ICOMOS

ICOMOS, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, is an international non-governmental organization devoted to the conservation and appreciation of cultural heritage, including monuments, groups of buildings, and sites. It brings together professionals from architecture, archaeology, art history, and related fields to promote standards and best practices in preservation. Founded in the mid-1960s in the wake of the Venice Charter, ICOMOS is based in Paris and operates through national committees and a network of international scientific committees.

The organization develops and promotes international charters, guidelines, and statements on conservation ethics, techniques, and management. It conducts and supports research, hosts congresses and conferences, and publishes information for professionals and policymakers. ICOMOS also serves as a major non-governmental advisory body to UNESCO, contributing to World Heritage nominations, evaluation processes, and the management planning and protection measures for cultural properties.

ICOMOS works through its international scientific committees and national committees to address specific themes and regions, emphasizing authentic interpretation, sustainable development, and community involvement in heritage projects. It has contributed to influential charters and documents—such as the Burra Charter for places of cultural significance and the Nara Document on Authenticity—shaping global conservation practice and policy.