Relevance: GS Prelims – Art & Culture / International Organisations
About UNESCO World Heritage Advisory Bodies?
- The World Heritage Convention, 1972 recognises three international advisory bodies to assist the World Heritage Committee in its deliberations.
- They provide technical expertise, evaluation, conservation advice and capacity-building support for World Heritage properties.
- The three bodies are:
- ICOMOS
- IUCN
- ICCROM
About International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
- An international non-governmental organisation (NGO).
- Founded in 1965.
- Headquarters/International Secretariat: Paris, France.
- Provides evaluations of cultural and mixed heritage properties proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List.
- It also contributes expertise on the conservation and protection of cultural heritage.
About International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- An international non-governmental organisation.
- Established in 1948.
- Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland.
- Provides technical evaluations of natural heritage properties proposed for inscription.
- Through its global network of specialists, it also reports on the state of conservation of listed natural heritage properties.
About International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)
- An intergovernmental organisation.
- Works towards the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage.
- Provides expert advice on conservation of cultural sites and capacity building/training.
- It is particularly associated with capacity building and strengthening conservation skills among Member States.
Conclusion
The three UNESCO World Heritage Advisory Bodies provide specialised scientific, technical and conservation expertise that supports the World Heritage Committee in evaluating nominations, monitoring conservation and strengthening heritage management.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in the following article – Sarnath is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List |