1972 Recommendation concerning the Protection, at the National level, of the Cultural and Natural Heritage

The same General Conference that adopted the Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (the World Heritage Convention) in 1972 also adopted the Recommendation concerning the Protection, at National Level, of the Cultural and Natural Heritage.

According to this Recommendation, “In conformity with their jurisdictional and legislative requirements, each State should formulate, develop and apply as far as possible a policy whose principal aim should be to co-ordinate and make use of all scientific, technical, cultural and other resources available to secure the effective protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage” (II. National policy, Article 3).

The Recommendation also encourages States to organise their public services and take appropriate protective, legal and financial measures that will contribute to the protection of cultural and natural heritage, and to undertake educational campaigns to inform the public about the importance of heritage, and to seek international co-operation and support when needed.