Culture, Heritage and Diversity


Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage and Landscape (CDPATEP)

Created in 2008 the Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage and Landscape (CDPATEP) is taking over and expanding the activities of the Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage (CDPAT). It is responsible for activities concerning tangible and intangible cultural heritage through the follow-up of the Council of Europe’s conventions in this field. The work of the committee aims at:

  • · highlighting values related to cultural heritage by building a more humane and inclusive Europe founded on dialogue;
  • · the evolution of conservation and enhancement methods of heritage within globalised societies and in the light of sustainable management of territorial cultural resources.

Bringing the heritage and landscape sectors closer together highlights the research for a better quality of life for Europeans, encouraging mutual understanding and respect of values. The activities developed aim reinforce principles and methods for the sustainable development of local cultural and landscape resources, viewed as an expression of cultural diversity. As stated in its terms of reference, the Committee is responsible for implementation of the Technical Co-operation and Consultancy Programme related to the Integrated Conservation of the Cultural Heritage.

The Committee is responsible for:

  • · the follow-up of conventions pertaining to heritage;
  • · the promotion of principles contained in the Framework Convention of the Council of Europe on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (2005).

The Committee uses the Technical Co-operation and Consultancy Programme and the European Heritage Information Network tool (HEREIN) to follow-up on conventions and to implement its programme of activities.

In collaboration with other relevant committees, in particular the Steering Committee for Culture (CDCULT) and the European Conference of Ministers responsible for Regional Planning (CEMAT) it:

  • · develops and presents new reference texts contributing to the protection and promotion of cultural diversity, the development of intercultural dialogue and the promotion of heritage;
  • · develops legislative, technical and institution-based consultancy missions as well as on-site interventions in collaboration with the Culture, Regional Planning and Nature Protection Divisions; it
  • · participates in the follow-up of the European Landscape Convention;
  • · develops awareness-raising and educational programmes in particular through the European Heritage Days.

The Committee co-ordinates its work with that of other Council of Europe bodies, participates in multisectoral initiatives and contributes to cross-sectoral programmes.

The CDPATEP constitutive meeting will be held on 28-29 April 2008.