Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage (CDPAT)

Between 2001 and 2007 the Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage was responsible for activities in the organisation’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage sectors. It drew up guidelines and ensured that the annual programme of activities was implemented. It made specific proposals about:

• · the contribution of cultural heritage towards the creation of a democratic sphere based on mutual recognition of the various cultural traditions co-existing in Europe, the European identities and the realisation of common values and shared ideals;
• · the consideration of values related to cultural heritage in building a more humane and inclusive Europe;
• · the evolution of conservation and enhancement methods of heritage within the context of the information society and in the light of sustainable management of cultural resources and sustainable development.

As stated in its terms of reference, the Committee was responsible for following-up the Technical Co-operation and Consultancy Programme and its project titled to the Integrated Conservation of the Cultural Heritage, as well as:

• · 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 used the Technical Co-operation and Consultancy Programme and the European Heritage Information Network tool (HEREIN) to follow-up on conventions and for the implementation of its programme of activities.

The Committee worked in close collaboration with other bodies of the Council of Europe, participated in multisectoral initiatives and contributed to the organisation’s cross-sectoral programmes.