Protect endangered cultural heritage

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces' call on all countries to work together to curb illicit trade in antiquities and protect archaeological sites and cultural heritage from violence and terrorism makes perfect sense and comes as timely advice, said a UAE daily.

The suggestion is especially timely because global human heritage has been more endangered than ever before owing to civil wars, conflicts, terrorism and trafficking of antiquities by criminal gangs.

"Heritage is a precious legacy from the past that is supposed to be efficiently and truthfully passed on to the future generations. Heritage sites are a source of tremendous inspiration and wisdom. They help bring about unity among people of diverse cultures and regions. In short, preserving our own heritage helps enrich human culture," said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Monday.

The paper went on to say, "The United Nations lists places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America as our world’s heritage.

"Mindless attacks on valuable heritage signify crimes aimed at erasing the memories of entire nations and destroying their human heritage. This simply is not acceptable to any sensible human being.

"The UAE’s hosting of the two-day Safeguarding Endangered Cultural Heritage conference indicates its longstanding policy of paying close attention to all issues of interest to humanity as a whole.

"Last year, the country’s Federal National Council passed legislation on the protection of ancient sites, traditional buildings and other antiquities.

"It is heartening that heads of state and government and representatives of international organisations and private institutions, who took part in the conference, pledged to pursue long-term goals to guarantee the further mobilisation of the international community for the safeguarding of heritage.

"The creation of an international fund for the protection of endangered cultural heritage in armed conflict and the creation of an international network of safe havens to temporarily safeguard cultural property endangered by armed conflicts or terrorism on their own territory are remarkable measures that are bound to be effective.

"As Sheikh Mohamed convincingly highlighted, all religions, norms and international charters reject any damaging actions against human heritage.

"Abu Dhabi deserves praise for supporting such an important initiative, which will help forge an effective global position on the protection and safeguarding of endangered cultural heritage in times of wars and conflicts," concluded the paper.