The seminar gives students an overview of international frameworks and organizations in the field of cultural heritage preservation and related education, such as UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOM and ICOMOS.

Beside the Hague Convention and its two Protocols, a particular focus is on the World Heritage Convention and the Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. The development up to adoption is outlined and the impact of these international documents on national perspectives and personal views as well as their relevance for professionals and the wide public are analysed.

Further, obligations including management and reporting as well as challenges such as mass tourism that accompany a World Heritage status are discussed.

The seminar concludes with two excursions on 3 and 4 July 2024. A full day excursion leads the participants to the Wachau cultural landscape. The valley is characterised by its unique river landscape – a mountain-lined stretch of the Danube between Melk and Krems that also represents a cultural space of outstanding historical value. Together with the site manager the OUV and related attributes, the management of the cultural landscape and current challenges are discussed.

A half day excursion leads to the Palace of Schönbrunn. Together with its gardens, it is a remarkable Baroque ensemble and a perfect example of Gesamtkunstwerk. On site participants are introduced into aspects of scientific research of the World Heritage site as well as preventive conservation, collection care and custodial cleaning.

In the seminar students will be provided with essential knowledge on frameworks, players, conventions and guidelines, which have shaped today’s international conservation arena. Knowledge, which is essential for their professional career and (international) work as conservator.

Examination modalities will be announced in the first unit.