UNESCO joined the “International Workshop of UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Legal Aspects”

Ministry of Cultural Heritage Tourism and Handicrafts and the Research Centre of the Ministry in cooperation with the Office of Cultural Heritage Tourism and Handicrafts in Shiraz, Istituto italiano per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente (ISMEO), University of Bologna and Shiraz University  organized the “International Workshop of UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Legal Aspects” on 15 February 2020 in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran.

The one-day workshop which was followed by panel discussion brought together legal and cultural heritage experts and authorities as well as archeologists. Several national and international legal instruments with regards to preservation and management of cultural heritage was discussed during the workshop.

The international workshop has chosen the to answer the mentioned questions and find the probable solutions through the study of: the UNESCO’s regulations for protection of world and cultural heritage sites; the place of protection of world heritage from the perspective of international law; the institution of property in Iranian law from public benefit to the rights of private property; judicial procedure in Iran for the protection of cultural heritage.

Dr. Talebian, Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage referred to the active role of Iran in ratification and acceptance of International Conventions for preservation of cultural heritage and mentioned the cultural heritage as the identity of each nation.

UNESCO Tehran Cluster Office made a speech on UNESCO 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and presented a few best practices of implementation of the Convention.

“The aim of this Convention is to safeguard heritage of “Outstanding Universal Value” for future generations. For over 45 years, countries all over the world have been working in a spirit of international cooperation towards the listing and protection of cultural and natural heritage properties. To pursue this objective, it is important that the peoples of each nation, the decision-makers at international, national and local levels, and especially with the participation of local communities, all to be mindful of the wealth and diversity of our world’s heritage.” Said Ms. Mahta Mohegh, in charge of culture activities while delivering the message of Mr. Cvetan Cvetkovski, Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO Tehran Cluster Office.

The workshop continued with Q&A sessions. Several legal and cultural heritage issues at decision making and implementation levels related to the Fars Province and the country were discussed.