Protecting the protected: World Heritage Sites and collections; defining, recognising and protecting Outstanding Universal Value in its entirety

A critical review of the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage suggests that material culture of national significance should be recognized and protected alongside immoveable cultural heritage, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research argues for an expansion of protection mechanisms to include highly significant objects in nomination applications, thereby safeguarding them under the Convention against environmental and manmade threats. This approach is supported by case studies from three World Heritage museums: The Hyde Park Barracks (Sydney, Australia), Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum (Paola, Malta), and Vindolanda – Hadrian’s Wall (Northumberland, Great Britain). These collections, marking significant historical periods, demonstrate the potential for a more comprehensive protection framework that encompasses both moveable and immoveable heritage.

Fabry, S. (2020). Protecting the protected: World Heritage Sites and collections; defining, recognising and protecting Outstanding Universal Value in its entirety (Version 1) [University of Leicester]. https://doi.org/10.25392/LEICESTER.DATA.12764450.V1