French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) provides expertise to UNESCO in the framework of the France-UNESCO Cooperation Agreement

In the framework of the France-UNESCO Cooperation Agreement (an agreement for the protection and enhancement of monumental, urban and natural heritage, between the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Government of France) UNESCO has technical and financial assistance at their disposal through the following Ministries of France: Ministry of Culture and Communication; Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy; and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.

Due to the increasing need of expertise for cultural properties, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication decided to enhance the France-UNESCO Cooperation Agreement with the expertise and know-how of the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP). This aims to accompany UNESCO’s efforts in helping Member States address challenges in the safeguarding of heritage.

As a public French research institution, INRAP is under the supervision of the relevant ministries involved with culture and research. INRAP’s mission is to ensure the scientific use and dissemination of research results from the interventions of preventive archeology (observation, research and preventive excavations). This mission contributes to enhancing education and spreading the knowledge of preventive archaeology.

Through the France-UNESCO Cooperation Agreement, assistance from INRAP can be requested for specific missions on preventive archeology for urban sites, cultural landscapes, properties inscribed on the World Heritage List, and for properties in need of urgent safeguarding.

INRAP is internationally recognized for its expertise as a leading institute in the field of preventive archeology and will be at the disposal of UNESCO and its Member States in the following frameworks: 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage; 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (as well as its two Protocols of 1954 and 1999); 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property; and 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

UNESCO is delighted to see the productive cooperation with the Government of France and acknowledges INRAP’s expertise for the safeguarding of heritage throughout the world.

Contacts:
France Quémarec [email protected]
Département des affaires européennes et internationales, Direction des patrimoines, Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication

Sylvie Apollin [email protected]

Déléguée aux Relations institutionnelles, Mécénat, Stratégie internationale Direction générale, INRAP