"Cultural Property is Part of our Identity"

The looting of the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad, the attack on the Library of Timbuktu, or the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan are just a few examples of the irretrievable loss of cultural treasures in recent years that have caused great public concern. But these events are just the tip of the iceberg. The destruction, but above all the illegal trade in cultural property, has become a major global problem, as Mariya Polner of the World Customs Organization stated in a lecture at the Danube University Krems.

On 8 March, Mariya Polner of the World Customs Organization gave a lecture on the global impact of the illegal trade in cultural property as part of the event series "Spotlight Cultural Property Protection", organised by the Center for Cultural Property Protection at the Danube University Krems. This phenomenon is not new; in fact, the illegal trade in cultural property has a long history. However, globalisation has widened its scope and turned it into a multi-billion dollar industry. The resulting damage is difficult to quantify, as it encompasses more than just economic aspects.

Complex Problems

The fight against illicit trafficking in cultural goods is particularly challenging: Trafficking is often carried out by complex networks, often linked to other forms of organised crime. In addition, low detection rates and lax penalties minimise the risks associated with these illicit activities. Another issue is the documentation of cultural property; in many cases there is simply no useful information, such as photographs, to identify and recover stolen artefacts. Online sales channels and the existence of both illegal and legal markets provide many opportunities to conceal criminal activity. In addition to the illicit trade in cultural property, counterfeiting is also a major problem due to the high demand for historical artefacts. Socio-economic realities must not be overlooked, such as in countries where former souvenir traders have turned to counterfeiting because it is more lucrative.

Differentiated Solutions

Concerted action at the international level is needed to tackle this complex problem, emphasised Mariya Polner of the World Customs Organization. In recent years, international organisations have intensified their efforts to jointly combat the illegal trade in cultural property. Mariya Polner identifies continuous awareness-raising and educational activities as an important approach. Closer cooperation and networking among the actors involved in the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property is also necessary, especially for the exchange of information. The establishment of communication platforms such as ARCHEO or IRIS has already set important milestones in this respect. Mariya Polner also sees a strong need for action in the legislative and political spheres. Finally, research is also part of a comprehensive solution strategy: "The more data and information we have, the better we can protect cultural property for future generations and combat illegal trafficking more effectively," says Mariya Polner.