Europa Nostra’s 50th Anniversary to be celebrated at special event in Venice
Venice, the European city which triggered the creation of Europa Nostra, will host a series of meetings marking the Europa Nostra’s 50th Anniversary from 14 to 16 March. The highlight will be a four-hour public debate entitled ‘For the Renaissance of Europe’s cultural and natural heritage’, on 15 March at the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture and Science in Europe. The renowned Italian art critic, TV presentator and Professor Philippe Daverio will make an introductory speech and several Italian representatives of public and private bodies concerned with heritage protection will take part in panel discussions.
Maintaining Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, not only as a travel destination but as a community, is one of the biggest challenges. Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0, Jack G
“Fifty years ago Italia Nostra invited heritage NGOs from other European countries to create Europa Nostra with the aim of joining forces in the effort to save Venice and other jewels of Europe’s heritage. Today, Europa Nostra and Italia Nostra come together in Venice to discuss with leading representatives of Italian private and public bodies ways in which we can give a new impetus to Europe-wide mobilisation for the safeguard of our cultural and natural heritage”, stated the Executive President of Europa Nostra, Denis de Kergorlay.
“We shall seek to demonstrate that heritage is a key resource for Europe and its States, Regions and Cities. When Europe is searching for the best way out of the crisis, why not encourage European decision-makers to launch a ‘New Deal for Europe’ based on a true renaissance of our unique cultural and natural heritage?”, added Denis de Kergorlay.
The public debate will be preceded by a meeting between Board members of Europa Nostra, Italia Nostra, FAI, Touring Club Italiano, Association of International Committee for the Safeguard of Venice and other Italian member and associate organisations, in which new strategies for reinforcing the collaboration will be discussed. A celebratory dinner at the Palazzo Pisani Moretta on that evening will crown this special event.
The Europa Nostra Board will meet the next day on 16 March. The main items on the agenda are ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme, the preparation of the 50th Anniversary Congress in Athens and other Golden Jubilee events and Europa Nostra’s contribution to the ‘New Narrative on Europe’ initiative recently launched by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission.
