Protecting Living Heritage in Times of Crisis
Each year on April 18, the International Day for Monuments and Sites, established by UNESCO in 1982, invites us to reflect on the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage. As highlighted in the World Heritage Convention (1972), the loss of any heritage element is a loss for all humanity.
This global day also promotes greater recognition of cultural diversity and encourages reflection on historical narratives, especially at a time when calls for inclusion are becoming increasingly urgent.
Living Heritage at the Heart of 2026
For the 2026 edition, the focus is on protecting living heritage, which is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and conflicts. This includes:
• oral traditions
• performing arts
• social and cultural practices
• knowledge and skills related to nature and traditional crafts
According to UNESCO, these elements are essential to community identity and the transmission of culture across generations.
A Global Commitment to Heritage Protection
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) uses this day to raise awareness about the need to protect endangered cultural resources. Its 2024–2027 Scientific Plan highlights a key priority: building heritage resilience in the face of disasters and conflict.
In 2026, efforts are focused on emergency actions to safeguard affected sites and cultural practices. This includes prevention, preparedness, rapid response, and supporting the recovery of impacted communities.
A Shared Responsibility
Protecting heritage is a collective responsibility. It closely aligns with the values of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), for whom cultural transmission, respect for diversity, and care for communities are essential.
By valuing heritage, we also strengthen connections between generations and preserve valuable knowledge for the future.
Discover and Take Action
This day is an invitation to explore heritage in all its forms—whether by visiting historic sites such as those of the St. Lawrence River Shrines, exploring online collections like Google Arts & Culture, or taking part in local cultural activities.
By engaging in these initiatives, each of us contributes to preserving global heritage and celebrating the cultures that shape our societies.