VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is pursuing two UNESCO initiatives aimed at strengthening its role in cultural heritage protection at home and abroad.
The government is preparing the nomination of the Fortifications of St John for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The proposed serial nomination covers Valletta’s harbour fortifications, Mdina and the Ċittadella in Gozo.
Research, documentation and technical assessments have been completed under the National World Heritage Technical Committee, with the next phase focusing on consultations with local communities, councils and heritage organisations.
Malta is also seeking election to the 21-member UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which oversees the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention and decides on the inscription and conservation of World Heritage sites.
Election would give Malta a direct role in shaping international World Heritage policy. The country’s bid is backed by its management of three existing UNESCO World Heritage properties and its long-standing participation in UNESCO initiatives.
Archaeologist Anthony Pace is coordinating the Fortifications of St John nomination. A former Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, he has played a key role in developing Malta’s heritage protection framework and major archaeological projects.
Maritime archaeologist Timmy Gambin has contributed through his work on underwater cultural heritage and by founding the University of Malta’s Master’s programme in Global Maritime Archaeology, recently admitted to UNESCO’s Network in Underwater Archaeology.
The two initiatives reflect Malta’s broader strategy to secure international recognition for its heritage while expanding its role in the governance of global conservation efforts.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
