World Heritage Committee
Context:
India is set to host the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee for the first time.
Relevance:
GS-1 (Art & Culture)
Key Highlights:
Event Details:
- The 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee will be held from 21st to 31st July 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
- The logo for the session, inspired by the World Heritage Site of Hampi and featuring the stone chariot from the Vijaya Vitthala Temple, symbolizes India’s architectural and sculptural heritage.
- The tagline, सह नौ यशः (May our Glory Grow), derived from the Taitiriya Upanishad, reflects India’s aspirations to enhance the reach of the World Heritage Convention through this event.
Organizational Aspects:
- Organized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on behalf of the Ministry of Culture.
- The event will gather delegates from around the world to discuss and collaborate on the preservation of cultural, natural, and mixed heritage.
- This underscores India’s growing role in fostering global cooperation and protecting World Heritage properties.
World Heritage Convention:
- The World Heritage Convention of 1972 outlines the responsibilities of States Parties in identifying potential cultural and natural sites for the World Heritage List.
- With 195 member states, India ratified the Convention in 1977.
- Currently, 1199 properties from 168 State Parties are inscribed on the list.
- The World Heritage Committee, comprising representatives from 21 States Parties elected by the UNESCO General Assembly, addresses all matters related to the Convention during its sessions.
India and the World Heritage Convention:
- India was elected to the 21-member World Heritage Committee in 2021 for its fourth term (2021-2025). Previously, India served on the Committee from 1985-1991, 2001-2007, and 2011-2015.
- With 42 properties (34 Cultural, 7 Natural, 1 Mixed) inscribed on the World Heritage List, including 12 added in the last decade, India ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia Pacific Region for the number of sites.
- Additionally, India has 57 sites on the Tentative List.
Way Forward:
- Enhance Global Cooperation:
- Strengthen international collaboration for the preservation and promotion of World Heritage sites.
- Utilize the platform to share best practices and innovations in heritage conservation.
- Promote Indian Heritage:
- Leverage the event to highlight India’s rich cultural and natural heritage on the global stage.
- Use the opportunity to boost cultural tourism and awareness of Indian heritage sites.
- Capacity Building:
- Focus on building the capacities of local and national authorities in heritage conservation.
- Engage with academia, research institutions, and industry to enhance conservation efforts.
- Policy Framework:
- Develop and implement robust policies for the sustainable management and protection of heritage sites.
- Ensure community involvement and benefit-sharing in heritage conservation initiatives.
