NEWSLETTER Highlights Since May Europa Nostra Held its Annual

NEWSLETTER Highlights Since May 2006, Europa Nostra… • Held its Annual Congress in Malta, in close cooperation with Din l-Art Helwa, (the National Trust of Malta). At the General Assembly, Dr Andrea H. Schuler took over office from Otto von der Gablentz as the new Executive President of Europa Nostra (15 - 20 May) Welcomed the membership of nine new heritage NGOs as Member Organisations and 56 public and private bodies as Associated Organisations Organised a public Forum on cultural tourism, and adopted the Malta Declaration on “Cultural Tourism: its Encouragement and Control”. Saint Julian’s, Malta (19 May) Held meetings of its three Working Groups: “European Policy”, “Landscapes” and “Central and Eastern Europe” Malta (17 May) Presented the Awards to the laureates of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards and the Restoration Fund Grant during the European Awards Ceremony at the Palacio Real de El Pardo (Madrid) under the presidency of HM Queen Sofia of Spain, and in the presence of European Commissioner Ján Figel’ (27 June) Met representatives of Spanish heritage NGOs at a meeting organised by Hispania Nostra on 26 June in Madrid Met representatives of Lithuanian heritage NGOs at a meeting organised by the Nordic member organisations in Vilnius on 3 April Announced the destinations and dates of the Heritage Tours 2007: 19-24 April: Lyon and surroundings, France; 8-14 May: Villas of the Veneto, Italy; September: Serbia; 16-21 October: Mallorca's Heritage, Spain; 1-14 November: Syria (French speaking tour) Travelled to Russia, together with a delegation from the Council of Europe, to help organise the European Launch Ceremony of the European Heritage Days and the Colloquium on the “Values of Europe’s Cultural Heritage” to take place in Saint Petersburg, Russia (21-22 September) Participated as an observer in the meeting of the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee on Cultural Heritage (CD PAT, inter alia to present itself as the new Liaison Office for the European Heritage Days). Strasbourg, France (10 - 11 May) Provided input to the “Draft Report on the protection of the European natural and architectural cultural heritage in rural and island areas” by MEP Nikolaos Sifunakis, Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Culture and Education Sent a message to all Members of the European Parliament encouraging them to vote in favour of a number of amendments regarding cultural heritage to the report by MEP Jerzy Buzek on the 7th Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (2007 to 2013) Participated in a meeting of European heritage networks active in Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, organized by the French Ministry for Culture and Communication, in Paris, France (13 June) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Participated in the inauguration ceremony of the recently restored Kurshumli Mosque (Pejë/Peć, Kosovo) organised by the Italian NGO InterSOS (3 July) Participated in the 7th European Conference SAUVEUR “Safeguarded Cultural Heritage – Understanding & Viability for the Enlarged Europe, Prague, Czech Republic (31 May – 3 June) Met Jean d’Haussonville, advisor on European and international affairs to French Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, to exchange ideas on a proposal for a “European Heritage List” Met Frédéric Baleine du Laurens, Deputy Director General for Political Affairs at the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs, to discuss Europa Nostra’s future activities related to the safeguarding of Kosovo’s endangered heritage Met Ambassador Ina Marciulionyte, Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO who acted as the Chair of the annual meeting of the World Heritage Committee that took place in Vilnius (8 - 14 July) Made a presentation on Europa Nostra, its aims and instruments at the Moscow School for Political Sciences (28 May) Participated in the General Assembly of its member organisation “Vieilles maisons françaises” (20 June) Participated in the European Conference “Promoting Cultural Education in Europe. A Contribution to Participation, Innovation and Quality” organised by the Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, in Graz, Austria (8 - 10 June) Participated in the International Conference “Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century. Opportunities and Challenges” in Cracow, Poland (24 – 28 May) Participated in the seminar “Mediation in Historic Places”, organised by European Network of Cultural Administration Training Centres (ENCATC) at the Abbey of Fontrevaud, France (30 March 1 April) Participated in the ICOMOS Regional Meeting and Workshop in Seoul, South Korea (9 - 13 June) • • • • • • • • • Europa Nostra also informs that: • • • • The European Council adopted a renewed Sustainable Development Strategy for the European Union, at its latest meeting in Brussels, Belgium (15 - 16 June) The European Commission adopted a Green Paper on a Future Maritime Policy for the European Union (7 June) The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe awarded the Europe Prize to the Hungarian town of Szeged (12 May) UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the President of Croatia jointly organised a Regional Forum on “Communication of Heritage: A New Vision for South East Europe” held in Opatija, Croatia (1 - 2 June) UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee met in Vilnius, Lithuania (8 - 16 July) The Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament voted for the own initiative report of its Chairman Nikolaos Sifunakis MEP on the Protection of the European 2 Summer 2006 • • Europa Nostra Newsletter natural and architectural cultural heritage in rural and island areas. Brussels, Belgium (13 July) • • ICOMOS created an International Scientific Committee on Interpretation and Presentation The 2006 European Museum of the Year Awards were announced, during a ceremony at the Ajuda Palace, Lisbon, Portugal (13 May) Contents Exchanging Ideas and Experiences • • • Europa Nostra Activities Europa Nostra participation in other events Other announcement p.4 p.4 p.8 p.9 p.10 p.13 p.15 p.18 Recognising Outstanding Heritage Achievements Raising Awareness Influencing Policy Heritage at Risk Colophon EUROPA NOSTRA Pan-European Federation for Heritage President: Executive President: Treasurer: HRH The Prince Consort of Denmark Dr Andrea H. Schuler Mrs Dineke de Koster International Secretariat Lange Voorhout 35 NL-2514 EC The Hague The Netherlands Tel: +31 70 302 40 51/53/55/57 Fax: +31 70 361 78 65 Email: office@europanostra.org Website: www.europanostra.org Mrs Sneska Quaedvlieg Mihailovic, Secretary General Mrs Charlotte O’Connor, Communications Ms Tamara van Kessel, Membership and Events Ms Eléonore de Merode, Heritage Awards Mrs Justine Sealy-Bell, PA to the Secretary General Mr Mark Snethlage, Campaigns and Policy Mrs Barbara Zander, Heritage Tours Europa Nostra Newsletter 3 Summer 2006 Europa Nostra Activities Europa Nostra Annual Congress in Malta 15 - 20 May Saint Julian’s, Malta In May Europa Nostra members gathered in Malta to participate in Europa Nostra’s Annual Congress. They were joined by approx. 150 guests from Malta and abroad. The programme, jointly prepared by Din L-Art Helwa and Europa Nostra’s International Secretariat, included meetings of the Working Groups, the Management Committee, the Council, the General Assembly, a Public Forum and cultural visits. On Tuesday 16 May, Council members were invited to a reception by Europa Nostra’s President HRH the Prince Consort of Denmark on board the Danish royal yacht, the Dannebrogh. Wednesday 17 May started with a visit for the Council members to the former capital of Malta: Mdina. In the afternoon, Council members participated in the meetings of the three Europa Nostra Working Groups on “European Policy”, “Central and Eastern Europe” and “Landscapes”. The evening programme was composed of the multi-media presentation, “The Story of a Knight” by Dr Philip Farrugia Randon at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity and the Arts. This was followed by a visit of Palazzo Parisio where the Hon Dr Michael Frendo, Minister for Foreign Affairs hosted a reception. On Thursday, the plenary meeting of the Council was followed by the General Assembly. During the Council Meeting, cultural visits for the other members of Europa Nostra included the Sacra Infermeria, Għar Dalam and Marsaxlokk. In the evening, a guided tour of the President's Palace was followed by a reception hosted by H.E. Dr Edward Fenech-Adami, President of Malta at his residence, San Anton Palace. On Friday, a Public Forum was held to study the benefits and the disadvantages of cultural tourism for monuments, sites and local communities (see below). Following the Forum, participants sailed to Valletta’s Grand Harbour, where HRH the Prince Consort of Denmark officially presented the Medal of the European Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards Scheme to the representatives of the Valletta Waterfront. A dinner at the historic Sacra Infermeria, hosted by The Hon Dr Francis Zammit Dimech, Minister of Tourism and Culture closed the day in splendour. Saturday had been reserved for the discovery of a selection of Malta’s heritage highlights. These included St John's Co-Cathedral, Msida Bastion Historic Garden of Rest (a Europa Nostra Medal winner in 2001), and Ħaġar Qim Prehistoric Temples. The evening programme commenced with the “Semper Europa Nostra Concert” by Soprano Lydia Caruana and the Medit Chamber Players at the Auberge d'Aragon which was followed by a reception hosted by The Hon Dr Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and Home Affairs. Farewell and welcome to the outgoing and incoming Executive Presidents During the General Assembly, Dr Andrea H. Schuler (Switzerland) took office as Europa Nostra’s new Executive President, succeeding Otto von der Gablentz. Dr Schuler, who was a Vice-President of Europa Nostra since 2000, had been elected to the position by the General Assembly in Bergen on 2 June 2005. HRH the Prince Consort of Denmark, President of Europa Nostra, Vice-President Costa Carras, VicePresident Alexander zu Sayn Wittgenstein Sayn and the Secretary General paid tribute to the outgoing Executive President, in particular to his strong commitment to the European ideals, his inspiring leadership and his outstanding diplomatic skills. They praised his remarkable contribution to Europa Nostra’s intellectual reflection on the role of culture, cultural heritage and education within the “European project”. This helped Europa Nostra to better define its position in the European debate, and to further stress the important role which the protection and enhancement of our monuments, sites and landscapes play in forging the identity of the European citizen. Apart from his personal commitment and intellectual contribution, his extensive network of contacts, built up during his long international career, was a clear asset for Europa Nostra. As a token of gratitude for his four year executive presidency, the Council presented to Otto von der Gablentz an original 17th century map of Europe, by the Dutch cartographer Hondius and unanimously elected him Honorary President. Europa Nostra Newsletter 4 Summer 2006 Dr Andrea H. Schuler, in his inaugural speech stressed the importance of Europa Nostra intensifying its efforts in reaching Europe’s citizens on cultural heritage matters. He noted that Europa Nostra is well-known and respected by the Council of Europe and the European Union Institutions. Having recently been chosen as new Liasion Office for the co-ordination of the “European Heritage Days” – a joint action of the Council of Europe and the European Commission – is proof of how Europa Nostra is held in high esteem in Strasbourg and in Brussels. He stressed however that, bearing in mind that Europa Nostra strives to represent the civil society heritage movement throughout Europe, it needs to become better known by the general public. It also needs to substantially increase the number of its individual members, member organisations, associated and corporate members by convincing people that cultural heritage counts for everybody. Cultural heritage is an indispensable source for our quality of life. Respect for human life cannot be separated from respect for peoples’ cultural values, especially their heritage. He particularly called on Europa Nostra’s member organisations to become more engaged in spreading this message, in addition to communicating Europa Nostra’s aims and activities via their own networks. Statutory bodies: Elections by the Council and the General Assembly The General Assembly also elected the following new members of Council: Christine Adrien (France) as the representative of Vieilles Maison Françaises; Jacques Akerboom (The Netherlands) as the representative of Monumentenwacht Nederland; Rossana Bettinelli (Italy) as the representative of Italia Nostra; Philippe Biéler (Switzerland) as the representative of Schweizer Heimatschutz/Patrimoine Suisse; Piet Jaspaert (Belgium) as the representative of Vlaams Contact Monumenten (VCM); Prof. Dr. Michael Krautzberger (Germany) as the representative of Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz; Ambassador Gian Federico Pedotti (Switzerland) as the representative of Domus Antiqua Helvetica; Špela Spanžel (Slovenia) as the representative of Slovenia Nostra; Dr Orhan Silier (Turkey) as the representative of the History Foundation of Turkey and Adam Wilkinson (United Kingdom) as the representative of Save Europe’s Heritage. In addition the General Assembly re-elected the following Vice-Presidents: Costa Carras (Greece), Catharina Collet (Denmark) and Duque de San Carlos (Spain). Seven Council members were also reelected by the General Assembly: Markus Bernoulli, representing the Finish Association of Architects and the Finish association for Local Culture and Heritage; Isabelle de Broglie, representing Europa Nostra France; Christiane van Jole-Taeymans, representing Europa Nostra Belgium; Ieva Laukers, representing Latvia Nostra; Martin Scicluna, representing Din l-Art Helwa; Prof. Dr Irina Subotić, representing Serbia Nostra and Jozef van Waeyenberge, representing Europa Nostra Belgium. At its meeting on 18 May, the Europa Nostra Council co-opted Dr Jelka Pirkovič (Slovenia). It also renewed the co-option of: Dr Lester Borley CBE (United Kingdom), Dr Peter Collins CBE (United Kingdom), the Robert de Léotoing d'Anjony (France) and Dott. Piero Ravaioli (Italy/Belgium). The Council re-elected Catharina Collet (Denmark) to the Management Committee, re-appointed Professor Gianni Perbellini (Italy) as the Chairman of the Scientific Council and reappointed the Secretary General, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović (The Netherlands / Serbia). Finally, the General Assembly and the Council took note of the retirement of the following board members and thanked them for their past contributions: Dr Paul Scholten (The Netherlands) and Frank Sweerts (The Netherlands / Belgium) from the Council; and Alexander Fürst zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn (Germany) from the Management Committee. New Member Organisations and Associate Organisations At its meeting, the Europa Nostra Council approved the membership of the following heritage NGOs as Member Organisations: from the CZECH REPUBLIC: Klub Za Starou Prahu (Association for Old Prague www.zastarouprahu.cz), and Hrady na Malši (Castles on the Malse River Society www.hradynamalsi.cz); from FRANCE: Charte européenne des abbayes et sites cisterciens (The European Charter of Cistercian Abbeys and Sites www.cister.net); from GERMANY: Denkmal Akademie e.V. (The Heritage Academy www.denkmalakademie.de) and FörderKreis Kultur & Schlösser (Association for Culture and Castles www.kultur-schloesser.de); from PORTUGAL: Associação Portuguesa dos Amigos dos Castelos (The Portuguese Association of Friends of Castles www.amigosdoscastelos.org.pt); from THE NETHERLANDS: the European Federation of Museum and Tourist Railways (FEDECRAIL www.fedecrail.org); from the RUSSIAN FEDERATION: the Moscow Architecture Preservation Society (MAPS www.maps-moscow.com) and the Russian National Centre for Europa Nostra Newsletter 5 Summer 2006 Heritage Trusteeship (www.ntrust.ru); from TURKEY: the Friends of Cultural Heritage (FOCUH www.friendsofculturalheritage.org). The Council also approved the membership of the following bodies as Associate Organisations: from BELGIUM: Abdijmuseum Ten Duinen 1138 (Ten Duinen Abbey Museum www.tenduinen.be); from ITALY: Università Politecnica delle Marche (www.univpm.it); from SPAIN: Fundación Diego de Sagredo; from SWEDEN: Fortifikationsverket (the National Fortifications Administration www.fortv.se); from TURKEY: the Bursa Chamber of Architects (www.bursamimar.org.tr) and from the UNITED KINGDOM: Newcastle upon Tyne City Council (www.newcastle.gov.uk). Following Europa Nostra’s partnership with Exponatec Cologne (www.exponatec.de), fifty public and private bodies became Associate Organisations of Europa Nostra. From AUSTRIA: Siemens AG Österreich (www.siemens.com); from GERMANY 235 Media GmbH (www.235media.com), Acartonwelt GmbH (www.tonwelt.com), Antenna Audio GmbH (www.antennaaudio.com), Artemondo GmbH (www.artemondo.com), Beckerbillett Hamburg Billettfabrik GmbH (www.beckerbillett.de), Burkhardt Leitner constructiv GmbH & Co. KG (www.burkhardtleitner.de), F.G. Conzen GmbH (www.conzen.de), CRUSE GmbH Digital Imaging Equipment, First Glas GmbH (www.firstglas.com), Frank Europe GmbH (www.frankeurope.com), G+B pronova GmbH (www.gb-pronova.de), Glasbau Hahn GmbH + Co. KG (www.glasbau-hahn.de), Hasenkamp Internationale Transporte GmbH (www.hasenkamp.com), Hinrichs FotoFactory (www.fotofactory.de), Werkstätten Galerie Holtmann (www.galerie-holtmann.de), ICON GmbH (www.iconnet.de), Iguide Kulturaufnahme GmbH (www.iguide.de), Die Informations- gesellschaft mbH (www.informationsgesellschaft.com), Karthäuser-Breuer GmbH (www.karthaeuser-breuer.de), KLC Ticketing GmbH (www.klcticketing.com), LE BON IMAGE GmbH (www.bon-image.com), LORD Cultural Resources GmbH (www.lord.ca), Magista b.v. Niederlassung Deutschland (www.magista-brd.de), Marioff GmbH (www.marioff.de), MBA Design & Display Produkt GmbH, MOBOTIX AG (www.mobotix.com), MUSEUM AKTUELL Verlag, Museumstechnik GmbH (www.museumstechnik.com), ORO FINO Vergolderwerkstatt (www.oro-fino.de), Vitrinen- und Glasbau Reier GmbH (www.reier.de), Schenkerart Schenker Deutschland AG , SCHOTT AG Corporate Marketing (www.schott.com), Glas + Spiegel - Schulz GSK - Museumseinrichtungen (www.glasschulz.de), Sehner GmbH Museumseinrichtungen Glas-/Vitrinenbau, Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co.KG (www.sennheiser.com), Soundgarden audioguidance GmbH (www.audioguide.de), stabaArte GmbH (www.stabaArte.de), Museion Versand, Sycomore Audio Guide GmbH (www.sycomore.de), System 2040 (www.system2040.com), TEMUS GmbH Techn.Museumseinrichtungen (www.temus.de), Total Walther GmbH Feuerschutz und Sicherheit (www.tycoint.com), Track & Slide (www.trackandslide.com), Voluma GmbH (www.voluma.net), Voss & Schild GmbH & Co.KG (www.artus-gruppe.com), WAGNER Alarm- und Sicherungssysteme GmbH (www.wagner.de), Zetcom AG (www.zetcom.de), Deutscher Museumsbund e.V. (www.museumsbund.de), and from ITALY: Goppion S.r.l. Laboratorio Museotecnico (www.goppion.com ) Meetings of the Europa Nostra Working Groups At their meetings in Saint Julian’s, Malta, the Europa Nostra Working Groups addressed a series of topical heritage policy issues. The European Policy Working Group discussed the need to update Europa Nostra’s position paper, “Cultural Heritage Counts for Europe” in the light of the recent policy developments at European level. The Landscape Working Group anticipated on the release by the European Commission of a Green Paper for an all-embracing EU Maritime Policy, and discussed the way to coordinate Europa Nostra’s contribution to the consultation with all stakeholders (see below). The Central and Eastern Europe Working Group addressed a range of topics, including the Norwegian EEA Financial Mechanism (www.eeagrants.org), an instrument with considerable funds available for heritage projects in the ten new EU Member States plus Greece, Spain and Portugal. They also reviewed recent cases of heritage at risk in the region, and agreed on the need to increase Europa Nostra’s presence in Central and Eastern Europe. Further information: Mark Snethlage, imo@europanostra.org, +31 70 302 40 51 Europa Nostra Newsletter 6 Summer 2006 Europa Nostra Forum on Cultural Tourism 19 May, St Julian’s, Malta Europe Needs to Strike the Right Balance between Tourism Development and Heritage Conservation At its Annual Congress in Malta, Europa Nostra adopted “the Malta Declaration” advocating the right balance between economic development, sustainable tourism and heritage conservation, which includes the prevention of undesirable overdevelopment and related damage to the cultural heritage through careful planning. Speakers at the Forum included Malta’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Dr Francis Zammit Dimech, as well as Dr Mario Tabone, Chairman of Heritage Malta, Tricia Barnett, Director of “Tourism Concern” (UK), Nigel Adams (UK), Director of the European Cultural Tourism Network, Dr Lester Borley (UK), Council member of Europa Nostra, Prof. Carlos Fernandes (Portugal) and Tiago Pitta e Cunha, member of the Cabinet of European Commissioner Joe Borg, responsible for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. Europa Nostra Council Member Martin Scicluna (Din l-Art Helwa) “drew the threads together”. Europa Nostra expresses its warm thanks to Mr Scicluna for the preparation and organisation of this important Forum. The Malta Declaration (text available on Europa Nostra’s website and also from the Secretariat) calls upon EU Institutions, the Council of Europe, Europe’s national and regional governments, tourism and heritage organisations to apply the principles in “Tourism Code of Ethics” of the World Tourism Organisation and the “International Cultural Tourism Charter” of ICOMOS. While welcoming the recent documents of various EU Institutions (the European Commission, European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee) and the Council of Europe which have focused on the need for sustainable tourism development, the Malta Declaration recommends that the principles embodied in the two abovementioned documents, which underscore Europa Nostra’s commitment and approach to cultural tourism, be fully incorporated into future EU policy. Following the Malta Forum, Europa Nostra is currently preparing a position paper on the subject to be submitted to the European Institutions. Further information: Mr Martin Scicluna, Din l-Art Helwa, martins@onvol.net Meeting with Spanish Heritage NGOs 26 June 2006, Madrid, Spain Prior to the European Heritage Awards Ceremony, Europa Nostra’s representation in Spain, Hispania Nostra, organised a meeting with Spanish heritage NGOs. Wherever Europa Nostra meets in Europe, it tries to engage a dialogue with the representatives of local and national heritage organizations, in order to exchange ideas and to increase its understanding of national and local concerns. This meeting was attended by representatives of the Asociación Española de Gestores de Patrimonio Cultural (www.aegpc.org), the Asociación Española de Amigos de los Castillos (www.castillosasociacion.es), the Fundación Casas Históricas y Singulares (www.casashistoricas.com), the Fundación Caja Madrid (www.fundacioncajamadrid.es), the Real Fundación de Toledo (www.realfundaciontoledo.es), the Fundación Santa María de Albarracín (www.fundacionsantamariadealbarracin.com), the Fundación Santa María la Real-Centro de Estudios del Románico de Aguilar de Campoo (www.santamarialareal.org) and the Comisión de Monumentos y Patrimonio Histórico de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando (http://rabasf.insde.es). The meeting was presided over by D. Alfredo Perez de Armiñan de la Serna, President of Hispania Nostra. Delegates of the Spanish NGOs presented the aims and recent achievements of their organizations. Following the introduction by Dr Andrea H. Schuler, Executive President of Europa Nostra, Secretary General Sneska Quaedvlieg Mihailovic presented the wide range of Europa Nostra’s activities and called for a more active role on the part of the Spanish NGOs in keeping Europa Nostra informed of heritage concerns in Spain and contributing to its policy and awareness raising activities. Europa Nostra Newsletter 7 Summer 2006 First formal contacts with Lithuanian Heritage NGOs established 1 - 3 April & May 2006, Vilnius, Lithuania Nordic Council members of Europa Nostra meeting in Vilnius on 1 April, grasped the occasion to establish a first contact with representatives of the civil society working in the field of cultural heritage in Lithuania. On 3 April, with the invaluable help of the Danish Cultural Institute in Lithuania, they organised a meeting with 40 representatives of Lithuanian heritage NGOs and other heritage bodies. Europa Nostra Council member Thomas Willoch presided over the meeting and presented Europa Nostra’s activities, its broader aims and current concerns. Some of the participants presented the activities of their organisations. In the discussion that ensued topics included current cases of heritage at risk were reviewed, and opportunities for the cultural heritage field offered by the EEA Financial Mechanism. The meeting prepared the field for a more active presence of Europa Nostra in Lithuania in the near future. These first contacts were soon after consolidated by a visit of Europa Nostra Vice President Catharina Collet to Vilnius in May, when it was decided to formally establish a Europa Nostra in Lithuania organisation. Further information: Catharina Collet, Europa Nostra Denmark, catharina@collet.dk Europa Nostra participation in other events ENCATC Seminar: Mediation in Historic Places 30 March – 1 April, Fontevraud Abbey (France) Europa Nostra was represented by its Vice President Denis Kergorlay and Prof. Peter Howard (individual member and Editor of the International Journal of Heritage Studies) at a seminar on “Mediation in Historic Places”, at the Abbey of Fontrevaud (France). The meeting was co-organised by Claire GiraudLabalte, of the Université catholique de l'Ouest (Angers) and Giannalia Cogliandro, Executive Director of ENCATC, the European Network for Cultural Administration Training Centres www.encatc.org. Interpretation (English equivalent of “médiation”) and participation were the two leading themes of the seminar. During the debates it emerged that heritage interpretation services should more fully integrate the needs of the users and the expertise of the providers, rather than the “patronizing” top down model, still widely applied today.There was widest agreement to the idea that many different groups of “users” of the cultural heritage existed, and their needs could be serviced by astute interpretation. Further information: Prof. Peter Howard, peterjhoward@btinternet.com; Giannalia Cogliandro, Executive Director of ENCATC, g.cogliandro@encatc.org Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century. Opportunities and Challenges 24–28 May, Krakow, Poland Europa Nostra’s Vice-President, Denis de Kergorlay and Secretary General Sneska Quaedvlieg Mihailovic participated in the conference “Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century. Opportunities and Challenges”, organised by the International Cultural Centre, Krakow (Poland) on 24 to 28 May. Organised by Prof Jacek Purchla, member of Europa Nostra’s Council, the conference focused on three themes: “Heritage and transformation. The Central and Eastern European experience”; “Towards the global philosophy of heritage conservation“ and “New trends in the management of heritage institutions”. The Seminar also generated an international discussion on the global philosophy of heritage, on the Central European experience of heritage protection and management as well as a new trend in the heritage field. Further information: www.mck.krakow.pl/stara/conference/04b_3v1.htm Europa Nostra Newsletter 8 Summer 2006 Safeguarded Cultural Heritage – Understanding & Viability for the Enlarged Europe 7th European Conference SAUVEUR, 31 May – 3 June, Prague, Czech Republic Over 280 participants from 37 countries participated in this conference organised by the Czech Academy of Sciences with the support of the European Commission. The results of research in cultural heritage issues supported through the Framework Research programmes were presented. Eléonore de Merode, Heritage Awards Coordinator at Europa Nostra’s International Secretariat, participated in the meeting and gave a presentation “Challenges of European Cultural Heritage Research: A Viewpoint from Civil Society”. A final message called for the European Institutions to integrate cultural heritage issues into all relevant areas of the 7th Framework programme and to increase support for cultural heritage research; as well as to mitigate unintentional adverse effects of EU legislation on cultural heritage. The Conference also encouraged the establishment of public-private partnerships for the benefit of the heritage community. Further information: http://www.arcchip.cz/ec-conference/ ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee Workshop 9 - 13 June 2006, Seoul, South Korea “The Impact of Mass Tourism on Historic Villages” was the theme of both the “ICOMOS Asia Pacific Regional Meeting” and the “International Cultural Tourism Committee Workshop” meeting in Seoul in June 2006 at which Council Member Emil van Brederode (The Netherlands) represented Europa Nostra. The meeting was attended by fifty delegates representing 25 Asian national ICOMOS Committees. In his presentation, Emil van Brederode described the European Heritage Days to the mostly Asian audience and underlined the new role that Europa Nostra plays as the Liaison Office for the EHD. He also presented the Malta Declaration on Cultural Tourism which had been distributed to the participants. Mr Graham Brooks, Chairman of the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee welcomed this Europa Nostra Declaration adopted in Malta on 18 May 2006 and noted that it was as a major step forward in the promotion of the ethics and principles of the Cultural Tourism Charter. Further information: Emil van Brederode, Director of Stichting NCM, vanbrederode@erfgoedhuis.nl Promoting Cultural Education in Europe. A Contribution to Participation, Innovation and Quality 8 - 10 June 2006, Graz, Austria The Conference was organised by the Austrian Government (which held the EU Presidency in the first semester of 2006) to position cultural education higher on the political agenda of the EU. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture together with KulturKontakt Austria organised an expert conference “Promoting Cultural Education: A Contribution to Participation, Innovation and Quality” to further improve European cooperation in the field. Europa Nostra was represented by its Council Member Dr Wiltraud Resch (Europa Nostra Austria). Further information: www.conference-cultural-education.at/en/; www.culture-school.net Europa Nostra Newsletter 9 Summer 2006 Other announcements Regional Forum on “Communication of Heritage: A New Vision for South East Europe” 1 - 2 June, Opatija, Croatia Organized by the Croatian President, Stjepan Mesić, and UNESCO Director-General, Koïchiro Matsuura, in cooperation with Terry Davis, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe the Forum aimed to promote a shared vision of the cultural heritage of South-East Europe. A “Strategy on Cultural Corridors of South East Europe” (see www.seecorridors.eu) was presented at the forum so as to determine joint action in favour of heritage shared by the region’s different nations: historical monuments, cultural and natural sites, diverse practices and cultural expressions which are part of the intangible cultural heritage. This initiative was launched at the Varna Summit in Bulgaria in 2005. Three experts’ meetings were held on 31 May and 1 June before the meeting of Heads of State. Participants examined knowledge-sharing and education, as well as digitization of heritage, the creation of archives, protection and enhancement of cultural diversity, cultural tourism, cultural industries and the role of the cultural heritage in sustainable development. The Forum was concluded with the adoption of the Opatija Declaration on the “Communication of Heritage”. Further information: www.seecorridors.eu/filebank/file_137.pdf; www.coe.int/T/E/SG/ Creation of a new International Committee of ICOMOS on the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites 24 March, Ghent, Belgium The aim of this Committee is to define the basic objectives and principles of site interpretation and presentation in relation to techniques and application of technologies, authenticity, intellectual integrity, social responsibility, and respect for cultural significance and context. The Committee recognises that the interpretation of cultural heritage sites can be contentious and should acknowledge conflicting perspectives, and their open and honest recognition can enrich contemporary reflections about the significance of heritage. The first meeting of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Interpretation and Presentation was convened by the committee president, Neil Silberman, on 24 March 2006 at the Provincial Capitol Building in Ghent, Belgium. Further information: http://icip.icomos.org Master’s programme in European Rural Development A new distance learning programme, launched by the University of Gloucestershire (England), offers the chance to study European Rural Development from one’s workplace or home anywhere in Europe, either on a part-time or full-time basis. The course is aimed at professionals in rural development, or those who want to build on a first degree to develop a career in this field. Tutorial support is available. There will be an introduction event and a summer school, to enable students to share ideas and experiences with other students and with teaching staff. Further information: Professor Bill Slee, bslee@glos.ac.uk, www.glos.ac.uk/subjectsandcourses/postgraduatetaught/erd/index.cfm Europa Nostra Newsletter 10 Summer 2006 RECOGNISING OUTSTANDING HERITAGE ACHIEVEMENTS European Heritage Awards Ceremony 27 June 2006, Palacio Real de El Pardo, Madrid, Spain HM the Queen of Spain handed over the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards to 34 laureates The annual “European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards” Ceremony took place at the Palacio Real de El Pardo near Madrid on Tuesday 27 June. The ceremony was presided over by HM Queen Sofía of Spain, Patron of Hispania Nostra, Europa Nostra’s country representation in Spain. Ján Figel’, Member of the European Commission responsible for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism, also participated. The Five Prizes, which each include a monetary award of €10,000, were presented in the following categories: • • • • • Conservation of Architectural Heritage: to the 16th century Omeriye Ottoman Baths, Nicosia (Cyprus) Conservation of Cultural Landscapes: to the Vía de la Plata, Extremadura (Spain) Conservation of Works of Art: to the Edward Chambré Hardman Photographic Collection, Liverpool (United Kingdom) Outstanding Studies: to Dr Anna Sulimowska-Ociepka and the Technical University of Silesia for her PhD thesis on the Old Workers’ Estates in Upper Silesia (Poland) Dedicated Service to Heritage Conservation: to the Maisons Paysannes de France In addition to the five Prizes, twelve Medals (2nd Prize) and seventeen Diplomas (3rd Prize) were also awarded to the laureates coming from 22 different European countries. The Europa Nostra Restoration Fund Grant was awarded to the Wooden Summer Villa, in Cesis (Latvia) The European Heritage Awards Scheme was jointly launched in 2002 by Europa Nostra and the European Commission, in the framework of the Commission’s Culture 2000 programme, to recognise best practices in heritage conservation on a European level. The aims of this Awards Scheme are to promote high standards in conservation practice, to stimulate transboundary exchanges of knowledge and skills, and to encourage further exemplary initiatives in the field of cultural heritage. Heritage Awards 2006: CALL FOR ENTRIES- Reminder Guidelines and forms to submit an entry for participation in the next edition of the “EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards” are available from Europa Nostra’s website, or through the Heritage Awards Coordinator (contact details see below) Deadlines: 1 & 15 September 2006 Further information: http://www.europanostra.org/lang_en/0260_activities_en_eu_awards_winners_2005_pressrelease.html Eléonore de Merode, Heritage Awards Co-ordinator, +31 70 302 40 52, ao@europanostra.org Europa Nostra Newsletter 11 Summer 2006 European Commission Amber tree award for INTERREG III B heritage project 16 - 17 May, Malmö, Sweden, At the Baltic Sea INTERREG III B project conference, “Setting Regions in Motion”, held in Malmö Sweden on 16 - 17 May, an “Amber tree award” was granted to the European Route of Brick Gothic and its follow up project EuRoB II for diving deep into the history of the southern Baltic Sea Region, and at the same time connecting the architectural heritage of the past with the challenges of today using modern IT technology. Further information: www.eurob.info; www.bsrinterreg.net/news/_downloads/conf/14.Amber_tree_awards.doc Winners of the 2006 Euromed Heritage Journalistic Award Jordan's Razan Nasser and Italy's Damiano Laterza, from “MEDA” countries and from the EU respectively, are the winners of the Euromed Heritage Journalistic Award 2006, the international press competition which focuses on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. The prizes will be awarded at a special ceremony during the Euromed Heritage Forum in Istanbul, Turkey on 27 October 2006. Euromed Heritage is financed by the European Union through MEDA, the financial mechanism through which the European Union funds the Barcelona Process. Further information: www.euromedheritage.net/award/index_en.htm www.euromedheritage.net/award2006/resources/press_release_winners.pdf Council of Europe Szeged (Hungary) wins the 2006 Europe Prize The 2006 Europe Prize has been awarded to the Hungarian town of Szeged. The decision was taken unanimously by the Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) meeting on 12 May in Paris. Created by PACE in 1955, the Europe Prize is the highest distinction that can be bestowed on a European town or local authority for its actions in the European domain. The prize consists of a trophy, a medal, a diploma and a scholarship to be spent on a study visit within Europe for young people from the winning town. This university town, situated on the country’s southern border, neighbouring Romania and Serbia, is the main town of Csongrad County. It is twinned with eleven other European towns, including former winners of the Europe Prize, such as Darmstadt (Germany), and the Flag of Honour, such as Cambridge (United Kingdom), Odessa (Ukraine), Timisoara and Tirgu Mures (Romania). European events of major importance have marked the city’s history: the festival of twinned towns, a new twinning arrangement with Pula (Croatia), the launch of the European campaign “Szeged is the gateway to Europe” and the recent commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Great Flood which struck the town in 1879. Szeged, which was already awarded the Flag of Honour in 2000 and the Plaque of Honour in 2002, is the first Hungarian town to receive this award. Further information: http://assembly.coe.int/Committee/ENA/EuropaPrize/prizeindex.htm Europa Nostra Newsletter 12 Summer 2006 European Museum of the Year Award 2006 13 May 2006, Lisbon, Portugal The 2006 Awards were announced on Saturday 13 May, during a ceremony attended by more than 200 people from 28 European countries in the Ball Room of the Ajuda Palace, Lisbon (Portugal). The winners were announced by Sir Neil Cossons, EMF's President and presented by the Forum's Patron, Her Majesty Queen Fabiola of Belgium. The Micheletti Award for the most promising technical or industrial museum among the current year's candidates goes to the Tom Tits Experiment at Södertälje, Sweden (http://en.tomtit.se). The science centre itself was judged to be amongst the most exciting in Europe, taking into account its mission to explain basic scientific principles in a way which can be understood by a broad section of the visiting public. The Council of Europe Award, a bronze statuette by Miró, has been awarded to the Churchill Museum in London, UK (http://churchillmuseum.iwm.org.uk/). Opened in February 2005 in part of the Cabinet War Rooms in the basement of the Treasury Building, the underground headquarters of Britain's wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, it uses modern display technology to give visitors access to many aspects of Churchill's life, career, achievements, character and personality. It was praised for its use of the latest technology to draw on the extensive archives in presentations that are readily accessible to older and younger generations. This award was presented at a separate ceremony at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 11 April 2006. The 2006 European Museum of the Year Award is given to CosmoCaixa Barcelona in Spain (http://obrasocial.lacaixa.es/centros/cosmocaixabcn_es.html). This new museum opened in September 2004 on the site of an older museum, with a meticulously planned museological concept which transmits itself to the visitors, every aspect of the displays having been analysed in depth. Three museums were specially commended: Inatura - The Natural History Adventure Experience in Dornbirn, Austria (www.inatura.at), ARoS Denmark, Aarhus, Denmark (www.aros.dk) and the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (www.thjodminjasafn.is). These three museums received a special diploma recognising their excellence in conception, innovative approach to interpretation and attention to the needs of their visitors. Further information: http://www.europeanmuseumforum.org/ RAISING AWARENESS European Heritage Days 2006 In 2006, as in previous years, the European Heritage Days (EHD), a joint action of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, will be celebrated in 48 countries across Europe during the month of September. In some countries activities are also organised in the period ranging from August to November). Each national co-coordinator has selected its own theme for 2006. European Launch Ceremony in Saint Petersburg on 21 - 22 September 2006 This year the European Launch Ceremony of the EHD will take place at the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg on 21 September, as part of the programme of the Russian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. In order to enhance the importance of this event, the Ministry of Culture and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation, the Council of Europe, and the Government of St Petersburg will also organise a Colloquium on “The Values of Europe’s Cultural Heritage” to take place in Tsarskoye Selo, near Saint Petersburg on 22 September 2006. This event will seek to promote the principles of the "Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Heritage for Society", adopted in Faro (Portugal) on 27 October 2005. Europa Nostra Newsletter 13 Summer 2006 The Colloquium will explore the values of Europe’s cultural heritage for its citizens, its countries, its cities and villages, as well as for Europe’s future in the modern world. Speakers and participants will seek to illustrate the importance of Russian cultural heritage as an integral part of Europe’s cultural heritage, and to demonstrate the need for an ever stronger European cooperation between public authorities and among the civil society. The first session will explore "The Benefits of Cultural Heritage for Society" by focusing on "Heritage as an Asset for Sustainable Development" and "Heritage as a Tool for Civic Education". The second session will address the theme "Safeguarding and Managing Cultural Heritage in Europe: Innovative Practices" and focus on "Exemplary Initiatives by Public Authorities" and on "Exemplary Initiatives by NonGovernmental Actors". Further information: Ms Tamara van Kessel, EHD Programme Co-ordinator jep-ehd@europanostra.org, +31 70 302 40 53 Europa Nostra Heritage Tours 2007 The Europa Nostra Heritage Tours Committee has announced the dates and destinations of the tours in 2007. The Heritage Tours Brochure 2007 with full descriptions will be available in October 2006. • • • • • 19-24 April: 8-14 May: September: 16-21 October: 1-14 November: Lyon and surroundings, France Villas of the Veneto, Italy Serbia Mallorca's Heritage, Spain Syria (French speaking tour) Further information: Barbara Zander, Heritage Tours Co-ordinator om@europanostra.org, +31 70 302 40 54 UNESCO The 30th session of the World Heritage Committee 8 to 16 July 2006, Vilnius, Lithuania The World Heritage Committee, consisting of representatives from 21 States Parties to the Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage, elected by the General Assembly of States Parties to the Convention, met in Vilnius from 8 to 16 July 2006. It identified (on the basis of nominations submitted by States Parties) cultural and natural properties of outstanding universal value which are to be protected under the Convention and to list those properties on the World Heritage List. These included 16 cultural sites (5 in Europe) and 2 natural sites (none in Europe). Moreover - 2 sites, 2 natural and 1 cultural - all in Europe, were extended. The World Heritage List now numbers 830 sites. The European cultural sites added in 2006 are: Centennial Hall in Wroclaw, Poland; Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape United Kingdom; Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli, Italy; Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof, Germany; Vizcaya Bridge, Spain. The three extended sites are Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (also placed on the World Heritage at Risk list, see below), Serbia; the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, Andorra, and the Kvarken Archipelago / High Coast Finland, Sweden. The current composition of the World Heritage Committee is: Benin, Canada, Chile, Cuba, India, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lithuania (Chair), Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand (Rapporteur), Norway, Peru, Spain, Republic of Korea, Tunisia, United States of America. Further information: http://whc.unesco.org/; www.30whc.org/en/ Europa Nostra Newsletter 14 Summer 2006 European Commission Culture 2000: selected projects in 2006 On 11 July 2006, the European Commission announced the projects receiving a grant within the framework of Culture 2000 Programme in 2006. They include 41 projects in the field of cultural heritage under action 1 (annual projects) and 8 projects in the field of cultural heritage under action 2 (multi-annual projects). The Culture 2000 programme contributes to the promotion of a cultural area common to the European Peoples. Each year the Community supports annual and multi-annual cultural events and projects carried out in partnership or in the forms of networks. The annual projects must involve cultural operators from at least three States and respectively the multi-annual projects must involve cultural operators from at least five States participating in the Culture 2000 programme. Further information: http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/how_particip2000/pract_info/appel_2006_en.html INFLUENCING POLICY Council of Europe Europa Nostra participated in Cultural Heritage Steering Committee Meeting The Steering Committee on Cultural Heritage of the Council of Europe (CD PAT) met in Strasbourg on 10 to 12 May. The CD-PAT is composed of delegates of all member states of the Council of Europe and discusses cultural heritage themes of common interest and emits policy recommendations to the Council of Europe. It also decides on the Council of Europe action plan in the field of cultural heritage. Europa Nostra has an observer status and participated in this meeting to present the broad lines of its plans as the new Liaison Office for the European Heritage Days. Europa Nostra’s Vice President Denis de Kergorlay and its Secretary General Sneska Quaedvlieg Mihailovic also reported on our federation’s recent activities regarding the protection of the endangered cultural heritage in Kosovo. Further information: Sneska Quaedvlieg Mihailovic, Secretary General, sg@europanostra.org, +31 70 302 40 56 European Commission Adoption of a Green Paper on a Future Maritime Policy for the Union 7 June 2006, Brussels, Belgium On 7 June, the European Commission adopted a Maritime Policy Green Paper which aims to encourage the EU to look at the oceans and seas in an integrated manner, for Europe to maintain its resource base and to continue being competitive in maritime affairs. Europa Nostra has contributed to the drafting of this paper which identifies gaps between sea-related sectoral policy areas and attempts to adopt best practice and learn from obstacles and challenges. The public release of the document marked the start of a one year consultation period with all stakeholders. Europa Nostra Newsletter 15 Summer 2006 At its Congress in Malta, Europa Nostra created an informal group that will coordinate the consultation among its own members with a view to produce a joint response to the consultation, representing the opinions and views of the entire cultural heritage sector. Organisations wishing to participate or contribute are invited to contact Mark Snethlage, Policy and Campaigns Officer, imo@europanostra.org, tel. +31 70 302 40 51 Further information: http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/ Europa Nostra exchanged views about “European Heritage List” proposal 20 June, Paris, France Europa Nostra Vice-President Denis de Kergorlay and Secretary-General Sneska Quaedvlieg Mihailovic on 20 June met Jean d’Haussonville, Policy Advisor to French Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres to discuss the proposal for a “European Heritage List”. During the talks, Europa Nostra welcomed the idea of a European Heritage List, but insisted that some provisions should be made to allow the participation of non EU Member States. The initiative was first announced at the Conference “Europe for Intercultural Dialogue”, which took place in Grenada (Spain) on 27 - 28 April 2006. It is a joint proposal by the French, Spanish and Hungarian Ministers of Culture and is designed to highlight the importance of our historical heritage in the building of Europe. The list is not intended as a remake of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Instead of highlighting universal artistic value, it focuses on the value of a site for European history and culture. On 10 July, heritage experts from the EU Member States Culture Ministries gathered in Paris to further discuss the proposal. Further information: Sneska Quaedvlieg Mihailovic, Secretary General, sg@europanostra.org, European Environmental Agency Alarming report on the state of Europe’s coastlines 3 July, Copenhagen, Denmark The European Environmental Agency (EEA), published a report drawing attention to the rapid decline of Europe’s coastal environment, warning its quality is approaching a “point of no return”. The 107 page report analyses the recent trends in a wide range of sectors affecting the environment of our coastlines: urbanisation, transport and industry, tourism, agriculture etc. The coastal space is a limited resource appealing to a wide range of “users”. For the first time, a Europe-wide integrated spatial assessment is presented which also takes account of so-called “ecosystem services” (benefits people obtain from ecosystems), whose value is not always considered in mainstream analyses. The report shows a rapid increase in population density in coastal areas compared to the European average. Of particular concern is residential sprawl and infrastructure development which result in fragmentation of coastal habitats and the building up of large tracts of coastline. The seasonal mass migration of tourists poses considerable challenges to the management of coastal areas. The report is the EEA’s contribution to the review of the ongoing implementation of the “integrated coastal zone management” (ICZM) by the European Commission in 2006. Further information: http://org.eea.europa.eu/documents/newsreleases/coastal2006-en Europa Nostra Newsletter 16 Summer 2006 European Parliament Call for more attention for Europe’s rural and island heritage On 27 May 2006, at a meeting of the EP Culture Committee, its Chairman, Mr Nikolaos Sifunakis MEP, presented his “Draft Report on the protection of the European natural and architectural cultural heritage in rural and island areas”. Europa Nostra welcomed this initiative that draws particular attention to the role of cultural heritage to the quality of life, economy and sustainable development of rural villages and islands. After consultation with the members of its European Policy Working Group, Europa Nostra submitted a document with some suggested amendments to the report, particularly on the need to highlight and to acknowledge the role of civil society organisations in the planning and decision making regarding cultural heritage in these areas. All amendments by MEPs were approved in Brussels on 13 July during the meeting of the EP’s Committee on Culture and Education. The report is now scheduled to be presented and adopted at the next plenary session of the European Parliament on 7 September. Further information: www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/pr/610/610290/610290en.pdf Amendments to FP7 in favour of cultural heritage passed Europa Nostra has been following the preparation of the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) or FP7. On 6 April 2005, the European Commission issued a Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the FP7. This programme will succeed to the current FP6 which amongst others funds training, research and technology development projects in the field of cultural heritage (building conservation techniques, digital disclosure and presentation of cultural heritage information, monitoring and impact studies). In a report submitted on 1 June 2006, Rapporteur Jerzy Buzek MEP suggested a number of amendments to the proposal originally submitted by the European Commission for the FP7. These amendments stress the importance of cultural heritage for society and call for more resources within the future framework programme to be allocated to heritage research priorities. Europa Nostra wrote a letter to all MEPs to request their support for these amendments. All the amendments were passed at the plenary session of the European Parliament on Tuesday 13 June, and the amended proposal will soon be submitted to the Council of Ministers. Further information: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/debate.htm Finnish EU Presidency Culture Programme of the Finnish Presidency On 13 July, Finnish Minister for Culture Mrs Tanja Saarela and Minister for Transport and Communication Mrs Susanna Huovinen presented the culture programme of the Finnish EU Presidency to the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education. The presentations contained announcements of relevance to the cultural heritage field. Mrs Saarela declared that one of the Finnish EU Presidency’s priority agenda points in the field of culture would be to conclude the co-decision procedure concerning Culture 2007 programme, so that it could start in January 2007. The encouragement of initiatives aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue, also with a view to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, to take place in 2008 would also receive due attention. In this context, the Finnish Presidency will also develop a communication strategy towards all Member States encouraging them to sign and ratify the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted by the UNESCO General Assembly in Paris on 20 October 2005. At EU level, this should ultimately lead to the adoption of a joint code of conduct. MEP Manolis Mavromatis questioned the ministers about the return of art objects that were illegally exported to their countries of origin. The Finnish EU Presidency would take measures to improve the mobility of objects of art for the purposes of exhibitions and thus a greater public accessibility, but could not make any statement regarding the policy for the return of art objects to their countries of origin. Further information: www.eu2006.fi Europa Nostra Newsletter 17 Summer 2006 European Council Adoption of a renewed Sustainable Development Strategy The European Heads of State and Government meeting in Brussels on 15 and 16 June in Brussels adopted an ambitious and comprehensive renewed EU Strategy for Sustainable Development (doc. 10117/06). The implementation of this Strategy will be closely monitored and followed up by the European Council on a regular basis. This document sets out a single, coherent strategy on how the EU will more effectively live up to its long-standing commitment to meet the challenges of sustainable development. It reaffirms the need for global solidarity and recognises the importance of working with partners outside the EU, including those rapidly developing countries which will have a significant impact on global sustainable development. Further information: http://ec.europa.eu/sustainable/welcome/index_en.htm HERITAGE AT RISK Germany: World Heritage Committee threatens to remove Dresden Elbe Valley from World Heritage List The World Heritage Committee decided Tuesday to place the cultural landscape of Dresden Elbe Valley on the List of World Heritage in Danger with a view to avert plans by the municipality of Dresden to build a bridge over the Elbe on the site. The Committee decided that plans to build a bridge across the Elbe would have such a serious impact on the integrity of property's landscape that it may no longer deserve to be on the World Heritage List. It therefore decided to inscribe Dresden Elbe Valley on the List of World Heritage in Danger "with a view to also consider, in a prudent manner, delisting the site from the World Heritage List in 2007 if the plans are carried through." The 18-km long area is an outstanding cultural landscape that integrates the celebrated baroque setting and suburban garden city into an artistic whole within the river valley. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004. No site has ever been struck off the World Heritage List which numbers 812 properties declared to be of outstanding universal value in terms of UNESCO's 1972 World Heritage Convention. Further information: http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/265 Serbia / Kosovo: World Heritage Committee puts Medieval Monuments in Kosovo on Danger List The World Heritage Committee decided to extend the site inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004 as Dečani Monastery (Serbia) and place it on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The World Heritage Committee decided to extend the site of the Dečani Monastery by adding to it three groups of churches, the Patriarchate of Peć Monastery, Gračanica Monastery and the Church of the Virgin of Ljeviša. The sites are now to be known as Medieval Monuments in Kosovo. The extended property, mainly dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, was also placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to difficulties in its management and conservation stemming from the region's political instability. The Committee requested that the State Party (Serbia) work with UNESCO programmes, with the United Nations Mission to Kosovo (UNMIK) and with the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Kosovo in caring for the site. The four edifices of the site reflect the high points of the Byzantine-Romanesque ecclesiastical culture that developed in the Balkans between the 13th and 17th centuries with its distinct style of wall painting. The Patriarchate of Peć Monastery is a group of four domed churches, on the outskirts of Peć featuring series of wall paintings. The 13th-century frescoes of the Church of Holy Apostles are painted in a unique, Europa Nostra Newsletter 18 Summer 2006 monumental style. Early 14th-century frescoes in the church of the Holy Virgin represent the appearance of the new so called Palaiologian Renaissance style, combining the influences of the eastern Orthodox Byzantine and the western Romanesque traditions. The style played a decisive role in subsequent Balkan art. Further information: http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/268 Serbia / Kosovo: Inauguration of Kurshumli Mosque in the sign of reconciliation and intercultural dialogue 3 July, Pejë/Pec, Kosovo On 3 July, Europa Nostra’s Vice-President Denis de Kergorlay travelled to Kosovo to attend the inauguration ceremony of the recently restored Kurshumli Mosque (Pejë/Pec), which had been destroyed in 1999 during the Kosovo war. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the local authorities, the Kosovo Assembly, the religious communities, UNMIK, KFOR and local and international NGOs. In his speech, InterSOS Secretary General Nino Sergi set out the principles and objectives of his organisation’s programme in Kosovo. The President of the Kosovo Assembly, Kolë Berisha, and the President of the Islamic Community in Kosovo, Mufti Naim Tërnava, called for increased tolerance, cooperation and dialogue between the ethnic and religious communities in Kosovo, and praised the initiatives of InterSOS to contribute to this difficult objective. Prior to the ceremony, representatives of the Islamic community in Kosovo visited the Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Decani, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. The visit aimed to underline the genuine will for interreligious cooperation and dialogue. The Islamic community representatives were welcomed by Bishop Teodosije and discussed the ways forward towards a multi-cultural and multireligious Kosovo. InterSOS, an Italian humanitarian NGO, already active in the region before the 1999 war in Kosovo offered relief and assistance to the civilian population fleeing the war violence. Soon after the war, reconstruction of dwellings was a priority. After the most basic needs had been addressed, InterSOS embarked upon the long and arduous task of rebuilding confidence, dialogue and cooperation among the various communities. The restoration and enhancement of the historic, religious and cultural heritage was identified as a powerful strategy to achieve this aim. Further information: Carla Calistri, Head of Mission, InterSOS Kosovo, Kosovo@intersos.org Cyprus: architectural heritage north of Green Line still very much at risk At the latest meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education on 13 July, French MEP Claire Gibault reported on her recent visit to Cyprus as part of a European Parliament mission to that country. Among other things she drew attention to the dire state of the cultural heritage north of the socalled Green Line, separating Cyprus from the territory invaded by the Turkish army in 1974. Whereas the architectural heritage of different cultural and religious origin seems to be adequately looked after in Cyprus, the religious heritage in the occupied northern part is falling into disrepair, closed to the public and worshippers. Nikolaos Sifunakis, MEP, Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Education welcomed the report and announced that his Committee would examine the case and suggest possible forms of action. Further information: Mark Snethlage Europa Nostra Policy and Campaigns Officer, imo@europanostra.org Croatia: Historic core of Split threatened by ill-conceived urban regeneration project City authorities have granted a building project for the renovation of the Riva, a coastal promenade between the historic core of the city and the harbour. The historic core of Split including Diocletian’s Palace has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The team of architects which won the competition for Europa Nostra Newsletter 19 Summer 2006 the renovation of Riva have proposed two major innovations, which conservationists deem unacceptable. Instead of proposing the reconstruction of the 19th century fountain, destroyed in 1947, they have designed a modern "multi active fountain" which will disfigure the existing historic setting. Second, they proposed a new pavement for the promenade using "techno-concrete" instead of the traditional stone pavement, characteristic for the Dalmatian region. The Society of “Friends of Cultural Heritage of Split”, has tried to convince the local authorities to safeguard the historical environment on the Riva of Split, particularly insisting on the reconstruction of the 19th century fountain whose original appearance is fully documented. Moreover, several original fragments of the fountain have been saved and they could be incorporated within the reconstructed monument. The proposal of the Society has gained the support of the most outstanding authorities of Croatia in the field of conservation, art and architectural history, as well as of members of Academy of Science. Further information: Kristijan Kowalski, Croatia Nostra, kristijan.kowalsky@gmail.com Turkey: future of excavations at Allianoi threatened by lack of funds The Roman Baths Allianoi, near Bergama in Western Turkey dating from the second century AD are a unique site threatened by the construction of an irrigation dam. In 2004, alerted by concerned Turkish heritage organisations, Europa Nostra launched a campaign calling for the rescue of the site, by writing to the Turkish Ministers concerned. In 2005, Europa Nostra teamed up with ICOMOS and the European Association of Archaeologists, to increase the pressure. That same year, the announced filling of the dam was cancelled on two occasions. As long as the site is not inundated, the Ministry of Culture has granted the archaeologists the permission to excavate, but without allocating the necessary funds. The archaeological excavation team led by Dr. Ahmet Yaras, needs 50.000 euros to carry out this summer’s work. Concerned citizens have thus far contributed 10.000 euros covering only a part of the urgently needed funds. Further information: Ustun Reinart, Allianoi Initiative, reinart@metu.edu.tr ICOMOS H@R: Special focus on underwater cultural heritage In April 2006, ICOMOS published a special edition of its Heritage at Risk (H@R) report focusing on the specific threats to underwater cultural heritage, the factors that matter, and the challenges posed by its conservation. The report, titled “Underwater Cultural Heritage at Risk: Managing Natural and Human Impacts”, was published in response to the unexpected reluctance by many UNESCO States Parties to ratify the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage” adopted in November 2001. Prior to the adoption of the Convention though, ICOMOS had produced a Charter, now part of the Convention and which is today incorporated in the policy of many important maritime powers. Further information: www.international.icomos.org/risk/2006/index.html Europa Nostra Newsletter 20 Summer 2006