The document is a complaint that identifies a lack of definition by the state, in the form of a legal diploma, of the qualifications needed to carry out conservation and restoration work on classified cultural property and argues that this has resulted in a discretionary approach that is harmful to cultural heritage, since it transfers this responsibility to the contracting entities – often appointing technicians without the appropriate qualifications and competences.
The Professional Association of Conservators-Restorers of Portugal (ARP) claims that this clarification should appear in Decree-Law 140/2009, produced as part of the regulation of the Cultural Heritage Framework Law, specifically in Article 22(2) and underscores the need for amendments to Portuguese legislation regarding interventions in cultural heritage to align with European standards.
Furthermore, the document mentions the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018, which underscored the significance of sustainable heritage management. It references the Faro Convention, signed by Portugal, which stresses the importance of considering specific conservation needs in cultural heritage preservation. The ARP urges the Provedor de Justiça to recommend to legislative bodies the definition of legally recognized qualifications for conservation professionals to address existing gaps and ensure the quality of interventions in cultural heritage.
Overall, the document advocates for improved regulations in the conservation and restoration sector to enhance the quality of interventions and align with European standards, ultimately aiming to safeguard cultural heritage effectively.
