europa nostra newsletter
Spring/Summer 2007
Europa Nostra Germany coordinator visits Europa Nostra headquarters The Hague, Netherlands, 21 February 2007 Dr Holger Rescher, representative of Europa Nostra's German country representation, visited the Europa Nostra Secretariat in The Hague on 21 February 2007, to discuss the cooperation between the international and the German organisation. An important part of this cooperation is the translation of Europa Nostra documents into German, to reach the large German speaking part of Europe. Dr Rescher showed the work done to improve the visibility of the country representation by means of brochures and the launch of a new website. Recently, Europa Nostra Germany has been a key partner in the coordination of Europa Nostra’s intervention for the safeguarding of the Elbe Valley near Dresden, a World Heritage Site (See Campaigning for Heritage at Risk). Futher information Dr Holger Rescher, Europa Nostra Germany, holger.rescher@denkmalschutz.de
New country representation - Europa Nostra Serbia Belgrade , Serbia , 8 February 2007 Europa Nostra Serbia 's founding assembly meeting was held in the National Museum in Belgrade on 8 February 2007 . Many scholars and researchers, journalists and NGO representatives took part in the event, as this was an opportunity to hear more on Europa Nostra, and also about the aims and planned activities of Europa Nostra Serbia . Presentations were followed by exchange and discussion on current concerns regarding cultural heritage, policy directions and awareness raising activities. Europa Nostra in Serbia is currently fully involved in the preparations of Europa Nostra’s Scientific Council Colloquy, Council Meeting and participation in the events marking the European Heritage Days in Belgrade , to take place in Belgrade from 14 to 23 September 2007 (see below). Europa Nostra in Serbia ’s President Prof. Irina Subotic and her team have also prepared a proposal for a programme of activities for the benefit of the cultural heritage in Kosovo. Further information
Fedecrail seeks closer cooperation with Europa Nostra The Hague , Netherlands , 12 December 2006 Representatives of the Council of one of Europa Nostra's Member Organisations Fedecrail, the European Federation of Museum & Tourist Railways, visited the Europa Nostra Secretariat to explain the federation's objectives and activities and to learn about Europa Nostra. Both European umbrella organisations, Fedecrail and Europa Nostra share ideas about cultural heritage and its role in all parts of society, in particular on the issue of Cultural Tourism and its effects. Europa Nostra ‘s Vice President Catharine Collet spoke at Fedecrail’s 2007 Conference in Odense (Denmark, 27 April - 2 May 2007), and Ambassador Rienko Wilton, an individual member from the Netherlands, presented Europa Nostra at an event organised by Fedecrail at the European Parliament on 9 May in Brussels. Further information
Europa Nostra’s Council, at its last meeting in Stockholm on 6 June approved the membership of 15 new heritage NGO’s. Europa Nostra welcomes these new members and is confident that their membership will result in many years of mutual beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the protection and enhancement of Europe ’s common cultural heritage.
NEW MEMBER ORGANISATIONS Association A.V.E.C. (Alliance des Villes Européennes de Culture) - European Network based in France Over the past 10 years A.V.E.C. ( Alliance des Villes Européennes de Culture, Alliance of European Cities of Culture) has regrouped european cities and regions sharing one common objective: optimising their policies and administration in order to achieve a high level of quality and professionalism in the field of sustainable management of historic cities and regions and their heritage. The association organises meetings and exchanges between its members, puts together interregional commissions and sets up projects at European level.
Union REMPART - France Union Rempart was established in 1966. Today it brings together 170 local conservation organisations throughout France . Most of these voluntary member organisations operate at a local level for the conservation and enhancement of the cultural heritage (most often one particular site). New functions are found for each site, thus contributing to the development of the local communities. The associations organise restoration camps for volunteers, technical trainings, education and cultural activities. Rempart is a publicly recognised association in France and maintains good relations with the French Ministries of Culture, of Youth, of Foreign Affairs, of Social Affairs but also with local authorities.
Irish Heritage Trust - Ireland The mission of the Irish Heritage Trust is to acquire properties of significant heritage value where there is a risk to such value, so as to provide for their proper conservation, maintenance and presentation; their public enjoyment and appreciation; and public access to them in perpetuity. The Trust was formally launched on 3 July 2006 and is a fully constituted, limited company with charitable status and an independent board.
National Fund for the Rebirth of the Russian Country Estate - Russia The National Fund for the Rebirth of the Russian Estate was established for the implementation of social, charitable, cultural and educational activities. The National Fund’s activities are guided by priorities of universal ethics and values. The NF PRCE popularises an idea of “resurrection” of monuments of the country estate (18th - early 20th century). Most of them are deserted today. The mission of the NF PRCE is to develop consistent policy on the “rebirth” of immovable heritage of Russia in the current social and economic conditions. Restored Russian country estates must become new centres for social and economic growth of rural deserted areas as a factor for reinforcing Russian identity. The NF PRCE has been researching and popularising foreign experience, also looking for innovative ways of partnerships between the state, civil society and business. The National Fund created networks between different professional, territorial and business communities and has searched for resources for the implementation of projects and programmes related to the integration of historical buildings into sustainable social and cultural development.
European Maritime Heritage - European Network based in The Netherlands The European Maritime Heritage (EMH) is a non-governmental organisation for private owners of traditional ships, as well as for maritime museums and other interested bodies. The objectives of the EMH exclude any pursuit of profit, and include the encouragement of mutual cooperation between the extensive community of organisations in Europe, including museums, involved in keeping maritime heritage alive; the facilitation of the flow of advice and assistance between such organisations; the contribution to the mutual understanding of different maritime cultures and increase public awareness of those cultures, by organising a triennial congress; the identification and promotion of historic water-borne links between European regions, publicising the role waterways as a cultural bridge between the nations; the study and solution of common problems identified in the course of preserving and operating traditional craft in Europe; and the liaison with official organisations of the European Union with a representative and consultative service on all aspects of preserving and operation historic boats and vessels. www.european-maritime-heritage.org
Bulgarian National Heritage “Ferdinandeum” Association - Bulgaria The Bulgarian National Heritage 'Ferdinandeum' Association (BNHF) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Bulgarian cultural heritage and aims at raising public awareness of national architectural monuments, collections, and sites of cultural and historic importance. It concentrates on ‘Neo-Byzantine’ aesthetics, i.e. the official artistic style of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom (1878-1944). ‘Ferdinandeum' recalls the founder of the last Bulgarian Dinasty, H. M. Tsar Ferdinand Leopold Maria Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, connoisseur and patron of the national fine arts and architecture. The Association turns its attention only to those current artefacts and cultural practices that are capable to display a convincing continuation of the genuine national tradition, and to perform an active part in consolidation of national identity. In parallel, the Association seeks to extend its professional contacts with experienced EU cultural institutions and non-governmental organisations with the aim to introduce in Bulgaria the most advanced and efficient practices in the sphere of preservation, promotion and management of cultural heritage.
The Center for Sustainable Values “Lychnidos” - Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia The Center for Sustainable Values (CSV) “Lychnidos” is non governmental, not profit organisation devoted to built, cultural and natural Heritage protection, sustainable urban planning and development and rural regeneration in the Ohrid Region, FYR of Macedonia. The old city of Ohrid , rich in valuable cultural-historic monuments and Lake Ohrid with its picturesque surroundings are listed as a mixed World Heritage Site. One of our main objectives is to promote and achieve balance between heritage protection and the rapid economic development in the period of transition, in order to save the cultural and natural heritage and to maintain the identity of this outstanding place, as a part of our common European heritage. With this aim the CSV “Lychnidos” is actively contributing to the dissemination, adoption and implementation of EU policy and standards.
Erfgoed Nederland - The Netherlands The mission of Erfgoed Nederland is to strengthen the position, the interest and significance of cultural heritage in our society. Main activities are promotion, education, serving as a forum for heritage institutions, management development, intercultural projects and organisation of congresses. Erfgoed Nederland has been created in 2007 following the merger of Stichting NCM (until then a member organisations of Europa Nostra) with DIVA (archives), SNA (archaeology) and Erfgoed Actueel (education).
PERSPECTIV - Association of Historic Theatres in Europe - European Network based in Germany The mission of PERSPECTIV is to encourage and support the conservation and restoration of historic theatres, secure the continuous exchange between these theatres and everybody interested in them, initiate and support research and introduce the public to this extraordinary European cultural heritage.
ARVHA - Association pour la recherche sur la ville et l’habitat - France ARVHA’s trains architects in restoration skills with a particular emphasis on women participation in architecture and building activities. It promotes exchanges between trainers and professionals in the field of architecture, sustainable development and renewable energies, heritage protection and enhancement and raising public awareness about architecture in the widest sense. ARVHA also fights against the discrimination of the handicapped in the architecture profession and public space design.
St James’s Conservation Trust - United Kingdom The object’s of the St. James’s Conservation Trust Ltd. Include the promotion of high standards of planning and architecture in or affecting the area of benefit; the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest in the area of benefit; and the education of the public in the geography, history, natural history and architecture of the area of benefit.
Stichting tot Beheer van Huis Doorn (Foundation for the Management of Huis Doorn) - The Netherlands The mission of the Foundation is to run the museum Huis Doorn and act as manager and private organisation on behalf of the Dutch State , the actual owner of the property. The foundation manages and conserves the unique collection of the German ex-Emperor Wilhelm II, who lived here in exile from 1920 until his death in 1941.
Europäisches Burgeninstitut, Einrichtung der Deutschen Burgenvereinigung e.V. - European Network based in Germany The European Castles Institute’s mission is to promote scientific research on historic castles and manor houses. The Institute has a specialist library on castle research (30.000 books) and a collection of plans, maps, pictures, photographs and documents related to European castles.
NEW ASSOCIATE ORGANISATIONS Municipality of Gentofte - Denmark Main activities of the Municipality of Gentofte are functions of local authorities in Denmark such as social health care, environment, leisure and culture, primary education, physical planning, elder service etc.
Distretto Culturale Taormina Etna - Italy Taormina Etna Cultural District is a recognised organisation that works in the field of management and enhancement of tourism, agrifood, natural and regional production resources. It primarily works in the field of spatial planning, cooperation between the various stakeholders (public and private) and sustainable development of local resources. Taormina Etna Cultural District encourages the rediscovery and knowledge of local history, culture and religion, and raises awareness of the local cultural heritage among the population.
Stockholm City Museum - Sweden The mission of the Stockholm City Museum is to preserve the city’s cultural heritage, bring it to life and convey it to Stockholm residents, visitors and future generations. The City Museum supports research on Stockholm and publishes literature on the subject.
AIX Arkitektkontor AB - Sweden AIX Arkitektkontor AB is one of the ten largest architect offices in Sweden . The office has 16 partners and 60 staff, mainly architects but also interior designers, engineers, urban planners, building conservators and administrative staff. The commissions have a very wide range: housing, offices, schools, hospitals, theatres, cinemas, museums, palaces, castles and churches. About 35% of the projects deal with already existing buildings and many of them are listed buildings.
NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS MIDI plc - Malta MIDI plc’s field of business activity is real estate development including restoration and conservation of heritage sites within developments. Main activities: development of two prime locations in Malta - Tigné Point and Manoel Island . Both sites include heritage sites of substantial historical significance including Fort Manoel and the Lazaretto at Manoel Island and Tigné Point amongst others. An important part of MIDI ’s activities includes restoring these national monuments to their former splendour and conserving them thereafter for the enjoyment of the public in general. www.midimalta.com, www.tignepoint.com
Oskar Jensen A/S - Property Developer - Denmark The Oskar Jensen A/S Property Developer’s main activity is the development of outstanding building projects within the residential/office and retail sectors. The strength lies in business oriented projects and city development based on innovating existing properties, but it also includes new building construction.
With the membership of these latest organisations that officially joined in Stockholm , Europa Nostra's Membership now comprises:
Member Organisations - 239 member organisations from 39 countries; Associate Organisations - 216 associate organisations from 29 countries (4 from 3 countries outside Europe ); Corporate Members - 16 corporate members from 9 countries; Inidividual Members - 1435 individual members from 47 countries (23 from 9 countries outside Europe ).
For more information on Membership of Europa Nostra and to JOIN Europa Nostra: www.europanostra.org/membership.html |
