Fars Province deploys Blue Shield to protect heritage sites
Extensive protective operations, including the evacuation of museum artifacts to secure vaults and the installation of the international "Blue Shield" emblem at key sites and museums, are currently being implemented in Fars Province in accordance with wartime emergency protocols, deputy head of the provincial Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization said.
Sadeq Zare', emphasizing that cultural heritage is a trust to be guarded in peace and shielded in crisis, stated, "War is a destructive and unwanted phenomenon; however, we are duty-bound to remain at the highest state of readiness to protect a nation’s collective memory manifested in its historical monuments. Accordingly, emergency guidelines to counter increasing risks against historical structures have been prioritized in line with the 1954 Hague Convention," according to chtn.ir.
Highlighting the vital role of the International Committee of the Blue Shield as a UNESCO advisory body, Zare' added, "This organization, formed by a coalition of prestigious entities such as ICOM and ICOMOS, performs the same role for culture that the Red Cross does for human life. In this regard, the installation of Blue Shield emblems at the entrances and rooftops of the province’s prominent sites and major museums has been carried out as the primary protective measure."
Detailing the plan, Zare' explained that the first phase covers world heritage sites and major provincial museums of Fars Province. In the second phase, high-traffic national monuments and sites at greater risk will be secured.
He further announced a strategic measure, noting: "To prevent any potential damage, valuable historical artifacts have been evacuated from museum galleries and transferred to secure repositories. Additionally, a precise documentation process of the current state of buildings has been completed to ensure necessary records are available for any potential reconstruction or legal follow-up."
Reassuring cultural heritage advocates, Zare' stressed, "While we seek lasting peace for Iran and the world, the guardians of cultural heritage, relying on the principles of prevention, preparedness, and inter-institutional cooperation, will not allow the flames of war to mar the identity of this land."