This article,
UN draws up new heritage list for ancient star-gazing sites drew my attention to the
UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Thematic Initiative and the newly launched,
Portal to the Heritage of Astronomy.
The purpose of the portal is to provide "
a dynamic, publicly accessible database, discussion forum, and document-repository on astronomical heritage sites throughout the world, whether or not they are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List or national Tentative Lists. Serving UNESCO’s Astronomy and World Heritage Initiative, it suggests tools for the definition, identification, and assessment of the significance and, potentially, Outstanding Universal Value of this type of heritage. It also gives examples of the identification of such heritage together with information relevant to its protection, conservation, management and promotion."
This looks to be the beginning of a fascinating and important global project, with implications that extend beyond historic sites and knowledge, since access to 'dark skies' has been flagged as a key cultural heritage aspect of astronomy.
