IFC Performance Standard 8

Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage can be defined as: “A unique and non-renewable resource that possesses cultural, scientific, spiritual or religious value and includes moveable or immoveable objects, sites structures, groups of structures, natural features, or landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, cultural, artistic, and religious values, as well as unique natural environmental features that embody cultural values”.

Key questions to be addressed during due diligence:

Protection of Cultural heritage in Project Design and Execution

Is the project located in a legally protected area or a legally defined buffer zone?
Has the client sited the project to avoid significant damage to cultural heritage?
Is the project located in an area where cultural heritage is expected to be found?

If yes, has a Chance Find Procedure been established? (i.e. a procedure that automatically is triggered in case cultural heritage is found unexpetedly)
If yes, is access to the public granted?
Has the client identified proposed project use of cultural resources? If so, has the client informed these communities of their rights and shared benefits?