International Day of Monuments and Sites 2024: Disasters and Conflicts Through the Lens of the Venice Charter

Against this background one may ask: what is the role of the Venice Charter in these tumultuous times? Is the Venice Charter still fit for purpose?

The Venice Charter emerged in 1964, two decades after WWII and in an age that promised limitless progress and economic development. Six decades later, we face a climate emergency, a growing number of natural disasters as well as conflicts destroying cultural sites and displacing communities on a massive scale.

“The intention in conserving and restoring monuments is to safeguard them no less as works of art than as historical evidence” (Article 3) while maintaining them on a “permanent basis” (Article 4).

The International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS), celebrated each year on 18 April , provides us with a unique opportunity to raise awareness of this foundational instrument which is at the core of ICOMOS’ history and identity.

ICOMOS will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter in 2024, which will feature as a key narrative to ICOMOS events through the year. The IDMS will kick off the official celebration, leading up to the anniversary of the Venice Charter on 31 May.

The Scientific Symposium (Brazil, November 2024) of the ICOMOS General Assembly, provides a platform to transition from the current Triennial Scientific Plan (Climate Change Reboot) to the 2024-2026 Triennial Scientific Plan (Disaster and Conflict Resilient Heritage – Preparedness, Response and Recovery). It also offers the opportunity to conclude the celebration of the Venice Charter and feature it as one of the themes of the Symposium.

ICOMOS members and heritage professionals are welcome to (i) consider the evolution of conservation practice since the Venice Charter; (ii) reflect on the impacts of the Venice Charter on conservation practice around the world;  (iii) engage debate on its suitability for addressing the challenges of a climate emergency, conflicts and natural disasters.

Some of the activities might include inventorying, collecting data on losses and damages and assessment of vulnerabilities; understanding risks and building corresponding capacities; collaboration between stakeholders; communication between relevant national sectors such as heritage and disaster risk management sectors; traditional knowledge on disaster risk mitigation and preparedness; successful practices and examples in adaptation, mitigation and preparedness.

Get involved!

ICOMOS Committees are called upon to organise and collaborate on events on the theme of the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter critically reflecting on all of its aspects.

Members can share their events with ICOMOS by writing to this address.

Potential formats for participation can include, but are not limited to:

• 1-2 minute (max) video submissions from each ICOMOS National Committee, International Scientific Committee and Working Group, showcasing local and regional approaches towards the Venice Charter and arguments for its contribution to caring for heritage in times of conflict and natural disasters. The videos may be shared with ICOMOS at this address. Make sure to include descriptions, quotes or facts to accompany any video, as well as hashtags.
• Photographic submission with credits and captions to explain current conservation practice approaches, changing narratives and goals for the future to adapt to the urgent demands of conflict and disaster. In all cases, please make sure that you retain the rights to any image you share
• Organise virtual voundtables, host webinars, propose workshops to reflect on the gaps in current theory and conservation practice when faced with conflicts or natural disasters, engaging government agencies, industries, and inviting other stakeholders to join the discussion.

Events, activities and other inputs may be reviewed and shared on the ICOMOS website, social media platforms and the annual report of ICOMOS.

Active participation by members and committees on the International Day for Monuments and Sites is an opportunity to demonstrate the contemporary relevance of ICOMOS and the valuable work its members conduct.