NEW DELHI, October 16 — The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and UNESCO, on Friday concluded the international 'World Heritage Young Professionals Forum' in New Delhi, hosting heritage conservationists, architects, and museologists from over 30 countries.
Staged under the theme 'Safeguarding Living Heritage: Harmonizing Traditional Materials with Contemporary Geomatics', the forum provided field exposure at Delhi's World Heritage monuments—including Humayun's Tomb and the Qutb Minar complex—focusing on LiDAR 3D photogrammetry, non-destructive moisture profiling, and revived slaked-lime mortar craftsmanship.
Culture officials noted that India ranks sixth globally with 43 inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Sites (comprising 35 cultural monuments, 7 natural ecosystems, and 1 mixed property: Khangchendzonga National Park), highlighting sustainable cultural heritage stewardship as a driver of responsible eco-tourism and artisanal preservation.
The international framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention 1972, the criteria governing cultural versus natural properties, the founding lineage of the Archaeological Survey of India (established in 1861 under Alexander Cunningham), and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act 1958 are foundational areas across UPSC Civil Services (GS-I: Indian Heritage & Culture) and State PCS examinations.