Plural: History, Culture, Society (Dec 2018)
Evaluarea și monitorizarea siturilor înscrise în Lista patrimoniului mondial din România
Abstract
Since 1972, UNESCO has established a frame of protection for cultural and natural heritage (Convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage) and the “World Heritage List”, which it considers as having an outstanding universal value. In 1994, at the Nara Conference, the Document of Authenticity was adopted, stating that ”the protection and enhancement of cultural and heritage diversity in our world should be actively promoted as an essential aspect of human development”. Since 1997, States Parties have to provide regular reports on the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and the conservation status of each site listed on the World Heritage List. So far, two periodic reports have been made (2000-2006 and 2008-2015), and the third was recently launched (2017-2022). Romania owns eight properties forming part of the World Heritage List (two natural and six cultural sites). Another fifteen properties are included into the Tentative List. The reports concerning the situation of the World Heritage Sites in Romania are done periodically, but most are just a formality without any strategic development and sustainable management plans. There is a significant discrepancy between the visibility and importance given to the sites included on the World Heritage List. These problems could be prevented through better monitoring and management methods, while regional cooperation could be a driver for identifying the best ways to do so at a regional level. Only a common and integrated approach will make it possible to enrich UNESCO standards of preservation and maintain the World Heritage Site status.
