International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day is annually observed across the globe on April 18 to create global awareness about the significance of historical, heritage, and cultural monuments, and measures to protect them so that future generations can also witness them and embrace the rich heritage of the world.
- International Day for Monuments and Sites 2023 was observed on 18th April 2023 under the theme “Heritage Changes”.
- The theme for World Heritage Day is annually proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
The day honours the distinctive and varied cultural heritage found around the world. It also aims to promote the diversity of cultural heritage and encourage people to appreciate and learn about the history and significance of these sites.
Background:
i. International Day for Monuments and Sites was established by ICOMOS, a non-governmental international organisation dedicated to the conservation of the world’s monuments and sites.
ii. Later, the day was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) during its 22nd General Conference in November 1982 and declared April 18 of every year as International Day for Monuments and Sites.
- The day was 1st observed in 1983 by UNESCO.
India’s Heritage Sites:
UNESCO World Heritage Convention which was established in 1972, recognised various sites of cultural and natural importance around the world.
i. India now has 40 World Heritage Sites out of 1157 such spots identified around the world. India ranks 6th in the world in terms of World Heritage Sites.
- There are 32 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed as recognised by UNESCO.
ii. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture is the leading organization for conducting archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of India.
About the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS):
President- Teresa Patricio
Secretary General- Mario Santana
Headquarters- Paris, France
Establishment- 1965
