Risk zones

Four families of criteria are used: threat (conflict, violence, instability), vulnerability (inventories, site security, institutions' means), the importance of the heritage (listed sites, major collections) and signs of illicit activity (reports, observed looting, suspect sales).

Each family is scored from 0 to 5. The total determines the alert level. An analysis committee, made up of heritage experts, lawyers and security analysts, validates the classification.

The vigilance level triggers monitoring of reports and information to partners. The alert level adds prevention actions: support for inventories, training, contact with institutions. Enhanced alert mobilises experts and prepares a deployment.

The emergency level corresponds to immediate danger: the emergency fund is activated, a team can be deployed within seventy-two hours and a specific communication is sent to market operators.

Risk zones determine the level of due diligence required. A work coming from a zone on enhanced alert or in emergency cannot be sold without proof of possession predating the conflict, and must be declared to the BIOP unit.

The list of zones is available to approved operators, with the types of property concerned and recommendations. Monthly updates are sent by email.

In partnership with ICOM, OIMAP publishes red lists for the worst-affected regions. They describe the types of objects likely to be looted or sold: statuettes, seals, manuscripts, coins, mosaics, icons. Each list is illustrated with photographic examples.

These documents are distributed to customs, police and operators. They improve recognition of objects at risk and help to justify a refusal of sale or a seizure.