The Ename Charter is the first international document of its kind that establishes a number of principles to interpret and present cultural heritage sites.  It was officially approved during the 16th General Assembly of ICOMOS (the International Council on Monuments and Sites) in Quebec (Canada) on 4 October 2008.

The aim of this Charter is to define the basic objectives and principles of site interpretation in relation to authenticity, intellectual integrity, social responsibility, and respect for cultural significance and context. The Charter seeks to encourage a wide public appreciation of cultural heritage sites as places and sources of learning and reflection about the past, as well as valuable resources for sustainable community development and intercultural and intergenerational dialogue. It also recognises that the interpretation of cultural heritage sites can be contentious and should acknowledge conflicting perspectives.

During a number of years various national ICOMOS committees have discussed and reworded the draft text.   The International Council on Monuments and Sites is a world-wide professional association that has about 7,500 members in its 105 national branches and 23 scientific committees.  This organisation dedicates itself to the conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage sites all over the world.

For more information: www.enamecharter.org