Town administrators face the realities of modern life. These exert pressures, sometimes considerable, on old urban cores; overpopulation, decaying infrastructure, tourism excesses, real estate speculation and transportation are only a few of the obstacles, found on all continents, to developing effective preservation policies for historic quarters.

These obstacles are the result of natural forces which are irresistibly transforming societies with sometimes amazing speed. Most of today's societies have been shaken to the roots of their traditions, and this has led to profound change in the character of their towns where populations have concentrated and cultures found expression. Towns are the particular victims of change; this is why we feel it is the responsibility of urban administrators to manage the change facing them.

When in addition, these changes have to be managed in the context of the conservation policies of a World Heritage listed town, new challenges common and unique to such towns arise to confront those in charge. In order to avoid being suffocated by their ancient walls while yet repelling the subversive forces of modernity, these old towns need to be run by men and women who are erudite and gifted. Like captains who have to navigate in all weathers, they must be able to count on adherence to well established procedures and on accurate and effective management tools.

In order to facilitate the release and the exchange of information among its member cities, the Organization of World Heritage Cities put at their disposal the URBO technical portal, which deals with the management of world heritage cities. URBO was designed on the basis of the Management Guide of Historic Cities, published in 1991, further to the first symposium of world heritage cities held in the city of Québec, Canada. This URBO portal is intended to stimulate ongoing exchange among those involved in managing the day-to-day exigencies of urban life within historic towns, while conserving their particular values and qualities. We would like to call upon those responsible within World Heritage Towns and other historic areas to pursue this task with the utmost energy and commitment, for the benefit of all the citizens living and working within them.