This year, Kalam is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the International Scientific Symposium on Heritage Security, an event that took place in May 2019 and continues to be a benchmark in discussions on the protection and security of cultural assets. The symposium gathered experts from all over the world to address the specific challenges faced by cultural heritage in terms of security, for both the assets and the visitors.
Throughout these five years, the topics and debates that emerged from the symposium have remained relevant, especially in a global context where the protection, conservation, and restoration of architectural heritage remain a critical challenge. The event facilitated an exchange of ideas among academics, professionals, and institutions and left behind a tangible legacy: the “Circle Declaration,” a document that establishes fundamental criteria for acting in cultural heritage, aiming to reduce the risks associated with both people and heritage assets.
The 2019 symposium was a pioneer in presenting a comprehensive vision of heritage security, addressing issues that go beyond traditional regulations applied to buildings and public spaces. It highlighted the importance of balancing the protection of historical and cultural values with the safety of visitors, considering the specific risks associated with the touristic and cultural use of these sites. These include, among others, visitors’ unfamiliarity with the environment, access to areas normally restricted, and the need to manage large crowds at temporary events.
Since the symposium, the outcomes achieved, including the proceedings book and the multiple analyses and proposals presented, have continued to influence the field of conservation and security of heritage. The “Circle Declaration” in particular has been adopted and promoted by various institutions and professionals in the sector, contributing to greater awareness and action around safety at heritage sites.
The fifth anniversary of this symposium is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since then and to remember the relevance of the topics addressed. Kalam, with its extensive experience in the restoration and conservation of monuments and World Heritage sites, remains committed to disseminating these principles and promoting a multidisciplinary and international approach to addressing current challenges in heritage security.
Over these five years, the impact of the symposium has been clear, with increasing interest and participation from the global community in heritage security issues. Kalam’s collaboration with international bodies such as ICOMOS, DOCOMOMO, and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), among others that participated in the Symposium, has underscored the importance of these debates and the need to continue developing effective strategies for the protection of cultural heritage worldwide.
With the commemoration of this anniversary, Kalam reaffirms its commitment to heritage safety and the preservation of cultural values, highlighting the importance of continuing to build on the knowledge and reflections generated at the 2019 symposium. This milestone not only celebrates the success of a unique event but also emphasizes the ongoing need to discuss and act to protect our common heritage.
