Faro Convention's Implications for Heritage Theory and Practice

The article examines the evolution of heritage management theory in Europe, focusing on the Faro Convention.
International heritage conventions emphasise integrated conservation, while the concept of heritage addresses preservation methods. The Faro Convention highlights the importance of heritage values to contemporary societies. Despite receiving only 25 ratifications from 46 Council of Europe member states, the Faro Convention principles significantly influence European heritage trends and beyond.
The Convention defines principles that connect heritage values, communities, and national policies. It requires state parties to articulate the public interest in integrated heritage conservation by identifying, studying, evaluating, protecting, conserving, and interpreting heritage. These processes should involve heritage communities as right-holders, representing a key innovation of the Convention.
Lastly, the Convention outlines tools for spatial planning and intervention, along with other themes, creating a solid foundation for democratising heritage policies.