State of the art of open-air rock art as World Heritage site: past, present and future

Abstract

Since the 1970’s to the present day, our notions of world heritage and archaeological heritage have changed greatly, a fact that is reflected in the different conventions and charters of ICOMOS and UNESCO. In this research we explore what these changes have been, the state of the art of rock art worldwide, and what are the trends towards the future of heritage declarations, delving into the specific case of outdoor rock art, since its fragile and accessible nature requires specific management plans appropriate to its needs and characteristics, and how the growing trend of naming cultural landscapes as world heritage can be a powerful tool for the conservation, protection and dissemination of these heritage assets and their environments. The main objective of our research lies on the identification of the main features of open-air rock art on the UNESCO World Heritage List, establishing their current situation as to their preservation and social awareness and the policies developed in each particular case. This will be done through research and bibliographical approximation of various research sources, as well as official resources already mentioned: World Conventions, recommendations and ICOMOS charters as reference instruments in the declarations and management strategies of archaeological heritage and rock art.