European Heritage Days Article:
European Heritage Days 2022 shine a spotlight on “Sustainable Heritage”
European Heritage Days Article:
European Heritage Days 2022 shine a spotlight on “Sustainable Heritage”
The European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission since 1999, are among the most widely celebrated interactive cultural events in Europe. The pan-European nature of the programme brings those living in Europe together and draws on a European dimension of cultural heritage as enshrined in the European Cultural Convention. This year up to 50,000 events are aimed at recognising the value of a common European heritage and the need to preserve it for present and future generations.
A wide range of cultural activities (exhibitions, workshops, performances, guided tours) promoting sustainable heritage while respecting wildlife and biodiversity, will take place all over Europe in the coming weeks.
“Sustainable development is one of the priorities of the Council of Europe. Our Organisation has contributed to shaping a common legal environment in Europe for biodiversity, landscape management and spatial planning. Therefore, I welcome the European Heritage Days 2022 theme of sustainable heritage as a relevant opportunity to raise awareness of the fight against environmental degradation and climate change, developing a culture of sustainability to protect cultural diversity.”, said Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
Given the importance that historic buildings have in relation to local identity, this year’s events will focus on ways to safeguard heritage by preserving and restoring historic buildings using traditional techniques, skills and materials as part of socially and environmentally sustainable urban development.
“This year, we celebrate heritage through the lens of sustainability, which couldn’t be more relevant after the clear and dramatic signs of climate change our continent has endured this summer. The European Heritage Days are therefore a great opportunity to raise awareness on the environmental risks our shared heritage is facing and to take sustainable and responsible action to preserve it. Not only for ourselves and to preserve our cultural identities, but also to make sure we leave a legacy for the future generations” said Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.
Background
Launched in France by the Council of Europe in 1985 and run as a joint initiative of the European Commission and the Council of Europe since 1999, the European Heritage Days have enabled citizens to explore culture through themed events and have helped uncover histories of people and places that have contributed to shaping the culture and heritage of Europe.
Their aim is to increase understanding of a shared European past, encourage appreciation of traditional values and inspire new heritage conservation and education practices. The importance of cultural heritage has always been acknowledged. It is also a pivotal theme under Creative Europe, the EU’s programme for the cultural and creative sectors, supporting the European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage, adopted in December 2018 to secure the long term impact of the European Year of Cultural Heritage.
More information
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