The world celebrates the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as the World Heritage Day, every year on April 18th. This event was first established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and subsequently approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1983. The purpose of the day is to celebrate and promote cultural heritage while raising awareness about its diversity, relevance, vulnerabilities, and the significance and benefits of conservation.
The Origin of World Heritage Day
Established in 1982 by ICOMOS and approved by UNESCO in 1983, World Heritage Day has since been a global event to celebrate and promote cultural heritage. This special day presents an opportunity to highlight the various facets of cultural heritage, including its diversity and importance, while emphasizing the potential vulnerabilities it faces. Recognizing the vital need for conservation of these sites forms another crucial aspect of this day.
Theme for 2020: Shared Cultures, Shared Heritage, Shared Responsibility
The theme of World Heritage Day 2020 emphasized shared cultures, heritage and responsibility. The focus was to advocate for global unity, especially amidst the worldwide health crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It conveyed the message of collective responsibility and action towards preserving our shared cultural heritage.
The Role of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
ICOMOS is a global non-governmental organization associated with UNESCO. Its primary mission involves promoting the conservation, protection, use, and enhancement of monuments, building complexes, and sites. Serving as an Advisory Body to the World Heritage Committee, it plays a significant role in implementing the World Heritage Convention of UNESCO. An integral part of its operations includes reviewing nominations of cultural world heritage and ensuring the conservation status of properties.
India’s Contribution to the World Heritage
India, with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, is home to 38 world heritage sites. These include 30 cultural properties, seven natural properties, and one mixed site. The recognition and conservation of these sites reflect the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural wealth.
ICOMOS: A Historic Evolution
Created in 1965, ICOMOS is the outcome of initial conversations that began in the early twentieth century among architects, historians, and international experts. These discussions led to the adoption of the Venice Charter in 1964, forming the foundational premise for the establishment of ICOMOS. Over the years, it has played a significant role in emphasizing the need for the protection and preservation of global cultural heritage sites.
