The role of the “League of Polish Cities and UNESCO Sites” in the preservation of Cultural Heritage

Zbigniew Fiderewicz

Abstract

„League of Polish Cities and UNESCO Sites” [„Liga Polskich Miast i Miejsc UNESCO”] was founded in 2004, on the 2nd Forum of Polish Cities and UNESCO Sites in Jawor. The League was established by local government representatives and curators of Polish UNESCO List Sites. In 2005 the Local Tourist Organisation Association „League of Polish Cities and UNESCO Sites” was set up, which was officially registered in and started to operate 2006. The League is located in Toruń, and it has its registered office in the Toruń City Hall.
The statutory objective of the League is to initiate and support actions aimed at maintaining in good condition Polish cities and sites inscribed in the World Heritage List, ensuring their proper use and promotion. According to the League, a model action guaranteeing conditions for proper protection of UNESCO sites is the creation of dedicated funds, similar to the National Fund for the Revaluation of Historic Buildings and Monuments in Krakow, with an annual amount of funds granted from the budget of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland. Similar actions could be undertaken with regard to the Historic Monuments.
In 2012 the League established a financial support scheme, financed from its own funds, in the form of a grant for the purpose of pursuance of the Association’s statutory tasks, in particular financing necessary investments in conservation work, restoration works and other works carried out on sites inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.