International Day For Monuments And Sites

International Day For Monuments And Sites

The International Day for Monuments & Sites is celebrated on 18th April worldwide. World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites. The Day includes visits to all heritage sites and monuments, round tables, media pieces, and conferences. It has a new theme that promotes tourism, landscapes, and other topics every time it is updated. Cultural heritage conservation necessitates a critical evaluation of the past and a commitment to the future.

In recent years, debates concerning the deletion and erasure of some narratives and the prioritisation of specific stories over others have heated up. As a result, dealing with contentious history necessitates lengthy discussions to avoid skewed perspectives and interpretations of the past. According to the World Heritage Convention (1972), the degradation or extinction of any cultural or natural legacy item represents a negative impoverishment of all nations’ heritage. However, there are still inequalities in recognising, interpreting, and protecting distinct cultural forms.

History

On 18th April 1982, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) proposed the International Day for Monuments and Sites, recognised by the UNESCO General Assembly in 1983. The Internation Day for Monuments & Sites aims to raise awareness of humanity’s cultural legacy and conservation of the monumental sites.

UNESCO established the International Year of the Monument in 1964 as a commemoration event. The date was chosen to provide broader international coverage in the perspective of the monument, as a structural or historical place of exemplary character, due to the monument’s relevance in the life trajectory of a society/community and its people.

There are monuments erected by sculptors, painters, and architects, among others, to celebrate or remember a historical occurrence, figure, or occasion. Every year, ICOMOS proposes a subject for various events and celebrations conducted by ICOMOS national and worldwide scientific committees and other groups interested in participating in the International Day of Monuments and Sites.

Do you have any know? Complex Pasts – Diverse Futures was the theme of the International Day of Monuments and Sites 2021. Essentially, the concepts suggest that a specific historic site may be seen from various perspectives if you look closely enough. Naturally, preserving all cultural history and practice necessitates planning for the future and a thorough study. Many discussions, tales, and storylines have risen to the forefront in recent years. To avoid biassed perceptions and interpretations of the past, dealing with complex and sometimes contentious history needs long dialogues with many stakeholders.

Importance

The purpose of the Day is to increase awareness regarding cultural heritage. The Day also aims to promote historical monuments to maintain local artistic integrity. The Globe Property Convention (1972) declared that the degradation or extinction of any piece of cultural or natural legacy represents a negative impoverishment of the heritage of all world nations.

The UNESCO with ICOMOC promotes inclusive and varied points of view in heritage identification, protection, and transmission to future generations,” the organisation wrote. Because the Day is being marked amid the Covid-19 issue. It has asked people to join the celebrations by digitally visiting Unesco World Heritage sites through Google Arts & Culture’s online exhibitions.

Because of the pandemic’s endurance this year, most projects will be held online and available through ICOMOS social media channels. The Day is an opportunity to remember a culture that has been left out because of the pandemic. The pandemic’s closures have significantly impacted World Heritage sites worldwide.

Site managers have increased their online activities, sharing their experiences through UNESCO’s “Share Our Heritage” campaign. It was launched to support access culture during times of mass confinement. Such events have allowed the public to reconnect with their cultural past, find strength in it to confront these difficult times and look to the future with optimism.

Throughout the year, numerous events and activities will be held to emphasise this issue and improve knowledge of how sustainable tourism development may help establish new cultural encounters. Furthermore, the theme aspires to encourage local people to take a more active role in heritage management and preservation. Similarly, the International Day for Monuments and Sites will help to promote the world’s heritage while also encouraging local people to participate in heritage-related projects. The project welcomes everyone to join in the celebrations, recognising that everyone can help preserve our shared history, customs, and cultures.

All Events: 2022 Events Calendar

Fun Fact:

What does the Convention Concerning The Protection Of The World Culture & Natural Heritage Defines Monuments?

The Monuments are defined as architectural works, inscriptions, cave dwellings and elements of structures.

Must Read: Australian Companies Failing to Report on Cyber Security