Preserving the outstanding universal value of the Brancusi Monumental Ensemble of Targu Jiu is the responsibility of the authorities and the community in order to prevent the accumulation of conditions that could lead to its removal from the UNESCO list, according to the 'Constantin Brancusi' Research, Documentation and Promotion Centre in Targu Jiu release issued on Sunday.

According to the quoted source, within the International Conference 'Philosophy of Form,' which is being held in Targu Jiu in recent days with the participation of dozens of experts and researchers from around the world, specialists from the National Commission of Romania for UNESCO and the National Heritage Institute presented the arguments for the inclusion of Brancusi's works in Targu Jiu - the Gate of the Kiss, the Table of Silence and the Endless Column, which together form the 'Avenue of Heroes' Monumental Ensemble - on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024.

'The outstanding universal value of the ensemble in Targu Jiu is defined by two essential attributes: its representation of human creative genius and its exceptional artistic, urban planning and landscape value. Experts Alexandru Mexi, Codrin Taut, Adrian Craciunescu and Florentina Matache, as well as Sergiu Musteata, Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO of the Republic of Moldova, who took part in the debates through an exceptional online contribution from Chisinau, mentioned that the inclusion of the ensemble on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024 is not a guarantee in perpetuity. Preserving the authenticity and integrity of Brancusi's works is a fundamental obligation shared equally by the government, the local authorities and the local community,' the release mentioned.

Strengthening the capacity of the Romanian authorities to fulfill this obligation requires both the appropriate allocation of domestic resources and the attraction of European funding for coherent public policies, including educational projects in schools and public awareness initiatives.

Proper management of the urban context, from mobility and the transport system (including resolving the issue of the railway line that cuts across the axis of the Ensemble, which is very important to the overall composition of the works in Targu Jiu) to restoration, the proper management of the protected area and the rigorous assessment of all risk factors, all contribute to preventing the accumulation of negative factors that could pose a risk of delisting, which does not exist at present.

The specialists attending the event called for accurate reporting to UNESCO, so that updated support and recommendations could be obtained to help effectively fulfill the obligations undertaken at the time of inscription.

'We must take care to avoid any negative impact on the unique asset we have in Targu Jiu. We have a treasure that the authorities and citizens, present and future generations alike, must learn to preserve in its authenticity and full integrity and to promote as such on the global stage,' the specialists attending the debate concluded.

The International Conference 'Philosophy of Form,' held under the aegis of UNESCO, brings together in Targu Jiu, over four days, the world's leading specialists in Brancusi's work.

Held under the aegis of UNESCO, the event offers a broad and interdisciplinary perspective on the work and legacy of Constantin Brancusi, bringing together academic research, heritage, cultural diplomacy, visual arts and new forms of interpreting the work of the great Romanian sculptor.

The conference takes place from 22 to 26 October. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Popescu; EN - writing by: Rodica State)