Kyiv Statement on the Protection of Religious Properties Within the Framework of the World Heritage Convention

A statement from the International Seminar on the role of religious communities in the management of World Heritage Sites held in Kiev (Ukraine) in November 2010. This statement recognizes the role played by religious communities in the creation, maintenance and adaptation of sacred sites and their role as custodians. It reaffirms the role of these communities in the transmission, expression and maintenance of spiritual identity. Religious communities and all other stakeholders should work together to preserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage that is associated with sacredness. A thematic program of World Heritage containing a Plan of Action should also be developed to safeguard the world’s religious heritage. The statement also urges the establishment of training programs aimed at representatives of religious communities to help them improve their skills and share management experiences.