International Council on Monuments and Sites

International Council on Monuments and Sites
Name	International Council on Monuments and Sites
Founded	0 1965
Location	Paris, France
Key people	Toshiyuki Kono (President)
Focus	Cultural heritage, Architectural conservation
Website	https://www.icomos.org/

International Council on Monuments and Sites. It is a global non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage sites around the world. Founded in 1965 following the adoption of the Venice Charter, it serves as an advisory body to UNESCO on matters related to the World Heritage Convention. Comprising professionals, experts, and institutions, its network works to establish doctrines, provide technical advice, and promote international cooperation in the field of architectural conservation and archaeological heritage.

History

The organization was formally established in 1965 in Warsaw, Poland, during the Second International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments, building upon the foundational principles outlined in the Venice Charter of 1964. Its creation was championed by prominent figures in conservation, including Pierro Gazzola of Italy and Sir Bernard Feilden of the United Kingdom, responding to the widespread destruction of cultural heritage during World War II and the increasing threats from modern development. Key early milestones included its official recognition as an advisory body to UNESCO in 1968 and its pivotal role in shaping the operational guidelines for the World Heritage Convention after its adoption in 1972. The organization has since grown from a primarily European professional group into a worldwide network with National Committees in over 110 countries.

Mission and objectives

Its core mission is to promote the conservation, protection, use, and enhancement of monuments, building complexes, and sites on a global scale. This involves advancing conservation theory, methodology, and scientific techniques, as well as fostering the education and training of heritage professionals. A primary objective is to advocate for the application of international doctrines like the Venice Charter and the Nara Document on Authenticity. The organization also aims to mobilize international cooperation, provide technical assistance, and raise public awareness regarding the importance of cultural diversity and tangible cultural heritage as essential components of sustainable development.

Structure and governance

The organization operates through a decentralized structure headed by a General Assembly of its members, which convenes triennially to elect an Executive Committee and a President, currently Toshiyuki Kono of Japan. Day-to-day operations are managed by an International Secretariat headquartered in Paris, France. Its global work is carried out by a network of National Committees, which represent member countries, and over 20 International Scientific Committees focused on specific themes such as Earthen Architectural Heritage, Historic Towns and Villages, or Underwater Cultural Heritage. Key governance documents include its Statutes and Rules of Procedure, which guide its democratic and professional operations.

Activities and programs

Its activities encompass a wide range of scientific and advocacy programs, including organizing major international symposia like the ICOMOS General Assembly and thematic scientific meetings. It runs capacity-building initiatives, such as the ICOMOS Internship Programme and collaborative projects with entities like the World Bank and the Getty Conservation Institute. The organization actively engages in heritage alert campaigns to mobilize action for sites in danger, such as those in Timbuktu or Palmyra. Furthermore, it develops and promulgates doctrinal texts, including the Burra Charter and the Florence Charter, which guide conservation practice worldwide.

World Heritage Convention role

As the official advisory body to UNESCO on cultural heritage within the framework of the World Heritage Convention, it evaluates nominations for cultural and mixed properties seeking inscription on the World Heritage List. This involves rigorous technical review by its panels of experts and site evaluations, often in coordination with the International Union for Conservation of Nature for natural criteria. It also monitors the state of conservation of listed sites, prepares reports for the World Heritage Committee, and provides recommendations for the List of World Heritage in Danger. Its advisory role is codified in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

Publications and resources

It produces a significant body of authoritative publications, including the peer-reviewed journal "ICOMOS Open Archive: Heritage for Future" and the triennial "ICOMOS Scientific Journal". Other key resources are its doctrinal charters, such as the Charter for the Conservation of Historic Towns and Urban Areas, and thematic studies on issues like Climate Change and Cultural Heritage. The organization maintains extensive online resources through its website and digital library, offering access to reports from its International Scientific Committees, proceedings of its General Assembly, and technical guidance documents for heritage practitioners globally.

Category:International organizations Category:Heritage organizations Category:Organizations established in 1965