CULTURAL HERITAGE IN KOSOVO: FROM APPLE OF DISCORD TO FERMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Europa Nostra Forum and Preparatory Meetings
| UNESCO Headquarters (Paris) On 14 November, Europa Nostra, the Pan European Federation for Cultural Heritage, organised a Forum bringing together one hundred heritage professionals and interested members of the public from across Europe at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to discuss possible ways forward in the protection of the cultural heritage in Kosovo. “The title of the Forum “From Apple of Discord to Ferment of Reconciliation” reflects our deep conviction that the cultural heritage – after having been the victim of so many destructions, damage and confrontations – can and must become a powerful factor in the construction of a society based on the respect of human rights and shared European values. [...] I do express the hope that all those who carry the cultural heritage in their hearts will be able to overcome many years of discord and to stride on the path of reconciliation” Andrea Schuler, Executive President of Europa Nostra, said in his opening speech. The discussions during the Forum benefited from the atmosphere of openness and mutual respect that had been created during a series of preparatory meetings which took place at the Château de Canisy (Normandy) by invitation of Denis de Kergorlay, Europa Nostra Vice-President, who also heads the Europa Nostra Kosovo Task Force. These encounters enabled 38 professionals from Kosovo/UNMIK, Serbia and neighbouring countries to meet for the first time in an informal setting and discuss issues of common concern. While recognising the scale of deliberate heritage destruction in the recent past, the continuing threats and state of disrepair of many historic buildings and sites, both listed and non-listed, the meetings generated positive energy and some optimism for the future. Among the individuals with a heart for cultural heritage there is a genuine will to get to know one another and to act together for the benefit of the safeguard of the cultural heritage in Kosovo, as an integral part of Europe ’s common cultural heritage. The discussions yielded a wealth of practical ideas and initiatives that could be deployed to bring to life the hopes and ideals expressed at the Forum. The participants from the region contributed in their personal capacity – thus underlining the non-institutional character of this Europa Nostra initiative – while bringing to the table their valuable experience from working in public bodies or non-governmental organisations. All participants agreed that in order to make future progress, it was essential to depoliticize the debate on cultural heritage, to acknowledge and be honest about past wrong-doings of all sides, to show generosity of spirit towards each other and to consider the cultural heritage inclusively, as a rich inheritance of all, rather than as the exclusive property of separate religious or ethnic groups. Certain monuments and sites play an essential role in shaping and affirming the cultural identity of specific ethnic or religious communities which do feel a particular attachment for and responsibility towards their use and conservation. However, monuments also possess intrinsic values such as their aesthetic quality and their architectural or historic significance to be shared and appreciated by all. Regional cooperation was seen as an essential factor to make optimum use of the skills, expertise and knowledge present in South-East Europe . The setting up of a regional training centre and of a committee of regional experts to give advice on the best methods of conservation were proposed as concrete measures to foster such regional exchanges. In this way, in stead of focusing on local problems we should highlight opportunities for regional cooperation. As far as the functioning of the public institutions – at various levels – the emphasis was placed on the urgent need to improve their institutional, administrative and financial capacity to fulfil their role adequately. The key role of civil society – organised in local, regional and international NGOs – for facilitating and implementing joint initiatives in the field of conservation and enhancement was also stressed. As far as education was concerned, the need for unbiased history and cultural heritage education in schools was deemed vital. The multi-perspective South-East European “Joint History Project” was mentioned as an example and an encouraging initiative. Participants emphasised the role of the media, in particular that of television, in raising awareness and educating the citizens about the multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature of their cultural heritage and developing a sense of shared responsibility for the safeguarding of this heritage. Cross-border broadcasting of heritage programmes was suggested as a means to open the minds and hearts of the citizens to all aspects of cultural heritage which forms an integral part of the common heritage of the region and indeed of the whole of Europe. The challenge of ensuring the protection of religious heritage in Kosovo was highlighted. Particular attention was also requested for the vernacular heritage which constitutes an essential part of the urban fabric and the rural landscape and at present very much at risk from neglect, uncontrolled development and poor enforcement of spatial planning legislation. Various parties involved in the protection and management of the cultural heritage in Kosovo deplored that archives, documentation on the cultural heritage and artefacts are still not yet fully shared, although some progress is being made. Involving the local communities and ensuring access to monuments and sites was deemed essential to foster a sense of commitment and responsibility for the common heritage among all communities in Kosovo, and to allow heritage professionals to cooperate and do their work. Yet, Serbs still seem to face great difficulties and even danger when travelling in Kosovo, and Kosovo Albanians are not yet easily granted access to Serb Orthodox religious sites. Finding appropriate measures to improve the situation should become a priority. All participants recognised the important achievements realised by international organisations such as the Council of Europe, the European Commission, UNESCO and UNMIK, to help build bridges between the local stakeholders. Europa Nostra’s present initiative was seen as a valuable civil society contribution to all these efforts. “The meetings in Canisy and in Paris have clearly demonstrated that promoting inter-cultural dialogue in South-East Europe constitutes an immediate challenge for Europe , both for its Institutions and for its civil society. Collectively, we indeed have an important task: to continue to help the local communities to overcome the “logic of confrontation” and to embark upon a “positive spiral” of mutual understanding and confidence building, for the benefit of the safeguard of the cultural heritage and more generally for the benefit of the lasting stability and future prosperity of the entire region”, stressed Denis de Kergorlay, Europa Nostra’s Vice-President, in his concluding remarks at the Forum. |
List of participants in the Preparatory Meetings |
