Dunhuang and Venice join forces to set an international standard for

Dunhuang and Venice join forces to set an international standard for mural conservation

An international working group composed of experts from more than ten countries, including Italy and China, is drafting the first ISO standard dedicated to mural conservation. The project aims to establish a common terminology and a systematic classification of degradation types, tools that will benefit UNESCO sites such as the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Venice Lagoon.

Why this matters

• The standard will provide a shared technical language to describe structural components and typical forms of mural deterioration.
• It will support international cooperation by easing the exchange of methods, data and best practices among conservators and institutions.
• The standard could serve as a reference for training, funding and cultural heritage policies, particularly in countries with varying resources.

Italy's role

Italian murals are often located on masonry within churches and historic buildings. Participation by Italian specialists ensures that European contexts are represented in the international guidelines, with emphasis on preventive conservation and scientific documentation prior to any intervention.

Practical effects for UNESCO sites

• Greater consistency in damage assessment and intervention protocols.
• Integration of monitoring systems and advanced technologies into preventive conservation strategies.
• Opportunities for joint initiatives (exhibitions, research and training) between Italian institutions and international partners.

For visitors to UNESCO sites in Italy such as the Venice Lagoon, this international effort signals more coordinated, science-based management of mural heritage, with long-term benefits for preservation and public enjoyment.