Cultural heritage stands as one of the fundamental characteristics that define the national and cultural identity of a particular people, while also possessing a universal component that belongs to all of humanity. The preservation of cultural heritage represents a core value within the social order of the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM). Multiculturalism is an integral element and value upon which social interaction in Macedonian society has historically and currently relied. The country's location in the heart of the Balkan peninsula contributes to its exposure to various cultural influences. Historically, the territory of the RNM. has been a crossroads for different cultures and spheres of influence, whose material legacies command great interest. Each has left its mark on the material and spiritual culture of the Macedonian nation and the ethnic communities residing in this territory. The history of the RNM, with its multinational and multireligious social structure, ensures the protection of cultural heritage within these frameworks. The safeguarding of cultural heritage in the country is carried out within the constitutional and legal provisions, as well as in accordance with the obligations undertaken through the ratification of international agreements on cultural heritage protection. This paper primarily analyzes the constitutional framework for the protection of cultural heritage. The highest legal act in the RNM. elevates cultural heritage to a constitutional category, establishing it as a foundation for the development of economic relations. The next category of analysis in our paper is the administrative protection of cultural heritage. The analysis includes a general assessment of the administrative bodies directly involved in ensuring the protection of cultural heritage, their powers, and the methods by which this protection is implemented. The comparative method employed in the paper offers an overview of the degree of harmonization of the legal framework with the international standards that the RNM has committed to respect. A special focus of the paper is dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage in the event of natural disasters. In the conclusion, an evaluation of the existing legal protection of cultural heritage is provided, along with proposals and solutions for improving the legal framework and its implementation, with the goal of achieving greater compliance with international protection standards.
Delev et al. (Tue,) studied this question.