Cultural heritage refers to a physical and non-physical culture and natural environment that is valued by a group or society and passed on through historic places, monuments, artifacts, works of art, folklore, and traditions. It is an important part of a community’s identity, fostering social and cultural integration. It is also a valuable economic asset and can attract tourists, thereby contributing to economic growth. However, it is not without challenges. Cultural heritage can be highly contentious, with one group’s values and interests conflicting with those of another. This can lead to protests and disagreement over the preservation of certain objects or landmarks.
It can be difficult to protect heritage from the effects of climate change, development projects, wars, and natural disasters. In addition, cultural heritage can be affected by human activities, such as theft and vandalism. The preservation of cultural heritage requires the collaboration of a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, academic and professional institutions, and philanthropists. It is necessary to understand the reasons why these barriers arise and identify possible solutions to overcome them.
The conservation of cultural heritage involves many disciplines, from engineering to architecture to archaeology. It requires the participation of experts in the field of conservation, as well as scientists with expertise in hydrology, agronomy, geology, and ecology. In addition, chemists, materials scientists, and conservators can help preserve the physical components of cultural heritage. Meanwhile, historians, archaeologists, and other scholars can contribute to the research of its intangible components.
Intangible cultural heritage is comprised of a wide range of traditions, such as music and dances, religious festivals, rituals and customs, performing arts, traditional crafts, and oral histories. Examples of these are tango and flamenco, Kabuki theater, Chinese shadow puppetry, Azerbaijani carpet weaving, the Mediterranean diet, and Vedic chanting. Intangible cultural heritage is an essential component of human cultural identity, and it must be protected to ensure its survival.
UNESCO has established the Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which has been ratified by more than 180 countries. This treaty calls for governments to establish a legal framework for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, while also encouraging communities to take an active role in its preservation.
Cultural heritage is a vital expression of the unique cultures that make up the world’s diverse communities. It can provide a sense of pride and identity, but it must be protected from natural and human-made threats. Whether through deterioration caused by the elements, damage from looting and trafficking, or destruction in times of conflict or disaster, protecting our cultural heritage is an urgent task that demands constant vigilance. The U.S. State Department’s Cultural Heritage Center partners with governments around the world to protect these invaluable sites and traditions through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. Through this program, we work to address the challenges facing cultural heritage worldwide, from preserving ancient temples in Afghanistan to helping people recover after natural catastrophes and wars.