The impact of international terrorism on cultural heritage in Spain

Abstract

This article analyzes the cultural heritage, tourism and Islamic terrorism trinomial in the current political scenario. Recent Islamic terrorist attacks in heritage cities with high tourist presence lead to consider whether the different Conventions, Recommendations and Resolutions approved by UNESCO, the Council of Europe, etc., and the National Plan for Emergencies and Risk Management in Cultural Heritage in Spain are sufficient to prevent and control possible assaults or terrorist attacks. In Spain, legislation establishes a territorial framework in which cultural heritage competences are divided between the State, regional autonomies and county councils, and municipalities. This implies a huge effort to establish stable feasible links, cooperation and coordination of professionals and specialists to guarantee the safety of citizens and keep heritage intact and well-preserved.