What is International Day of Monuments and Sites?
The International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS) is a global celebration held annually on April 18th. Established in 1982 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and adopted by UNESCO, it aims to raise awareness about the vast and diverse cultural heritage of humanity, highlight the vulnerability of monuments and sites to various threats, and promote efforts for their protection and conservation.
Monuments and sites encompass a broad range of locations, including Grand architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal or the Colosseum, Ancient ruins like Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat, and Cultural landscapes like rice terraces or historical battlefields. Sacred places like pilgrimage sites or temples, and Living traditions like traditional craftsmanship or storytelling.
World Heritage Sites:
A World Heritage site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). World Heritage sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. The sites are judged to contain “cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity (OUV)”.
Significance of the day; More Than Just Bricks and Mortar:
Monuments and sites encompass a vast array of locations and also include cultural landscapes, sacred places, and even living traditions. These locations are more than just tourist attractions; they are tangible links to our past, offering valuable insights into the lives and experiences of those who came before us.
Global Celebrations:
Across the globe, organisations, communities, and individuals commemorate this day through activities such as guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, and conferences. These events aim to educate people about their cultural heritage and encourage participation in its preservation.
How We Can All Participate:
There are many ways to celebrate IDMS, regardless of location or resources. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit a local monument or site: Immerse yourself in history by exploring a place that holds cultural significance for your community.
- Organise an educational event: Host a lecture, workshop, or film screening that highlights the importance of heritage preservation.
- Volunteer your time: Many organisations dedicated to historic preservation rely on volunteers for tasks like maintenance, research, and education.
- Spread awareness on social media: Share photos and stories about your favourite monuments and sites.
By taking action, we can all play a role in ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from the remarkable cultural heritage sites around the world.
The Role of UNESCO BMW:
UNESCO BMW emphasises mental and emotional well-being through inner peace practices. IDMS offers a chance to connect with cultural heritage sites, which can be sources of inspiration, reflection, and even mindfulness. By combining these aspects, UNESCO BMW’s vision for IDMS could focus on:
- Mindfulness in historical settings: Encouraging practices like meditation or guided walks at monuments and sites to promote a sense of calm and connection to the past.
- The mental health benefits of cultural exploration: Highlighting how engaging with history and diverse cultures can foster a sense of belonging and broaden perspectives, contributing to overall well-being.
- Preserving heritage for future generations’ mental well-being: Promoting the importance of safeguarding cultural sites for future individuals to find solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.
By weaving together their focus on mental well-being with the importance of cultural heritage, UNESCO BMWC can offer a unique perspective on celebrating IDMS.
The vision of UNESCO BMW Club:
The UNESCO BMW Club, particularly the Body & Mind Wellness Club, plays a crucial role in promoting social justice through holistic well-being. The club’s vision aligns with UNESCO’s broader goals of enriching lives, emphasising the connection between mental and physical health. The club may organise events and activities that focus on mental silence, promoting a state of well-being for participants. Events like “Global Peace, Social Justice, and Personal Health” reflect the club’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and just world. By emphasising the interconnectedness of body and mind, the club contributes to the global solidarity required for social justice. UNESCO BMW is entirely nonprofit and aims to promote inner peace practices, encouragement of arts and crafts as well and protection of the ecosystem. Support us by donating and becoming a member of the organisation, or by registering as a volunteer.
By Nayab Zareen & Muskan Imran