Ecolex Logo
The gateway to
environmental law
Search results » Treaty decision

Criteria for the inclusion of cultural properties in the World Heritage List

Document type
Decision
Reference number
VI.A(c).30
Date
Jun 27, 1977
Source
UNEP, InforMEA
Status
Active
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems
Treaty
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972)
Meeting
1ère session du Comité
Website
whc.unesco.org
Abstract

The interpretation given of authenticity was challenged by several members who did not consider that it necessarily entailed maintaining the original function of property which, to ensure its preservation, often had to be adapted to other functions. Another member specified that functions could change but when this different function entailed fundamental and irreversible changes to the original form, authenticity should be considered as lost. The same member went on to plead that due recognition be given to "progressive authenticity", for example, monuments and buildings that are constructed or modified throughout the centuries but which nevertheless retain some form of authenticity.