundings.

As a communication-focused profession, interpretation plays a fundamental role in revealing the meaning and value of heritage, encouraging decision-making that benefits the immense diversity of natural and cultural riches that constitute our heritage.

I-PAL aims to promote heritage interpretation as a profession firmly rooted in research, supported by practice standards, backed by training programmes, and organisationally represented to encourage its continuous development.

Initiative

"To foster collaboration to contribute to the professional development of Heritage Interpretation in Latin America and the Caribbean".

I-PAL sets goals aimed at promoting the development of collaborative strategies and encouraging the creation of organizational structures to coordinate efforts for the advancement of Natural and Cultural Heritage Interpretation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Our focus is on supporting and empowering interpreters by providing them with the necessary tools to strengthen and promote the recognition of their valuable work.

We seek to promote best practices in heritage interpretation and provide a professional community that facilitates the communication of growth and collaboration opportunities. Together, we work to enrich and strengthen heritage interpretation in our region

Mission

Our commitment is to maintain the highest standards in providing our services as Interpreters, based on diligence, responsibility, respect, and honesty.

We promote growth and continuous learning for all, respecting the diversity of cultures, traditions, and opinions, while preserving the unity and impartiality that characterizes Heritage Interpreters.

We facilitate collaboration tools that promote interdisciplinarity in the planning and design of heritage interpretation programs, whether personal or non-personal, thus supporting our members in their pursuit of excellence in this profession.

Commitment

With over 40 years of experience, our team of professionals in the field of heritage interpretation spans a wide range of disciplines, including nature, culture, art, history, science, and technology.

Our work reflects a synergy between tradition and innovation. We use cutting-edge technology while firmly upholding the original pillars and principles of heritage interpretation.

Thanks to our diversity of backgrounds and experiences, we are in constant evolution, shaping the course of I-PAL as we continue to attract more colleagues in the field of Interpretation.

Experience

Directory

Our community is strengthened by the reliable support, commitment to sharing, and collaborative work between the Board of Directors and the entire Professional Network. Together, we contribute, from an interdisciplinary perspective, to the growth of heritage interpretation through ongoing professional development in the areas of design, delivery, planning, and management.

1. Heritage Themes

What is interpreted

Nature
Includes biodiversity, ecological knowledge, sustainability, and regeneration, as well as interpretation in protected areas and cultural landscapes.
Culture
Encompasses history, art, memory, traditions, gastronomy, fine arts, and both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

2. Interpretive Media
With what tools interpretation is delivered

Interpersonal Interpretation
Direct interactions such as guiding, interpretive dialogue, facilitation, theatrical approaches, and other forms of personal communication.
Digital and Multimedia Media
Visual, audiovisual, interactive, and technological resources: graphic design, signage, augmented and virtual reality, mobile apps, AI, and other digital formats.

3. Settings and Communities of Practice
Where interpretation takes place

Museums and Interpretive Centres
Includes museums, botanical gardens, zoos, visitor centres, and other cultural or educational venues with interpretive programmes.
Tourism and Communities
Guiding, ecotourism, community-based interpretation, and heritage circuit design that foster meaningful connections between visitors and territories.

4. Interpretive Strategies

How interpretation is designed

Interpretive Planning
Determine implications and processes: institutional alignment, target audiences, message, media, and project mechanics (including evaluation).
JEDAI Approach
Application of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion principles in all stages of interpretive design, implementation, and evaluation.

5. Institutional and Professional Development

How the field is managed and strengthened

Institutional Management
Team coordination, resource management, organisational sustainability, impact evaluation, and leadership in interpretive environments.
Interpreter Training
Ongoing training, mentoring, professional development, and skill-building for heritage interpretation practitioners.