Endangered Heritage: Emergency Evacuation of Heritage Collections
Published by UNESCO and ICCROM (2015), this handbook 'provides step-by-step guidance for evacuating cultural collections under extreme conditions. It is meant to assist those communities and institutions, which are trying to prevent the destruction and looting of cultural objects during a crisis situation'.
Protection of cultural and natural heritage (in times of peace, as well as conflict or natural disaster situations) - UNESCO
From the UNESCO High Level Forum on Museums, 10-12 November, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China.
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Museums and collections are particularly at risk during situations of armed conflict or natural disaster, owing to the inherent vulnerability and tremendous symbolic value of heritage. In response, international organizations, museums and heritage professionals must combine their expertise and networks, reinforcing their capacities to protect cultural heritage. In recent years, emergency response efforts have been launched to counter the destruction of heritage in Afghanistan, Côte D’Ivoire, Egypt, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Syria and Yemen, exemplifying the international community’s response to these highly complex political and logistical challenges in times of civil strife and warfare. In this context, the role of museums in the protection of heritage should be redefined, particularly in light of their increasingly recognized role in fostering international cultural relations and intercultural dialogue, as well as heritage protection education.
Engaging Communities - UNESCO
From the UNESCO High Level Forum on Museums, 10-12 November, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China.
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"In today’s global society, museums need to find ways to engage with diverse communities, including indigenous communities, migrant communities, and new audiences, to fulfil their social and educational role and to increase the public’s trust in them. Museums should not be static landmarks viewed by a passive audience, but vivid places for a variety of activities, points of view and exchanges, recovering lost links or recreating new ones. Museums often commemorate controversial or traumatic historical events and provide opportunities to discuss and reflect on them. Outreach, access and participation should constantly be promoted in order to contribute to building a better future for our multicultural and globalised society."
Between Two Earthquakes: Cultural Property in Seismic Zones
A handbook that covers pre-disaster measures such as taking accurate and complete documentation, risk awareness, planning, maintenance and inspections of historic buildings, monuments, and archeological sites in seismic areas; e-Book currently available for free from the Getty.