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Preventive conservation refers to measures taken to prevent damage to artwork or artifacts rather than repairing them after damage has occurred. Examples include controlling environmental factors, proper handling, and storage.

Reversibility is the ethical guideline that conservation treatments should be reversible to allow for future treatment with better techniques or to reverse mistakes. An example is using reversible adhesives.

Conservation must respect and preserve the original material of an artwork or object as much as possible. An example is choosing to conserve a faded color rather than repainting.

Minimal Intervention principle dictates that conservation work should be the least amount necessary to stabilize an object or artwork. An example is cleaning a painting as little as possible while ensuring its preservation.

Documentation requires recording all processes of conservation and restoration. Examples include before-and-after photographs, reports on treatments applied, and materials used.

Authenticity in conservation ensures that the true nature and provenance of the object are preserved and conveyed accurately. An example is avoiding the addition of contemporary materials to an ancient artifact.

Accountability in conservation refers to the conservator's obligation to act responsibly, ethically, and to be answerable for the conservation work. Examples include adhering to professional standards and openly communicating with stakeholders.

Respecting the artist’s intent involves conservation actions that honor the original vision and direction of the creator of the artwork. An example is choosing not to fill in missing pieces of a sculpture if it was intended to look incomplete.

Risk Management involves assessing and mitigating risks associated with the conservation of artwork and artifacts. Examples include evaluating the potential for theft, environmental hazards, or handling damage.

Sustainability in conservation means adopting practices that do not harm the environment and can be maintained over the long term. An example is using energy-efficient lighting in a museum.

Competence as a principle means that conservators should only undertake work that they are qualified for. Examples include a conservator specializing in textiles rejecting work on a fresco.

Informed consent in conservation means that the owners or stakeholders of the cultural property are fully aware of the planned conservation measures and consent to them. An example is a museum obtaining agreement from a lender before restoring a borrowed painting.

Collaboration in conservation highlights the importance of working with other professionals, such as historians, archivists, scientists, and curators, to achieve the best outcome. An example is a multidisciplinary team working together on the conservation of a historical building.

This principle encompasses respecting the non-material aspects, such as cultural significance, rituals, or traditions associated with the object or artwork. An example is consulting with indigenous groups when restoring culturally significant artifacts.