Striving to Protect Global Rock Art
Natural Damage
Protecting exposed rock art from the natural elements is often a challenge. Thankfully much rock art is on relatively stable surfaces and in relatively protected locations. Highly specialised expertise is needed to intervene in situations of serious natural decay.
Human Damage
Rock art is found in almost every country in the world and sites are becoming a growing attraction for international tourists. The challenge is how to manage visitation in a manner that ensures that rock art sites are not damaged and where tourism infrastructure does not spoil the ambience of the site.
Atlatl rock, Nevada, USA
Lascaux cave is now permanently closed to the public in order to protect it for the future. Minutely detailed replicas have been made that are open to the public. You can therefore experience the cave, without damaging the original.
Lascaux Cave, France
One of less than 150 rock art sites within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the art in this rock shelter has been nearly destroyed in just 20 years by people camping in the shelter and lighting fires.
Chongoni Rock Art Area, Malawi
Contact us
Copyright ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Rock Art – All rights reserved
ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Rock Art 