Cultural heritage includes both tangible and intangible expressions of culture. Its meaning is based on values recognized and ascribed by communities, groups and individuals.
Whether it is in the form of art or ancient traditions, all cultural heritage faces growing threats. The threat is not only economic or environmental but also related to conflict and terrorism.
Objects
Often, the term cultural heritage is associated with objects: artifacts, buildings and monuments, museums and collections that have historical, aesthetic, artistic, ethnological or scientific value. But cultural heritage also refers to intangible things that are part of our lives and identities, such as stories, rituals, beliefs, traditions, music and dance.
It is these embodied cultural expressions that are the focus of efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage in conflict and disaster situations. These are also the areas of expertise of the Smithsonian, which has developed the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative (SCRI) to help all kinds of heritage institutions prepare and respond when cultural heritage is at risk.
All posts should inventory antiques, works of art and other cultural heritage collection assets annually and notify OBO/OPS/CH of any damage or deterioration. OBO/OPS/CH can provide guidance for selecting professional conservators, soliciting quotations, evaluating proposals and ensuring satisfactory project completion.
Places
People can preserve their cultural heritage by including it in their lives, transferring it to future generations, and sharing it with others. Heirlooms, family photos, and traditions are examples of this practice.
Some places have such incredible historical and natural significance that they must be preserved for all to see. These are known as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal and the Romanian churches, feats of engineering such as the mill network at Kinderdijk or the Austria Semmering railway, and lost civilizations, such as the site of Carthage in Tunisia.
UNESCO designates these sites by inviting countries to nominate works of cultural and natural heritage that possess “outstanding universal value.” The communities living within these sites are critical to their preservation. They can become stewards of their own culture and share it with the world by encouraging visitors to come and experience their culture first-hand. This form of heritage preservation is called sustainable cultural heritage.
People
Cultural heritage is a tangible expression of people’s values, beliefs and traditions. It can be either intangible (like languages or dances) or material (like heirlooms and art). It is passed on from one generation to another, making it unique to every individual.
It is important to note that culture can only be considered heritage when it is recognized by the communities, groups or individuals that created, maintain and transmit it. This is why it is essential to respect the right of indigenous and minority communities to define their own cultural heritage.
The concept of sustainability is often referred to in the context of cultural heritage, referring to the sustainable management of cultural heritage for future generations. The goal is to ensure that cultural heritage is sustained, and that it has a positive impact on the lives of current and future generations. This requires a careful balance between preservation and access. The Global Centre supports this approach as part of the Responsibility to Protect.
Cultures
Cultural heritage encompasses the artifacts of a culture and the sites where that cultural heritage is preserved. It can include museums, buildings and archaeological sites, but also cultural landscapes (natural features that have cultural significance) and intangible heritage such as language and dance.
People in different cultures can learn from one another, even if they are separated by space or time. For example, Pablo Picasso’s paintings were influenced by Japanese prints and African masks. The architecture of American plantations inspired homes built by enslaved Africans in Liberia.
A key part of a culture is its memory, which influences identity and well-being. It can help us to understand our past, and guide us in our decisions and actions for the future. This is why it is important to preserve and share our cultural heritage. It is a powerful tool that can bring people together across Europe, as has been demonstrated by the success of the Erasmus programme.