About Museums
Nevertheless, many museum staff lack—often severely—the technical knowledge that meets international professional standards. Moreover, movable cultural objects are particularly threatened, due to their value both as commercial goods and as components of cultural identity, by illicit trafficking.
Therefore, UNESCO’s strategy focuses on: Least Developed Countries (LDC) and countries in emergency situations (post-conflict or post-natural disaster), particularly in Africa; and the museums and collections that best contribute to an integrated understanding of heritage and their potential contribution to the economic, social and human development of local communities and disadvantaged groups.
This strategy is implemented through: training activities involving simple and efficient techniques for safeguarding objects, with a special emphasis on the creation of pedagogical tools; museum development by strengthening professional networks and partnerships; improving educational content and access to knowledge through awareness-raising and educational activities; promoting the return, restitution and improved access to cultural objects by means of awareness-raising and advisory activities and innovative partnerships; and finally, through the joint implementation of normative and operational activities, particularly in regard to the fight against illicit trafficking and the protection of underwater heritage.