The Heritage@Risk Programme was endorsed by ICOMOS members at the General Assembly in Mexico in 1999. Since 2000 each year an invitation is made to all ICOMOS National Committees, International Scientific Committees and ICOMOS' world-wide professional network, to provide short reports outlining risks in their country or area of expertise including case studies. The aim of the programme is to identify threatened heritage places, monuments. Heritage@Risk highlights the common goal and the excellent co-operation of ICOMOS and UNESCO to promote the protection of cultural heritage around the world.

Heritage@Risk Programme groups national and regional reports on monuments and sites in danger, highlighting threats and risks affecting cultural heritage worldwide. Diffusing this information ICOMOS aims to present typical case studies and trends, and share suggestions for solving individual or global threats to our cultural heritage. The publication of the reports also highlights how assessment, regular monitoring and planning of long-term programmes are not only necessary but indispensable for the protection of cultural heritage worldwide. So too are strengthening national legislation on cultural property and continued cooperation from international bodies. UNESCO through its World Heritage Committee and ICOMOS through its National Committees are strongly committed to reducing the impact of threats and destruction. A number of other NGO’s are also currently active on this matter.

Since its first appearance the ICOMOS Programme Heritage@Risk gathers the efforts of many countries that have reacted positively to the initiative. The countries of South East Europe – Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYR of Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Turkey – through their National Committees contribute also to save our common cultural heritage by presenting case studies and sharing possible solutions. This meets ICOMOS’ objectives to serve as a forum for professional dialogue and exchange, and to disseminate information on conservation principles, techniques and policies.

Information sources: ICOMOS official website; ICOMOS World Report 2004/2005 on Monuments and Sites in Danger