In the absence of specific regulations or guidelines, for the conservation of historic structures or their environs, these ICOMOS Charters should be followed:

The Eight Basic Guiding Principles in the Conservation of Historic Properties are:

1. Respect for documentary evidence:
   
   

   Do not base restoration on conjecture. Conservation work should be based on historic documentation such as historic photographs, drawings, archival records, specifications and physical evidence.

2. Respect for the original location:
   
   

   Do not move buildings unless there is no other means to save them. Site and its surrounding is an integral component of a building. Change in site diminishes heritage value considerably.

3. Respect for historic material:
   
   

   Repair/conserve - rather than replace building materials and finishes, except where absolutely necessary or original material is not available. Minimal intervention maintains the historical content of the resource.

4. Respect for original fabric:
   
   

   Repair with compatible materials. For example use of lime instead of Portland cement to repair / conserve lime masonry / plaster. Repair to return the resource to its prior condition, without altering its integrity.

5. Respect for the building's history:
   
   

   Do not restore to one period at the expense of another period. Do not destroy later additions to a house solely to restore it to a single time period unless they are compatible and do not diminish the authenticity and integrity of the site.

6. Reversibility:
   
   

   Alterations should be able to be returned to original conditions. Any addition or alteration to the building should be reversible without any loss to the original fabric of the building. This conserves earlier building design and technique.

7. Legibility:
   
   

   New work should be distinguishable from old. Buildings should be recognized as products of their own time, and new additions should not blur the distinction between old and new.

8. Maintenance:
   
   

   With continuous care, future restoration will not be necessary. With regular upkeep of historic structures, major conservation projects and their high costs can be avoided.

(Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site Management Plan, 133-134)