News Article

This April 18 is the 30th anniversary of the observance of International Day for Monuments and Sites, and coincidentally also the 40th anniversary of World Heritage Convention. The theme of the day is therefore World Heritage, and the particular focus is on the role of local communities in sustainable development at World Heritage sites.

Local communities are central to historic preservation. People have deep connections to the places where they live, even if the place is from a civilization long gone. Engaging local people -- not just governments -- in preserving sites is the one of the most effective ways to ensure their preservation.