This document focuses on enhancing cultural heritage preservation and accessibility across Europe. It aims to engage policy makers, heritage professionals, organisations, and civil society in promoting sustainable practices and inclusive approaches to heritage conservation. The initiative builds on the influential “Venice Charter” to establish updated quality principles for cultural heritage interventions, ensuring decisions align with the values of historical environments.
Key components of the initiative include research, sharing of good practices, and consultation with stakeholders like UNESCO and Europa Nostra. Efforts are directed towards encouraging people-centred approaches, making heritage more accessible, and fostering a sense of shared history and values among communities. The initiative also highlights the importance of digital access to cultural heritage, promoting tourism, and supporting the cultural and creative sectors.
The European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 plays a significant role in raising awareness and connecting local communities with their heritage. It emphasises the need for public authorities to allocate resources for heritage protection and education. The initiative addresses challenges such as illicit trade and risks to heritage sites, advocating for broad consensus on quality principles for future interventions. By digitising endangered monuments and sites, the initiative aims to preserve cultural heritage for future generations and enhance its accessibility across the EU.
Overall, this document underscores the importance of cultural heritage as a strategic resource for Europe’s sustainable development. It encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the implementation of innovative practices to safeguard and promote Europe’s rich cultural legacy.
