World Heritage Day

The International Day for Monuments and Sites (informally known as the World Heritage Day) was created on 18th April, 1982, by ICOMOS and later approved at the 22nd UNESCO General Conference in 1983. This special day offers an opportunity to raise public’s awareness concerning the diversity of the world’s heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it, as well as to draw attention to its vulnerability. For several years now, ICOMOS suggests a topic to be highlighted on this occasion.

The International Day for Monuments and Sites -
World Heritage Day 2010
Theme: Agricultural Heritage

Agricultural practices, systems and landscapes have been shaped and maintained over millennia, by generations of farmers - responding to challenges of nature, climate and geography, as well as conserving and using available local resources.

Agricultural heritage goes beyond just production of food. It, in fact, reflects the evolution of humankind, its interrelationships with nature, and the lifestyles that people have led.

Some recent World Heritage Day themes included:
2009: Heritage and Science
2008: Religious heritage and sacred places
2007: Cultural landscapes and monuments of nature
2006: Industrial Heritage
2005: 40th Anniversary of ICOMOS
2004: Earthen Architecture and Heritage
2003: Underwater Cultural Heritage
2002: 20th Century Heritage
2001: Save our historic villages

Further Information:
web: www.international.icomos.org/home.htm and 18april.icomos.org