As part of the ongoing 15th general assembly of the
International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in Xi'an, Shaanxi
Province, a forum on Principles for the Conservation of
Heritage Sites in China opened on October 18, attracting attention
from experts from home and abroad.
The principles were produced by the ICOMOS China National
Committee in collaboration with the US-based Getty Conservation
Institute and Australian Heritage Commission.
They are based on consideration of conservation needs in the
specific context of China, and were adopted by the China State
Administration of Culture Heritage in 2003 as guidelines for
monuments and sites and issued as applicable for selected
sites.
Zhang Bai, ICOMOS China president, presented the principles to
the forum, and representatives from the Getty Institute and
Australia's Department for Environment and Heritage gave lectures
on the application of the principles at the Chengde and Mogao
Grottos.
Zhang said the principles address the need for adequate
investigation and evaluation of heritage sites at an earlier stage
before concrete conservation measures are implemented.
"The principles are more detailed and practical than those
described in the International Charter for the Conservation and
Restoration of Monuments and Site?-- the Venice Charter (1964)
or the Nara Document on Authenticity (1994)," said Zhang.
With advice from international professionals, more training
programs will be held to raise awareness of the principles, Zhang
said.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Wang Zhiyong, October 20, 2005)
