International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day)

Douro Vineyards - Portugal - click on image to enlarge

On the proposal of ICOMOS (International Council of Monuments and Sites), 18 April was endorsed as The International Day for Monuments and Sites by UNESCO in 1983. This special day offers an opportunity to raise public 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 theme for 2010 is 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.

The essential aspect is to mark this day so that it becomes not only a day to celebrate your National Heritage, but also a day of International Solidarity in favor of strengthening and safeguarding Heritage world-wide.