The protection of cultural property faces enormous challenges worldwide in light of increasing climate extremes, technological disasters, and geopolitical uncertainties. In addition to the protection goals for critical infrastructure, the following specific aspects must be considered for the protection of cultural property: Cultural property consists of unique objects and ensembles that form part of a community’s cultural heritage. Their loss therefore always results in irreversible damage. Cultural property is irreplaceable.
Furthermore, cultural heritage is a crucial factor in shaping identity at the local, regional, and national levels. The threat to, impairment of, or even destruction of this cultural heritage leads to political upheaval and social disruption, which can trigger further crises. Protection is therefore not only a cultural concern but also a security policy imperative. Moreover, societal identification with its respective cultural property contributes to building and strengthening social resilience. This means that a population bound by cultural identification is better equipped to deal with and manage various disaster and crisis scenarios, which ultimately accelerates reconstruction (the so-called “building-back-better”).
With the ratification of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict on June 25, 1964, and its two Additional Protocols, Austria committed itself to safeguarding and protecting cultural property in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention. This international obligation is also enshrined in Austrian law. Furthermore, the protection of cultural property in Austria should be established as a separate sector of critical infrastructure and integrated into national crisis and disaster management, following the German and Swiss models.
