Learn & Discover

The ongoing tracking of environmental conditions – such as temperature, humidity, light, and pollution – in spaces where cultural heritage is kept or displayed. By using sensors and data loggers, conservators ensure conditions remain within safe ranges. Proper environmental monitoring helps prevent damage like mold growth (if humidity is too high), cracking (if air is too dry), or fading of pigments (if light is too intense).

Source: ICCROM, ICOMOS

The International Council on Monuments and Sites, a non-governmental professional organization dedicated to the conservation of the world’s historic monuments and sites. Comprising heritage experts from around the globe, ICOMOS advises UNESCO on cultural World Heritage Site nominations and monitoring. It also develops charters and principles (like the Venice Charter) that set international standards for best practice in heritage conservation.

Source: UNESCO, Hague Convention, UNIDROIT, ICOM

The International Union for Conservation of Nature, an international organization that focuses on nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. In heritage terms, IUCN serves as the Advisory Body evaluating and monitoring natural and mixed (natural-cultural) World Heritage Sites. It brings expertise on biodiversity, geology, and ecosystem management to ensure that natural heritage is preserved alongside cultural heritage.

Source: UNESCO, Hague Convention, UNIDROIT, ICOM

A preventive conservation approach to protect collections from pests (like insects or rodents) through a combination of practices. Rather than relying solely on chemical fumigants, Integrated Pest Management involves monitoring for pest activity, improving storage hygiene, controlling climate (pests thrive in certain humidity/temperature), and using traps or biological controls. The goal is to prevent infestations and avoid damage to organic materials such as textiles, wood, or paper.

Source: ICCROM, ICOMOS

A technique that uses photographs to measure and create accurate 2D or 3D representations of objects and sites. In heritage conservation, photogrammetry is used to document artifacts or architecture in detail by taking overlapping images and processing them with software to generate scaled models or maps. It’s a valuable tool for recording the condition of a site, monitoring changes, or assisting in virtual reconstruction.

Source: ICCROM, ICOMOS

Reactive Monitoring 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