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MONUMENT PROTECTION STAKEHOLDERS IN GERMANY MEET TO CREATE A STRONGER LOBBY
nov 24
"Heritage organisations in Germany need to improve their cooperation“, stated Alexander Fürst zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, Vice-President of Europa Nostra and President of Europa Nostra Deutschland, during the colloquium "Monuments Protection Lobby – how many cooks does it take to spoil the broth?" This colloquium, organised by Europa Nostra Deutschland on 19 November, was a highlight of EXPONATEC Cologne, the International Trade Fair for Museums, Conservation and Heritage, which took place from 17 to 20 November 2009 in Cologne, Germany.
Some 200 delegates representing German heritage organisations, politicians, architectural practices, rural and urban planners, researchers, and private owners of monuments across Germany discussed pressing issues in the German heritage sector. The keynote speeches were given by Prof. Dr. Michael Krautzberger, Board member of the German Foundation for the Preservation of Monuments and Europa NostraBoard member, Dr Ulrich Hatzfeld, Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs and Dr Herlind Gundelach, President of the German National Committeefor Monument Protection. Europa Nostra was also represented by Council members Angus Fowler and Rupert Graf Strachwitz. Representatives of many Member organisations and a number of Individual members also participated in the session.
A sample of questions which were addressed:
- Who or what instance could represent the various initiatives for monument protection?
- Who could view the German heritage movement in its broader context and thus be recognised as a negotiating partner at national and European level?
- How to give the protection of the natural and built heritage a common voice in Germany?
Currently, appeals, petitions and recommendations are too often ignored despite the economic importance of the sector. Tax reductions amounting to 119 million Euro must be seen against 1.3 billion Euro income generated by the heritage field, and not be seen as excessive. With 30.000 jobs connected to monument protection existing in Germany, the positive impact on employment is enormous.
- How to effectively lobby for the monument protection sector to bring recognition for the benefits it brings to the German economy and society?
Europa Nostra Deutschland, together with the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz (German Foundation for the Preservation of Monuments) and the Deutsche Burgenvereinigung (German Castles Association), the other co-organisers of this event, expressed their willingness to prepare a follow- up meeting in the near future to present practical models for a lobbying platform. This would follow the recommendations of the colloquium: a flexible structure, topic-oriented action and solidarity on specific issues with other stakeholders working in the field of culture.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Holger Rescher
Europa Nostra Deutschland
c/o Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz
Koblenzer Straße 75
53177 Bonn
Tel +49 228 390 639 88
Fax +49 228 390 63 43
