Introduction
Germany is known for how government and private initiatives take care of cultural heritage. The process of protecting world heritage sites in Germany has a history that dates back to the early 19th century. It is a characteristic process that revolves around local cultures, traditions, unique architecture and monument conservation. Rules and regulations in the country tend to take care of castles, cathedrals, palaces, and cloister churches. Officials believe that these heritage sites have been maintained and preserved for several centuries. Many initiatives that take care of German heritage sites were launched during the early 1900s. These initiatives are considered as the brainchild of the industrial society. It prevents the loss of important historical cities and landscapes that are paramount importance. Apart from preserving archaeological and architectural heritage, the laws can preserve landscape and nature too (Bfn, nd). In fact, there are statements to nurture folklore and traditional customs that promote harmony between landscapes.
A powerful wave of public activism was started in the 1970s. Numerous figures battled against those who thought of replacing historical cities for cars and bigger buildings. The act evolved to be a strong battle between politicians and groups that had different opinions about historical sites. Even today, civic engagement plays an integral part in nurturing Germany’s heritage and culture (Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz, 2016). There are so many interest groups that focus on restoring, managing, and presenting heritage sites. Luckily, there are plenty of laws and regulations to address and take care of Germany’s heritage sites.
The Contents
Short- and Long-Term Goals
Deal with architectural and archeological loss due to post war;
Protect and improve world cultural heritage sites in the country;
Take care of sites that can be affected by commercial projects;
Identify and re-use religious constructions that are no longer required for worship;
Take care of protected buildings that are officially vacant due to demographic change and population shrinking;
Retrofit buildings to improve energy efficiency.
When it comes to political and social disclosure, cultural heritage sites are meant to compete against many policies like environmental protection. Regardless of these complications, Germany has pulled together an automatic system to take care of its priceless world heritage sites. Unfortunately, you will be able to acknowledge social and political engagement only on Open Monument Day. This is when details about legislative amendments and funding are brought into light.
Policies and Conventions to Take Care of World Heritage Sites in Germany
Few years ago, Germany took some effort and pulled together policies that can take care of world heritage sites in the country. Nonetheless, German law is not fully nurtured to take care of cultural properties adequately. The cultural heritage legislation focuses on clear guidelines that define how cultural sites should be treated, trade of cultural objects should be carried out, and how professional associations should work. These legislative measures are meant to protect the heritage sites at International and National levels.
Common conventions that are used to preserve World Heritage Sites in Germany include the following:
The Granada Convention for protecting Architectural Heritage of Europe is ratified by Germany. This regulation has a history that dates back to the mid-1980s. This convention has a decisive influence on Germany’s cultural policies.
The La Valetta Convention for protecting Archaeological Heritage of Europe is also ratified by Germany. This is a newer law with a history that dates back to 2003. The initial Federal Act to preserve Archaeological Heritage was begun in 1992.
The Florence Convention is not ratified by Germany. This convention is meant for European Landscaping.
According to German authorities, the key element in any cultural policy is to preserve and protect heritage. In simpler terms, man-made landscapes, cultural monuments, and paleontological monuments like parks are meant to be protected (Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe, nd). In land level, various legislations are passed to ensure an utmost level of protection. Apart from these rules and regulations, the Lander is given the freedom for fun and to protect. In fact, municipalities are allowed to be a part of world heritage site protection too (Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe, nd). This is a common rule followed by many roles and domains in the country.
Irrespective of the prime tasks performed by the Lander, there are numerous Federal level programs too. These programs have been around since the 1950s. Once again, the programs are supposed to promote measures that can protect monuments. This way, monuments that are of cultural significance can be restored and preserved for several ages. The Federal is responsible for financing (or at least co-financing) world heritage sites that can have an impact on Germany. After re-unification, the Federal Government has come up with many monument conservation schemes that can address to the needs of monuments with special requirements. And, these programs are co-financed by many entities. The German National Committee for Monument Protection stimulates Lander and Federal authorities to work together. These professionals are meant to take care of cultural monuments.
Moreover, private sectors play a crucial role in protecting monuments too. There are plenty of monument-conservation programs throughout the country to help public figures. Above all, private figures are allowed to help in the protection of world heritage sites by funding. Two powerful links that take care of world heritage sites in Germany would be “The German Foundation for the Protection of Monuments” and “Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Lander in the Federal Republic of Germany.” These authorities are responsible for suggesting monuments to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Challenge
Unfortunately, cultural monument and heritage site protection that takes care of building cultural heritage is a massive challenge. There are so many financially dwindling and decision-based difficulties on how to find the right ways of protecting heritage sites. Economic difficulties and other financial issues apply to monuments that are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites (for example: the Zeche Zollverein in Essen and Volklinger Hutte in Saarland). Financial difficulties are considered as one of the major aspects of the issue. The other problems revolve around the concept of cultural growth that was established between the 1970s and 1980s. The Reunification of Germany increased the number of factors to be considered before a heritage site is consigned for protecting or reconstructing.
Authorities and Private Committees that Help with World Heritage Site Protection
When it comes to world heritage maintenance in Germany, many authorities and bodies are involved. Firstly, the Ministries of Culture or the Present Conference of Ministers of Education & Cultural Affairs are responsible for taking care of monuments. They are expected to maintain and protect monuments. The first few applications for inscription into the World Heritage Site are sent from these officials.
The Federal Government is an important part of the protection act too! They are responsible for maintaining a good relationship with the UNESCO. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs keeps track of the information exchanged between Germany and UNESCO. In the yearly conventions and conferences, these authorities are responsible for handling German Delegation. There are several ministries inside the country to protect World Heritage Sites. These ministries are responsible for framing projects and programs.
It is quite interesting to note that there is a separate German Commission to take care of UNESCO relations. This commission is responsible for preparing education policies and relations schemes. The commission serves as an intermediate channel between Science, the German Government, and UNESCO activities. The German Commission for UNESCO takes part of consults that happen with the Federal Government and other official authorities. One of their key responsibilities is to organize the World Heritage Convention in Germany.
As suggested by its name, the German Committee for Heritage Protection influences many heritage policies within the country. Identified as an interface and a political body, this committee is a forum that answers many field-oriented questions. The committee uses its contacts to improve various cultural heritage sites.
The German Committee of International Council on Monuments & Sites has a history that dates back to the mid-1960s. This organization is responsible for conserving cultural landscapes, monuments, and ensembles. Their prime task is to keep track of all German monuments in UNESCO’s list of heritage sites. Additionally, the body conducts conferences and international colloquia.
Another important organization that is responsible for handling World Heritage Sites would be the “German UNESCO World Heritage Sites Association.” This is a corporation that handles touristic organizations and many German World Heritage Sites. They are responsible for increasing the awareness of heritage sites across the country.
The list of organizations responsible for handling World Heritage Sites in Germany remains incomplete without the “German Foundation for Monument Protection.” Founded in 1985, this organization deals with many monument protection issues. They are active in promoting World Heritage Education across different parts of the country. In fact, the German Foundation for Monument Protection worked with UNESCO to prepare the “Educational Resource Kit World Heritage” for little ones.
When World Heritage Foundation Bamberg celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2003, a sensible number of monuments were protected and improved. This organization is a part of the German Commission for UNESCO. They promote monument preservation and protection in an appealing manner. Of course, there are so many other bodies like the UNESCO-Chair “World Heritage Studies” and the German World Heritage Foundation to help with the preservation, maintenance, and protection of natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
The Recommendations to Action
Today, many themes and calls are presented to protect Germany’s one-of-a-kind monuments in the long run. When it comes to protecting heritage sites, most citizens echo the following slogans “We are One” and “We are the People.” These are motivational quotes that enlighten everyone to take care of World Heritage Sites. Additionally, a Federal budget of 30 million EUR is set aside to help those who are a part of the protection and renovation of Heritage Sites project. Currently, there are forty sites in Germany that are on the UNESCO World Heritage list (Germany.info, 2016; UNESCO, 2015).
The UNESCO-based world heritage centers in Germany need to be protected against earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Earthquakes destroy property and the buildings must be made stronger to combat their effect when they occur. Floods make or break a civilization. Thus, it is important that buildings are protected from floods or a warning system is set in place which triggers an alarm when a flood is to occur.
Manmade wars are another potential route of destruction of buildings and structures. Personnel must be deployed at the centers to be protected during warfare so that they are not hit or targeted and destroyed.
References
Bfn. (nd). Project profile: UNESCO World Heritage in Germany, Retrieved March 2, 2016, from https://www.bfn.de/0310_steckbrief_welterbeindeu+M52087573ab0.html
Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe .(nd). Germany/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates, Retrieved March 2, 2016, from http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/germany.php?aid=422
Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe. (nd). Germany/ 5.3 Sector specific legislation, Retrieved March 2, 2016, from http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/germany.php?aid=533
Germany.info .(2016). UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany, Retrieved March 2, 2106 from http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/04__W__t__G/03/04/__UNESCO__World__Heritage__Sites.html
Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz .(2016). Clear guidelines for the protection of cultural heritage, Retrieved March 2, 2016, from https://www.preussischer-kulturbesitz.de/en/priorities/protection-of-cultural-heritage/illegal-excavations-and-trafficking/clear-guidelines.html
UNESCO. (2015). World Heritage Committee opens with an appeal to protect cultural heritage sites targeted for destruction, Retrieved March 2, 2016, from http://en.unesco.org/news/world-heritage-committee-opens-appeal-protect-cultural-heritage-sites-targeted-destruction.
