In this capacity, it feels directly concerned by the effects - both positive and negative - on said heritage due to the extremely strong development of tourist activities in the world.
ICOMOS is conscious that today - even less than theretofore the isolated effort of any body, however powerful be it in its own sphere, cannot validly influence the course of events. This is why it has attempted to participate in joint reflection with the large world and regional organizations which in one capacity or another share in its preoccupations and which are likely to contribute to the implementation of a universal, coherent and efficacious effort.
The Representatives of these bodies, met in Brussels, Belgium, on 8 and 9 November 1976 at the International Seminar on Contemporary Tourism and Humanism have agreed the following:
BASIC POSITION
1. Tourism is an irreversible social, human, economic and
cultural fact. Its influence in the sphere of monuments and sites is
particularly important and can but increase because of the known conditions of
that activity's development.
2. Looked at in the perspective of the next twenty-five years, in the
context of the phenomena of expansion which may have heavy consequences and
which confront the human race, tourism appears to be one of the phenomena
likely to exert a most significant influence on Man's environment in general
and on monuments and sites in particular. In order to remain bearable this
influence must be carefully studied, and at all levels be the object of a
concerted and effective policy. Without claiming to meet this need in all its aspects,
the present approach which is limited to cultural tourism constitutes, it is
believed, a positive element in the global solution which is required.3. Cultural tourism is that form of tourism whose object is, among other aims, the discovery of monuments and sites. It exerts on these last a very positive effect insofar as it contributes - to satisfy its own ends - to their maintenance and protection. This form of tourism justifies in fact the efforts which said maintenance and protection demand of the human community because of the socio-cultural and economic benefits which they bestow on all the populations concerned.
4. Whatever, however, may be its motivations and the ensuing benefits, cultural tourism cannot be considered separately from the negative, despoiling or destructive effects which the massive and uncontrolled use of monuments and sites entails. The respect of the latter, just like the elementary wish to maintain them in a state fit to allow them to play their role as elements of touristic attraction and of cultural education, implies the definition and implementation of acceptable standards.
In any case, with the future in mind, it is the respect of the world, cultural and natural heritage which must take precedence over any other considerations however justified these may be from a social, political or economic point of view.
Such respect cannot be ensured solely by policies regarding the siting of equipment and of guidance of the tourist movements based on the limitations of use and of density which may not be disregarded without impunity.
Additionally one must condemn any siting of tourist equipment or services in contradiction with the prime preoccupation due to the respect we owe to the existing cultural heritage.
BASIS FOR ACTION
Resting on the foregoing,
- the bodies representing tourism, on the one hand, and the protection of the natural and monumental heritage, on the other, deeply convinced that the protection and promotion of the natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of the many cannot be ensured unless it be in an orderly fashion, i.e. by integrating cultural assets into the social and economic objectives which are part of planning of the resources of the states, regions and local communities,
- acknowledge with the greatest interest the measures which each of them states he is prepared to take in his own sphere of influence as expressed in the appendices to the present Declaration,
- appeal to the will of the states to ensure the fast and energetic implementation of the International Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage adopted on 16 November 1972, and of the Nairobi Recommendation.
- trust that the World Tourist Organization, fulfilling its aims, and Unesco in the framework of the Convention mentioned above, shall exert all efforts in cooperation with the signatory bodies and all others who in future may rally to ensure the implementation of the policy which the signatory bodies have defined as the only one able to protect Mankind against the effects of tourism's anarchical growth which would result in the denial of its own objectives.
They express
the wish that the states by the means of their administrative structures, of
tourist operators' organizations, and users' associations, shall adopt all
appropriate measures to facilitate the information and training of persons
travelling for tourist purposes inside and out of their country of origin.
Conscious of the acute need which obtains now to change the attitude of the
public at large towards the phenomena resulting from the massive development of
touristic needs, they express the wish that from school age onwards children
and adolescents be educated to understand and respect the monuments, the sites
and the cultural heritage and that all written, spoken or visual information
media should express to the public the elements of the problem thereby
efficaciously contributing to effective universal understanding.Unanimous in their concern for the protection of the cultural patrimony which is the very basis of international tourism, they undertake to help in the fight initiated on all fronts against the destruction of said heritage by all known sources of pollution; and they appeal to the architects and scientific experts of the whole world so that the most advanced resources of modern technology be used for the protection of monuments.
They recommend that the specialists who shall be called upon to conceive and implement the touristic use of the cultural and the natural heritage should receive training adapted to the multi-faceted nature of the problem, and should be associated from the outset in the programming and performance of the development and tourist equipment plans.
They solemnly declare that their action is to respect and protect the authenticity and diversity of the cultural values in developing regions and countries as in industrialized nations since the fate of Mankind's cultural heritage is of the very same nature everywhere in the face of tourism's likely expansion.
INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL TOURISM CHARTER
( Managing Tourism at Places of Heritage Significance , 1999)
Adopted
by ICOMOS at the 12th General Assembly in Mexico, October 1999
INTRODUCTION
The
Charter Ethos
At the broadest level, the natural
and cultural heritage belongs to all people. We each have a right and
responsibility to understand, appreciate and conserve its universal
values.
Heritage is a broad concept and
includes the natural as well as the cultural environment. It encompasses
landscapes, historic places, sites and built environments, as well as
bio-diversity, collections, past and continuing cultural practices, knowledge
and living experiences. It records and expresses the long processes of historic
development, forming the essence of diverse national, regional, indigenous and
local identities and is an integral part of modern life. It is a dynamic
reference point and positive instrument for growth and change. The particular
heritage and collective memory of each locality or community is irreplaceable
and an important foundation for development, both now and into the
future.
At a time of increasing
globalisation, the protection, conservation, interpretation and presentation of
the heritage and cultural diversity of any particular place or region is an
important challenge for people everywhere. However, management of that
heritage, within a framework of internationally recognised and appropriately
applied standards, is usually the responsibility of the particular community or
custodian group.
A primary objective for managing
heritage is to communicate its significance and need for its conservation to
its host community and to visitors. Reasonable and well managed physical,
intellectual and/or emotive access to heritage and cultural development is both
a right and a privilege. It brings with it a duty of respect for the heritage
values, interests and equity of the present-day host community, indigenous
custodians or owners of historic property and for the landscapes and cultures
from which that heritage evolved.
The
Dynamic Interaction between Tourism and Cultural Heritage
Domestic and international tourism
continues to be among the foremost vehicles for cultural exchange, providing a
personal experience, not only of that which has survived from the past, but of
the contemporary life and society of others. It is increasingly appreciated as
a positive force for natural and cultural conservation. Tourism can capture the
economic characteristics of the heritage and harness these for conservation by
generating funding, educating the community and influencing policy. It is an
essential part of many national and regional economies and can be an important
factor in development, when managed successfully.
Tourism itself has become an
increasingly complex phenomenon, with political, economic, social, cultural,
educational, bio-physical, ecological and aesthetic dimensions. The achievement
of a beneficial inter-action between the potentially conflicting expectations
and aspirations of visitors and host or local communities, presents many
challenges and opportunities.
The natural and cultural heritage,
diversities and living cultures are major tourism attractions. Excessive or
poorly-managed tourism and tourism related development can threaten their
physical nature, integrity and significant characteristics. The ecological
setting, culture and lifestyles of host communities may also be degraded, along
with the visitor's experience of the place.
Tourism should bring benefits to host
communities and provide an important means and motivation for them to care for
and maintain their heritage and cultural practices. The involvement and
co-operation of local and/or indigenous community representatives,
conservationists, tourism operators, property owners, policy makers, those
preparing national development plans and site managers is necessary to achieve
a sustainable tourism industry and enhance the protection of heritage resources
for future generations.
ICOMOS, the International Council on
Monuments and Sites, as the author of this Charter, other international
organisations and the tourism industry, are dedicated to this challenge.
Objectives
of the Charter
The Objectives of the International
Cultural Tourism Charter are:
- To facilitate and encourage those involved with heritage conservation and management to make the significance of that heritage accessible to the host community and visitors.
- To facilitate and encourage the tourism industry to promote and manage tourism in ways that respect and enhance the heritage and living cultures of host communities.
- To facilitate and encourage a dialogue between conservation interests and the tourism industry about the importance and fragile nature of heritage places, collections and living cultures, including the need to achieve a sustainable future for them.
- To encourage those formulating plans and policies to develop detailed, measurable goals and strategies relating to the presentation and interpretation of heritage places and cultural activities, in the context of their preservation and conservation.
In
addition,
- The Charter supports wider initiatives by ICOMOS, other international bodies and the tourism industry in maintaining the integrity of heritage management and conservation.
- The Charter encourages the involvement of all those with relevant or at times conflicting interests, responsibilities and obligations to join in achieving its objectives.
- The Charter encourages the formulation of detailed guidelines by interested parties, facilitating the implementation of the Principles to their specific circumstances or the requirements of particular organisations and communities.
PRINCIPLES OF THE CULTURAL TOURISM CHARTER
Principle 1
Since domestic and international
tourism is among the foremost vehicles for cultural exchange, conservation
should provide responsible and well managed opportunities for members of the
host community and visitors to experience and understand that community's
heritage and culture at first hand.
1.1
The natural and cultural heritage is
a material and spiritual resource, providing a narrative of historical
development. It has an important role in modern life and should be made
physically, intellectually and/or emotively accessible to the general public.
Programmes for the protection and conservation of the physical attributes,
intangible aspects, contemporary cultural expressions and broad context, should
facilitate an understanding and appreciation of the heritage significance by
the host community and the visitor, in an equitable and affordable
manner.
1.2
Individual aspects of natural and
cultural heritage have differing levels of significance, some with universal
values, others of national, regional or local importance. Interpretation
programmes should present that significance in a relevant and accessible manner
to the host community and the visitor, with appropriate, stimulating and
contemporary forms of education, media, technology and personal explanation of
historical, environmental and cultural information.
1.3
Interpretation and presentation
programmes should facilitate and encourage the high level of public awareness
and support necessary for the long term survival of the natural and cultural
heritage.
1.4
Interpretation programmes should
present the significance of heritage places, traditions and cultural practices
within the past experience and present diversities of the area and the host
community, including that of minority cultural or linguistic groups. The
visitor should always be informed of the differing cultural values that may be
ascribed to a particular heritage resource.
Principle
2
The
relationship between Heritage Places and Tourism is dynamic and may involve
conflicting values. It should be managed in a sustainable way for present and
future generations.
2.1
Places of heritage significance have
an intrinsic value for all people as an important basis for cultural diversity
and social development. The long term protection and conservation of living
cultures, heritage places, collections, their physical and ecological integrity
and their environmental context, should be an essential component of social,
economic, political, legislative, cultural and tourism development
policies.
2.2
The interaction between heritage
resources or values and tourism is dynamic and ever changing, generating both
opportunities and challenges, as well as potential conflicts. Tourism projects,
activities and developments should achieve positive outcomes and minimise
adverse impacts on the heritage and lifestyles of the host community, while
responding to the needs and aspirations of the visitor.
2.3
Conservation, interpretation and
tourism development programmes should be based on a comprehensive understanding
of the specific, but often complex or conflicting aspects of heritage
significance of the particular place. Continuing research and consultation are
important to furthering the evolving understanding and appreciation of that
significance.
2.4
The retention of the authenticity of
heritage places and collections is important. It is an essential element of
their cultural significance, as expressed in the physical material, collected
memory and intangible traditions that remain from the past. Programmes should
present and interpret the authenticity of places and cultural experiences to
enhance the appreciation and understanding of that cultural heritage.
2.5
Tourism development and
infrastructure projects should take account of the aesthetic, social and
cultural dimensions, natural and cultural landscapes, bio-diversity
characteristics and the broader visual context of heritage places. Preference
should be given to using local materials and take account of local
architectural styles or vernacular traditions.
2.6
Before heritage places are promoted
or developed for increased tourism, management plans should assess the natural
and cultural values of the resource. They should then establish appropriate
limits of acceptable change, particularly in relation to the impact of visitor
numbers on the physical characteristics, integrity, ecology and biodiversity of
the place, local access and transportation systems and the social, economic and
cultural well being of the host community. If the likely level of change is
unacceptable the development proposal should be modified.
2.7
There should be on-going programmes
of evaluation to assess the progressive impacts of tourism activities and
development on the particular place or community.
Principle
3
Conservation
and Tourism Planning for Heritage Places should ensure that the Visitor
Experience will be worthwhile, satisfying and enjoyable.
3.1
Conservation and tourism programmes
should present high quality information to optimise the visitor's understanding
of the significant heritage characteristics and of the need for their
protection, enabling the visitor to enjoy the place in an appropriate
manner.
3.2
Visitors should be able to
experience the heritage place at their own pace, if they so choose. Specific
circulation routes may be necessary to minimise impacts on the integrity and
physical fabric of a place, its natural and cultural characteristics.
3.3
Respect for the sanctity of
spiritual places, practices and traditions is an important consideration for
site managers, visitors, policy makers, planners and tourism operators.
Visitors should be encouraged to behave as welcomed guests, respecting the
values and lifestyles of the host community, rejecting possible theft or illicit
trade in cultural property and conducting themselves in a responsible manner
which would generate a renewed welcome, should they return.
3.4
Planning for tourism activities
should provide appropriate facilities for the comfort, safety and well-being of
the visitor, that enhance the enjoyment of the visit but do not adversely
impact on the significant features or ecological characteristics.
Principle
4
Host
communities and indigenous peoples should be involved in planning for
conservation and tourism.
4.1
The rights and interests of the host
community, at regional and local levels, property owners and relevant
indigenous peoples who may exercise traditional rights or responsibilities over
their own land and its significant sites, should be respected. They should be
involved in establishing goals, strategies, policies and protocols for the
identification, conservation, management, presentation and interpretation of
their heritage resources, cultural practices and contemporary cultural
expressions, in the tourism context.
4.2
While the heritage of any specific
place or region may have a universal dimension, the needs and wishes of some
communities or indigenous peoples to restrict or manage physical, spiritual or
intellectual access to certain cultural practices, knowledge, beliefs,
activities, artefacts or sites should be respected.
Principle
5
Tourism
and conservation activities should benefit the host community.
5.1
Policy makers should promote
measures for the equitable distribution of the benefits of tourism to be shared
across countries or regions, improving the levels of socio-economic development
and contributing where necessary to poverty alleviation.
5.2
Conservation management and tourism
activities should provide equitable economic, social and cultural benefits to
the men and women of the host or local community, at all levels, through
education, training and the creation of full-time employment
opportunities.
5.3
A significant proportion of the
revenue specifically derived from tourism programmes to heritage places should
be allotted to the protection, conservation and presentation of those places,
including their natural and cultural contexts. Where possible, visitors should
be advised of this revenue allocation.
5.4
Tourism programmes should encourage
the training and employment of guides and site interpreters from the host
community to enhance the skills of local people in the presentation and
interpretation of their cultural values.
5.5
Heritage interpretation and
education programmes among the people of the host community should encourage
the involvement of local site interpreters. The programmes should promote a
knowledge and respect for their heritage, encouraging the local people to take
a direct interest in its care and conservation.
5.6
Conservation management and tourism
programmes should include education and training opportunities for policy
makers, planners, researchers, designers, architects, interpreters,
conservators and tourism operators. Participants should be encouraged to understand
and help resolve the at times conflicting issues, opportunities and problems
encountered by their colleagues.
Principle
6
Tourism
promotion programmes should protect and enhance Natural and Cultural Heritage
characteristics.
6.1
Tourism promotion programmes should
create realistic expectations and responsibly inform potential visitors of the
specific heritage characteristics of a place or host community, thereby
encouraging them to behave appropriately.
6.2
Places and collections of heritage
significance should be promoted and managed in ways which protect their
authenticity and enhance the visitor experience by minimising fluctuations in
arrivals and avoiding excessive numbers of visitors at any one time.
6.3
Tourism promotion programmes should
provide a wider distribution of benefits and relieve the pressures on more
popular places by encouraging visitors to experience the wider cultural and
natural heritage characteristics of the region or locality.
6.4
The
promotion, distribution and sale of local crafts and other products should
provide a reasonable social and economic return to the host community, while
ensuring that their cultural integrity is not degraded.
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