The role of ICOMOS in the World Heritage Convention - Involvement of ICOMOS International Scientific and National Committees

Involvement of ICOMOS International Scientific and National Committees

The ICOMOS National and International Scientific Committees constitute a network and an asset with remarkable potential covering all world regions and the many issues linked to heritage preservation.

The International Scientific Committees are consulted in the evaluation process, according to their area of expertise and on two specific aspects: scientific consultations on the outstanding universal value of the nominated properties and the identification of experts for the technical evaluation missions. They also play an important role in the preparation of thematic studies.

ICOMOS informs its National Committees of nominations submitted by their governments. They are also informed of the experts who will undertake the technical evaluation missions. This allows Committees to ensure that the experts can meet with representatives of the National Committees who can provide valuable clarifications on the management and state of conservation of the properties, which official sources could not provide. The role of National Committees in this process is to support the work of ICOMOS, in relation with the State Party and the expert, and to provide background technical advice.

National Committees and International Scientific Committees must always pass through the ICOMOS International Secretariat in their contacts with UNESCO and the World Heritage Centre.