Proposed Restoration projects are to be subjected to knowledgeable criticism to prevent mistakes which will cause loss of character and historical values to the structures. Problems of preservation of historic sites are to be solved by legislation at national level for all countries. Excavated sites which are not subject to immediate restoration should be reburied for protection. Modern techniques and materials may be used in restoration work.
Historical sites are to be given strict custodial protection.
Attention should be given to the protection of areas surrounding historic sites. The Conference heard the statement of the general principles and doctrines relating to the protection of monuments. Whatever may be the variety of concrete cases, each of which are open to a different solution, the Conference noted that there predominates in the different countries represented a general tendency to abandon restorations in toto and to avoid the attendant dangers by initiating a system of regular and permanent maintenance calculated to ensure the preservation of the buildings. When, as the result of decay or destruction, restoration appears to be indispensable, it recommends that the historic and artistic work of the past should be respected, without excluding the style of any given period. The Conference recommends that the occupation of buildings, which ensures the continuity of their life, should be maintained but that they should be used for a purpose which respects their historic or artistic character.