Renowned cultural heritage institutions ICCROM and ICOMOS address urgent need for accessible conservation resources

20 February 2024, SHARJAH, UAE — ICCROM, through our Regional Centre in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates, has joined forces with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to release two critical new resources covering cultural heritage recovery and international policymaking.

New guide illuminates path to recovering heritage after catastrophes

Loss and damage to cultural heritage arising from catastrophes cause or exacerbate personal and social trauma. Often, the trauma caused by that loss is the first trigger for pursuing the reconstruction of damaged or destroyed heritage places.

A new publication by ICCROM and ICOMOS — Guidance on Post-Disaster and Post-Conflict Recovery and Reconstruction for Heritage Places of Cultural Significance and World Heritage Cultural Properties — guides heritage conservators on the ground in the post-event recovery of cultural heritage.

The Guidance, available for free download, aims to help relevant actors affected by destruction at heritage places of cultural significance to set up sound decision-making processes for recovery and reconstruction. It sets out a framework within which thorough, informed and participative decision-making can be undertaken in recovery.

New publication gathers Arabic translations of major cultural heritage conservation charters

Another new publication gathers Arabic translations of international charters and declarations related to preserving and restoring cultural heritage.

The Arabic-language book, titled International Charters for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Historical Sites, is an essential text for practitioners, researchers and legislators who seek a comprehensive overview of heritage conservation texts at the international level.

The publication highlights the principles, foundations and international standards (from 1964 to 2017) aimed at protecting and preserving global cultural heritage. It presents the texts of these charters and important declarations established by ICOMOS and other relevant international organizations. Many types of ICOMOS texts are featured in the book - including Charters, declarations, guidelines and documents - created and adopted by ICOMOS bodies, ranging from the ICOMOS General Assembly to ICOMOS National and Scientific Committees.

ICCROM is proud to partner with ICOMOS to bring much-needed conservation tools and resources to broader networks.

The ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah is a cultural hub generously supported by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. The office is a powerhouse of cultural heritage knowledge, especially created for widespread adoption in Arabic-speaking countries. Launched in 2012, ICCROM-Sharjah is dedicated to protecting cultural heritage in the Arab region and broadening access, appreciation and understanding of its rich history.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization committed to furthering the conservation, protection, use and enhancement of the world’s cultural heritage. With over 12 000 members, 100+ National Committees, 31 International Scientific Committees and several Working Groups, ICOMOS has built a solid philosophical, doctrinal and managerial framework for the sustainable conservation of heritage around the world. As an official Advisory Body to the World Heritage Committee for the implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, ICOMOS evaluates nominations and advises on the state of conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List.