27/10/2012 12:32
27 October World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
Today, 27 October UNESCO declared World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. It was declared on 2005 by UNESCO. In cooperation with the Co-ordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations (CCAAA) and other partners, UNESCO is leading the fight to preserve the world’s fragile audiovisual heritage.
All of the world's audiovisual heritage of the last century is endangered; most of it is considered lost. Not even in those countries where funds are more easily available can it be assumed that this heritage is protected. Floods and fires, storms and earthquakes can destroy our heritage overnight. Humidity, heat, dust and salt-laden atmospheres also play their part, and losses can arise from technical obsolescence as well as physical decay affecting not only traditional carriers but also the 'new' digital media. Theft and vandalism, the ravages of war, deliberate erasing and reusing of tapes have destroyed countless collections.
Safeguarding audiovisual heritage is a complex process requiring a range of technical, political, human and financial solutions.