Moldova/ 2. General objectives and principles of cultural policy  

2.3 Cultural policy objectives

The main objective of national cultural policy has been to preserve and protect the Moldovan cultural heritage while maintaining an institutional framework for cultural development.

Promoting national cultural policy has, however, not been as effective as anticipated due to the lack of specific, well-designed and realistic programmes. There is a need for measures that take into account the importance of various projects, available funds, deadlines and responsibilities.

According to the national programme on the "Development and Protection of Culture and the Arts" the national cultural strategy aims to:

• preserve cultural heritage as an ethical-moral cohesive factor in society;
• provide support for different forms and styles of artistic creation and cultural action;
• ensure unrestricted access to national and international cultural values;
• support citizens' self-organisation and cultural initiatives;
• maintain an accurate inventory of the most valuable cultural heritage assets;
• consolidate technical and material resources of the main cultural institutions;
• support state and independent cultural institutions;
• facilitate concerted action and co-operation between decision-makers, artists' unions and associations by creating joint cultural assistance and development programmes;
• establish the legal and organisational framework for cultural heritage protection;
• ensure the appropriate operation of artistic and cultural institutions;
• provide a high media profile for Moldovan culture abroad through increased international collaboration; and
• promote new technologies.

The "Long-term Strategy for Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation", launched by the government in September 2003, includes several provisions concerning cultural tourism as an important part of the national economy. Over the next 15 years, the state policy in the field of cultural tourism will focus on new issues.

The main directions are:

• to adjust the frameworks and legal provisions concerning cultural tourism to European standards;
• to improve staff education and training in tourism institutions and develop high-level tourism management programmes; and
• to develop the cultural tourism sector as a part of national economic programmes.

Finances from the state and other sources need to be assured to build a comprehensive system of support in order to create conditions for the development and promotion of Moldovan culture during its current transition period.

The principles of the Council of Europe are reflected, by and large, in the rights and freedoms set out in the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. They are reproduced in the Law on Culture, passed on May 27 1999, and in the national programme on the "Development and Protection of Culture and the Arts in the Republic of Moldova, 1997-1998" (extended to 2000-2005).

The Republic of Moldova is currently taking steps to set up the appropriate mechanisms and means for implementing a system to promote and uphold human rights based on international conventions. Respect for human rights was one of the commitments entered into, by the Republic, upon accession to the Council of Europe.

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