The measures and activities undertaken by the competent institutions are not sufficient and effective to achieve the necessary protection and revitalization of the immovable cultural heritage, showed the results of the performance audit on the topic “Effectiveness of policies and measures for the protection, management and revitalization of the immovable cultural heritage” which according to the 2022 Annual Work Program was carried out by the State Audit Office of the Republic of North Macedonia (SAO) for 2022.
The auditors determined the absence of regular care, maintenance, security and measures for immediate protection by the holder and the competent institution for protection, which contribute to damage, loss, destruction and increased costs for the maintenance and active functioning of the cultural heritage, as well as unsecured clear and objective criteria for the method of financing the immovable cultural heritage and the allocation of funds to the competent institutions, which limits the possibility of timely and adequate protection of the immovable assets.
“Cultural heritage as the foundation of the national and cultural identity of a nation. Our country has a rich cultural heritage from past generations that is of inestimable importance, which should be protected, preserved and maintained, as a permanent investment for future generations. The scope and evidence provided through the implementation of techniques and methodology by the audit provides a basis for expressing the following conclusion: It has been reasonably assured that the measures and activities for the protection, management and revitalization of the immovable cultural heritage undertaken by the competent institutions are not sufficient and efficient to achieve the necessary protection and revitalization and creates a real danger for the permanent preservation of the immovable cultural heritage for future generations,” said the SAO.
