Learn & Discover

Short for the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society, adopted in Faro, Portugal. This international agreement emphasizes a people-centered approach to heritage – recognizing that everyone has a right to engage with cultural heritage and highlighting the importance of heritage in building peaceful, democratic and sustainable societies. It encourages citizen participation and regards heritage as not only objects or sites, but the meanings and uses those hold for communities.

Source: UNESCO, Hague Convention, UNIDROIT, ICOM

The harm caused to structures, artifacts, or sites by fire and its effects (such as smoke and heat). In cultural heritage, fire damage can lead to loss of irreplaceable architecture, artworks, or archives. Understanding fire damage involves assessing burnt materials, structural stability, and the potential for restoration or consolidation of the remains.

Source: ICCROM, ICOMOS

Folklore refers to cultural expressions, places, or objects valued for their historical, artistic, social, or spiritual meaning. It helps communities maintain identity and continuity while guiding protection and responsible use.

Source: UNESCO, ICOMOS

Force Majeure relates to the legal, institutional, or policy frameworks that govern heritage protection and emergency action. It clarifies responsibilities, permissible actions, and cooperation across jurisdictions and organizations.

Source: UNESCO, Hague Convention, UNIDROIT, ICOM

Free, Prior and Informed Consent describes ethical principles or engagement practices that protect people, respect communities, and improve collaboration in heritage work. It emphasizes consent, accountability, and culturally appropriate decision-making.

Source: ICCROM, UNESCO

A principle affirming that communities (especially indigenous peoples) have the right to give or withhold consent to projects that affect their cultural heritage, before those projects start. Free means free of coercion, prior means sufficiently in advance, and informed means they have all the relevant information. In heritage management, this ensures that community voices are respected in decisions like excavations, tourism development, or use of traditional knowledge.

Source: ICCROM, UNESCO