UNESCO Convention Research Articles

Anti-Doping Rules as a Unique System of Legal Relations: Background and Regulatory Issues

Coordinated efforts of the States and sports organizations to eliminate doping in sport all over the world have formed a unique legal model that stands out for high uniformity in its implementation and enforcement despite differences in national regulations, and this legal model continues to evolve. Erosion of the principles of amateurism, growing governmental interest in sport, concerns about the health of athletes have affected the shape of the modern anti-doping legal system. This study analyzes the key historical stages in the development of anti-doping rules and regulations, as well as the prerequisites for the formation of its modern legal principles and methods. The study details the first anti-doping rules adopted by the Jockey Club at the beginning of the 20th century and describes the legal activities of the International Olympic Committee, States and intergovernmental organizations on creating anti-doping rules and legislation before the adoption of the UNESCO Convention in 2005. Special emphasis is placed on the explanation of ideological and political influence on the development of anti-doping rules and assessing the roles of the main actors in the antidoping system.

3D modeling of Narlıgöl Natural Heritage with unmanned aerial vehicle data

Natural and cultural diversities are one of the important heritages of a society. In conformity with UNESCO's Convention for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, it has been noted that such heritage should be protected. Türkiye is among the top five countries that have the most cultural and natural heritage registered in the list of intangible cultural heritage. It is also important for humanity to protect and promote these heritages. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have been an effective technology in evaluating and documenting the current status of cultural heritages and obtaining their three-dimensional models. In this study, a three-dimensional model of Narlıgöl, one of the important natural heritages of Türkiye and located between Aksaray and Niğde provinces, was obtained with UAV data. In order to detect the changes in our cultural and natural heritage and to take the necessary precautions, these heritages should be recorded and followed up at certain periods. In addition, web-based promotion of these heritages is also important in terms of nature and cultural tourism. For this purpose, the current situation of Narlıgöl natural heritage was documented with UAV data and its three-dimensional model and orthophoto map was obtained.

Institutional and Normative Aspects in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Normative aspects in the preservation of cultural heritage imply a complex understanding and approach, insofar as this is a systemic process in which different cultural institutions acting with relevant competence and the normative framework have a role. It consists of international legal acts, such as the UNESCO Conventions, EU law - the regulations and directives and the internal law that is in accordance with them. The report covers a review of case studies related to the preservation of tangible cultural heritage: cases of dissonant cultural heritage; the case with the restitution of cultural values; cases of deregistration of tangible cultural values from the register and the philosophy of the law; legal issues in dealing with cultural property; problems of ownership of movable cultural property; the relationship of copyright and related rights to cultural heritage.

Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage And Formal Education: Comparison of Policies Between Türkiye And Flanders (Belgium)

The 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage introduces a set of interrelated measures among which education is an intersection point. Since education is crucial to the transmission of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), the States Parties have focused their attention on connecting their activities to the education sector in recent years, with formal education making up the greater part of the efforts. Belgium and Türkiye both ratified the Convention in 2006 and education ministries in both countries or parts in it seem to have concentrated on secondary education (12-18 years old) to raise awareness of the meaning and importance of safeguarding ICH. The purpose of this paper is to compare and evaluate the Flemish and Turkish formal education systems at the secondary education level regarding the implementation of the Convention. Therefore, this qualitative research is based on the investigation of the policy texts and curriculum (mainly in Dutch and Turkish) that are explicitly or implicitly connected to the presence of ICH in the education systems of both cases. From this perspective, it takes the ratification of the Convention by both countries as its point of departure and presents three levels of discussion. First, in order to comprehend the present context wherein potential connections between ICH and education are established, the overall policy of Flanders and Türkiye is briefly outlined. Second, the discussion is directed to the implications these policy choices might raise. In the final section, the frame of discussion is further narrowed to the level of curricular choices. It can be stated that the analysis of the documents revolved around the implications of centrality (Türkiye) and relative autonomy (Flanders) to mobilize ICH in education. While in Türkiye, the course Folk Culture in secondary education was initiated on the national level as a direct response to the Convention, in Flanders, this safeguarding perspective did not seem to have permeated educational policy processes. However, the Flemish Government has tolerated an open curriculum framework that seems beneficial for the inclusion of relevant content on a regional or local level. Considering achieving connections with its specific teaching context, in both cases, attention has to be drawn to the role of teacher agency. It can be stated that teachers are in need of a balance between sufficient support (capacity building, instruction manuals, didactic suggestions, explicit references to ICH) and the autonomy to execute (open curricula, professional freedom).

Protection of Biocultural Heritage in the Anthropocene: Towards Reconciling Natural, Cultural, Tangible and Intangible Heritage

Abstract This article examines the effectiveness, legitimacy, and fairness of heritage conservation outcomes under the 1972 World Heritage Convention (1972 WHC), with a focus on recognising and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in heritage nomination, protection, and management. Examining conflicts surrounding World Heritage sites in Kenya and Sweden, this article argues that recognition of biocultural heritage and biocultural rights can promote environmental justice and help meet global environmental challenges. To promote the conservation of both built and natural landscapes, the article recommends expanding protection for the relationship between humans and their environment. Recognising biocultural heritage under UNESCO conventions could promote Indigenous sovereignty, protect cultural and natural heritage, and contribute to global efforts to address climate change. The article calls for further research mapping biocultural heritage in natural and mixed heritage sites and advocates for fuller engagement with Indigenous Peoples to increase the ability of the 1972 WHC to promote sustainability as it enters its second half-century.

The Evolution of Regulatory Policy for Conservation and Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritages in the Kyrgyz Republic

The article provides a brief overview of the evolution and features of regulatory policy for conservation and protection of natural and cultural heritages in Kyrgyzstan, the role of UNESCO and international conventions in improving national legislation on protection of natural and cultural heritages.

Inheritance and Development of Tujia Maogusi Dance from the Perspective of cultural ecology Protection

Intangible cultural heritage, a historical microcosm of a country's and nation's traditional culture, exists in manifestations and intangible forms that are inextricably linked to the life and production of the people, and are the result of the wisdom of our forefathers. Intangible cultural heritage, which often focuses on original historical material that is about to disappear, stands out for its intangible properties. Intangible cultural heritage is defined by the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which states: "Intangible cultural heritage refers to the practices, performances, expressions, knowledge systems and skills, as well as their associated instruments, objects and skills, that are regarded by communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals as part of their cultural heritage. Amidst the ever-changing lives of people, intangible cultural heritage, as a mark of history, exudes a distinctive lustre in its own right and is a precious treasure and spiritual home for all people around the world.Based on the protection of cultural ecology, this paper analyzes the culture and inheritance of Tujia Maogusi, and at the same time studies its protection countermeasures. There are still many problems concerning the cultural inheritance of the Tujia Maogus. First of all, the inheritance of ethnic minority culture is hindered due to the insufficient reserve team for inheritance and the sense of cultural identity is too high. Therefore, in the new era, it is necessary to protect the inheritors and at the same time inherit the cultures of ethnic minorities. The public needs to have a sense of cultural awareness and self-confidence, and at the same time combine with campus culture to promote the development of cultural ecological protection.

Preservation of the Alanian cultural heritage in the context of globalization

The article deals with the problems of preserving the Ossetian cultural heritage in the context of globalization. The purpose of this article is to analyze the main challenges to the Ossetian culture and practical recommendations aimed at preserving it. Special attention is given to the objects of cultural and natural heritage located in the territories of both North Ossetia-Alania and the Republic of South Ossetia. The methodology is based on a generalization of empirical data and comparative analysis related to cultural heritage in a state that does not have a generally recognized status. Particular importance is attached to a number of important documentary sources, in particular, UNESCO conventions and declarations, along with expert assessments. The novelty of the study is due to considering, indeed, for the first time, the problem of cooperation between the international organization that deals with the preservation of cultural heritage on the global scale, viz. UNESCO, and the state only partially recognized. The author comes to the conclusion that the Ossetian culture, on the whole, successfully resists the challenges of globalization: the national way of life, language and traditions are preserved despite the division of the ethnos by the Caucasus mountain range. However, there is a problem of preserving tangible cultural heritage on the territory of South Ossetia due to existing geopolitical situation that has resulted in the republic remaining underrepresented on the international platforms.

Changes in North Korea’s heritage law and policy in relation to UNESCO World Heritage during Kim Jong-un’s regime

ABSTRACT North Korea has recently changed its domestic legislation relating to cultural and natural heritage and has actively participated in relevant UNESCO conventions and programmes. Early North Korean heritage law in the 1990s focused on tangible cultural heritage only. However, since Kim Jong-un took power in 2012, it began to evolve to include intangible cultural heritage and natural heritage, accommodating relevant provisions of UNESCO conventions and programmes. This series of legal changes in the field of heritage under Kim Jong-un’s regime represents a significant attitudinal shift on the part of North Korea toward the international community. It reflects the regime’s strong will to join international conventions and programmes in a pragmatic manner, particularly in relation to tourism promotion utilizing UNESCO’s name. This paper analyses, in detail, the specific changes to provisions per heritage category, together with North Korea’s relevant activities. The implication of these changes to North Korean heritage law and policy leads to the expectation that the current tendency to seek out and value UNESCO designations will continue in the Kim Jong-un’s regime and the international cooperation of North Korea in the field will increase as well.

Can UNESCO Use Blockchain to Ensure the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? A Systemic Approach That Explains the Why, How, and Difficulties of Such a Venture

Focusing on the implementation of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), this article highlights the fact that the cataloging procedures, the way records are stored, and the metadata models used during the recording, visualization, and storage of ICH expression elements, vary from country to country. Especially in these days of great uncertainty, war conflicts, and systemic risks that may arise, it is vital to clarify what techniques will be used in the storage of ICH to ensure its unhindered preservation and dissemination over time across the globe. Using the systems thinking approach indicated for cases of great complexity, the process followed in Greece for depositing a new element in its local repository is described to demonstrate the need for a well-defined process by UNESCO, which must be followed worldwide, and which has not been defined so far. What are the potential challenges not only in determining the type of data, but also in choosing the best metadata model to use in each case when capturing these data? What technologies must be used for storing digital cultural heritage in such a way that will preserve it over time, defying physical and technological hazards? This article finally suggests how blockchain technologies (BT) can be effectively used to store the global ICH and ensure its continuity in future generations by creating a decentralized worldwide network between the heritage stakeholders.

From Hinduism to Hindutva: civilizational internationalism and UNESCO

Abstract This article considers civilizational politics at the interface between nationalism and internationalism. It does this by focusing on some key trends in India's engagements with UNESCO and its flagship conventions for culture. The article builds on existing scholarship regarding the political appropriation of key religious and heritage sites within India by critically examining how Hinduism is presented to UNESCO and other organizations as a religious and civilizational heritage for global recognition and endorsement. We argue that UNESCO's programmes and conventions are being co-opted via a rewriting of history and in the creation of heritage imaginaries of a Hindu nation. From there, the discussion extends previous critiques regarding the conjoining of Hinduism to a Harappan civilization heritage by showing how this geographically extends outwards via a programme of Indian Ocean diplomacy conceived around environmental and historical connectivities. In pulling these various threads together, the article demonstrates the ways in which Hindu civilizational discourses circulate at the international level in seemingly benign and banal ways, and, yet, simultaneously advance the domestic cultural politics now familiar to the Hindutva movement.

Transnational Religious Practices as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Complex Case of the Traditional Latin Mass

The 2003 UNESCO Convention definition of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) covers religious practices and rites, as can be seen from normative descriptions and dozens of actual examples, many of which are Catholic religious traditions. The Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), practiced in one form or another for over 1500 years by an ever-increasing number of peoples and nations and in possession of a common stable set of rules, meets the UNESCO criteria for listing as ICH; in fact, it is arguably the best possible example. It is also a complicated one. After the Catholic Church’s liturgical reform in the 1960s and 1970s, new rites were introduced and the old rites were officially abandoned; nevertheless, a minority of clergy and laity continued to celebrate the TLM, and, over time, the legitimacy of their attachment to it was recognised by several popes, who also spoke regularly of the great value of the Church’s cultural and artistic patrimony and recommended that it remained joined with its religious origins. In contrast, the current pope, Francis, has recently become opposed to the continuation of the old rites. Be this as it may, it is quite possible that such a threatened but deeply appreciated international ICH as the TLM could be proposed for listing by several states that (unlike the Holy See) have signed the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, to give it a recognition appropriate to its immense historical and present-day cultural value.

Application of Parametric Sub-Bottom Profilers for Responsible in Situ Management of Underwater Shallow-Buried Archaeological Materials

The application potential of parametric sub-bottom profilers (SBPs) to in situ management of underwater archaeological sites at risk from degradational loss of shallow-buried materials is presented. This approach is based on the process-driven in situ preservation and research frameworks advocated by the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and provides a basis for greater uptake by the archaeological community. Results from research at a purposely prepared sub-seabed site and on the adjoining James Matthews (1841) wreck site in Western Australia demonstrate how noninvasive SBP-derived data support responsible management of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) sites by: (1) identifying and/or confirming the presence of sub-seabed UCH material, (2) identifying the potential level of risk of further material loss from ongoing degradation, (3) providing key information with which to make a sound in situ management or site-research plan for the sub-seabed material, and (4) delivering monitoring feedback regarding the success of in situ management actions.

Sharing the documentary heritage of humanity: disparities in distribution

ABSTRACT The Memory of the World (MoW) Programme aims to preserve and enhance access to and raise awareness of humanity’s documentary heritage. The 1992 MoW Programme is one of three UNESCO initiatives aimed at protecting the world’s cultural heritage alongside the two UNESCO Conventions Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (WHC) of 1972 and the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (ICHC) of 2003. Using listings to make predominantly cultural heritage visible worldwide is an important measure of all three UNESCO Heritage Programmes, the World Cultural Heritage (WCH), the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), and the Documentary Heritage (DH). The spatial distribution of UNESCO’s tangible and intangible heritage has already been investigated worldwide in academic research. Such an analysis will now be undertaken for the first time for world DH. In addition to a global perspective of spatial DH distribution, differences in the MoW Programme in terms of region and chronological development will be examined. This study aims to show how spatial disparities are visible in UNESCO’s MoW Programme and argues that institutional solutions (Regional and National MoW Committees) and capacity building in preparing nominations for underrepresented countries would create more balance in the MoW Registers.

Il Progetto 4CH per un Centro di Competenza per la Conservazione del Patrimonio Culturale: nuove tecnologie a supporto della tutela

Fifty years after the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage adopted by UNESCO in 1972, the objective of protecting and safeguarding the heritage inherited from the past persists unchanged. What has evolved is not only its concept, which progressively included increasingly diversified tangible and intangible assets, broadening its extension and enhancing its richness, but also the processes aimed at their safe-guarding. Within this scenario, a key role is played by Competence Centres for their strategic function capable of responding to the European Union approach with reference to the pact system enucleated by the 1972 UNESCO Convention for heritage protection. Focusing on the first phases of the 4CH Project (Grant Agreement 101004468), this paper aims to outline the ongoing experience in setting up a Competence Centre for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, strongly centred on the promotion and enhancement of innovative technologies for heritage safeguarding.

The safeguarding and enhancement of the Historic and Traditional businesses of the Historical Centre of Florence

The relationship between the historic city and the businesses that form an essential testimony of the historical and cultural urban evolution is an emerging theme on the international scene. The research program has analyzed the traditional economic and social context of the centre of Florence in relation to the city’s urban zoning and building facades. The study highlighted the need to integrate the documentation and survey phases of the physical realities of the places of commerce with the recording of intangible cultural heritage. The latter are strongly interlinked with the authenticity of a place its features, whose disappearance may irreversibly change the environment itself. The introduction of this patrimonial category, with the UNESCO convention of 2003, led to the development of investigation tools and protocols that also involved, specifically, the scientific sector of architectural-urban design and survey to evaluate the impact of intangible features on the evolution of the city’s image over time.

Oltre le barriere del tempo e dell’autorialità? Osservazioni sul concetto di patrimonio UNESCO

There are almost daily discussions on modern or contemporary architecture, both of renowned or unknown authors, which are not preserved but restored, adapted, refurbished, and updated, when not demolished and replaced. It is not a concern of private assets but also public buildings which can be sold when younger than seventy years old. The case studies dealt with by newspapers, professionals, and scholars suggest the opportunity to reflect on both Italian and foreign legislation on the protection of modern and contemporary architecture. Some points of the UNESCO Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage will be focused to question the complementary role of international organizations as a guarantee for a preservation model, perhaps still based on historical-critical but supranational criteria. While many countries must still overcome the frame of age and authorship, the supranational body can act as an interpreter to balance the cultural and ideological omissions linked to different contexts.

ICOMOS Charters on cultural tourism throughout the 50 years of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention

This paper outlines the contribution of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Cultural Tourism (ICTC) to tourism management throughout the history of the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage (1972) and traces the evolution of international standard-setting texts on tourism brought forward by ICOMOS. It presents the draft International Charter for Cultural Heritage Tourism - Reinforcing cultural heritage protection and community resilience through responsible and sustainable tourism management (2021). Its new principles are formulated to address challenges of our time, instigate change, improve practice, guide future cultural tourism development and support adaptive and responsive visitor management supporting a more resilient future.

La Convenzione UNESCO del 1972 nel XXI secolo e la trasformazione Digitale Tecnologica Antropologica, una riflessione

The changes in the world scenario undergone since the 1970s, due to the rapid technological development and progressive impacts of social, cultural and climate change, require a re-reading of the processes derived from the 1972 UNESCO Convention. The evolution of technologies applied to Cultural Heritage has significantly improved, in terms of accuracy and reliability, but has not always been generated an awareness of the value meaning of the asset. The contribution addresses the issue with an analysis of the general anthropological transformations to verify what role the Cultural Heritage values will continue to play in technologically globalized world of the 21st century. This paper intends to introduce a series of urgent reflections in order to stimulate and increase the necessary interdisciplinary and intercultural debate between the various stakeholders on the theme of safeguarding. of Cultural Heritage as a driving force for civil progress.

Firenze Novecento fra conoscenza, tutela e pianificazione

Both the 1972 UNESCO Convention and the contemporary Italian Restoration Charter make indirect reference to 20th century architectural heritage, given the slow maturation of issues related to the Protection of the "Modern" and the "Contemporary" that only led to international conferences, the creation of important Associations, publications shared worldwide in the last two decades of the last century. A specific reflection on the characteristics, consistency, and state of conservation of the many twentieth-century buildings that are a constituent part of UNESCO Centers must start from the ways of systematic knowledge of these artefacts and urban spaces. The same principles that guide the modes of restoration of classical buildings in fact require their critical extension, aware of the interrelation between materials and design themes of the twentieth century with today's restoration choices and techniques. Florence's 20th-century heritage is extensive, rich in episodes, and significant in the alternation of references, styles, and materials that marked the history of 20th-century architecture and that make this city the repository of a peculiar modernity “in danger” that needs careful, systematic, up-to-date protection.