UNESCO Standards to Establish World Heritage Management System

Special Act on the Preservation, Management, and Utilization of World Heritage Passed by the National Assembly on the 9th

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 10th that the "Special Act on the Preservation, Management, and Utilization of World Heritage (World Heritage Act)" has passed the plenary session of the National Assembly. This law complies with the standards of the UNESCO "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage." It is expected to establish an efficient management system for World Heritage sites as well as strengthen policies for preservation, management, and utilization.

The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "We will form and operate preservation councils for each World Heritage site and establish procedures to gather residents' opinions on preservation, management, and utilization," adding, "The focus will shift from being centered on national and local governments to allowing participation from residents and stakeholders."

According to the comprehensive World Heritage plan established every five years by the Cultural Heritage Administration, implementation plans for each World Heritage unit will also be developed. Accordingly, the currently dispersed management of designated cultural properties is expected to be integrated.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "Systematic surveys and inspections of World Heritage sites will be conducted, and all related information will be made available to the public through the World Heritage database."

The World Heritage Act will be enforced starting in 2021. The Cultural Heritage Administration plans to prepare subordinate legislation such as enforcement decrees and enforcement rules to support this.