Integrated heritage conservation
Introduction
The International Center for Studies for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage around the world through training, information, research, cooperation and public awareness programs. Its objective is to improve the area of conservation-restoration and raise public awareness regarding the importance and fragility of cultural heritage.
The creation of the Center was the result of a proposal by the General Conference of UNESCO that was held in New Delhi in 1956. Three years later, the Center was established in Rome, Italy, where its headquarters remain to this day.
The International Study Center for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property responds to the needs of its member states, which currently number 136.[1].
Mission
ICCROM's mission is defined by a series of statutes that were drawn up shortly before its establishment (and amended on 25 November 2009).[2].
Article 1, Objectives and functions.
The International Study Center for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, hereinafter referred to as ICCROM, will contribute to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage worldwide through actions that initiate, develop, promote and facilitate the conditions for such conservation and restoration. Specifically, the functions of the ICCROM will be the following:
- collect, study, and circulate information related to scientific, technical and ethical issues relevant to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage;
- coordinate, stimulate or institute research in this field through, specifically, work assigned to experts or bodies of experts, international meetings, publications and exchanges of specialists;
- provide advice and offer recommendations on general or specific issues related to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage;
- promote, develop and provide training in relation to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage and increase the level and practice of conservation and restoration work;.
- stimulate initiatives that contribute to a better understanding of the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage.