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EPP stresses importance of preserving regional heritage
29.10.2008, 17:06
The European People's Party Group in the Committee of the
Regions held its extraordinary group meeting in Katerini to
debate the role of natural and cultural heritage on sustainable
regional development. The meeting took place on the invitation of
Georgios Papastergiou, Prefect of Pieria, and was concluded with the
adoption of a resolution drawing attention to the important role that
heritage plays in developing a European identity, promoting democracy
and creating the potential for sustainable development, growth and
jobs. However, the Group also warned that this could only be achieved
when the principal of subsidiarity is respected.
Isidoro Gottardo, President of the EPP Group in the CoR, introduced the subject by underlining that our rich heritage; both cultural and natural, brings a number of advantages to the regions and cities of Europe. "Sustainable tourism and attention to culture are themes which we cannot ignore," he stressed. He also referred to the financial crisis, which is sweeping across Europe and noted that this cannot restrict attempts to protect sites of cultural and natural importance. "Governance at this moment of financial crisis is very difficult. However, we think that this can be solved through strong and intense solidarity. For this reason, it is particularly relevant that we are discussing this important topic here today."
Luc Van den Brande, President of the Committee of the Regions, echoed these sentiments and added that by promoting Europe's cultural and natural heritage, the regions and cities of Europe will enjoy economic and cultural sustainability. In particular, he referred to the links to the Lisbon goals for growth and jobs saying, "culture has an important impact on the economic development of region... when citizens share a sense of identity, there is renewed trust and this is a prerequisite for risk taking, which leads to entrepreneurship." President Van den Brande also took the opportunity to announce that the Committee of the Regions would like to initiate an annual award in recognition of the links between cultural heritage and sustainable development.
During her intervention, Dolores Cristina, Minister of Education and Culture for Malta, spoke about how Malta has no natural resources and therefore it relies on its cultural tourism as a driving force for the economy. "Many resources are non-renewable and cultural heritage falls into this category... It is for this reason that the precautionary principal can provide a rational to respecting our cultural heritage," she concluded.
Georgios Papastamkos, Member of the European Parliament, spoke about the strength of regions and their role in multi-level governance. He noted that local and regional authorities are unfortunately far more on the receiving end of regional policy and suggested it would be better if they were empowered and able to take initiatives. To conclude, he welcomed the opportunity to be "reconnected with the creative forces responsible for creating a bottom-up approach to building Europe."
During the concluding statements from Georgios Papastergiou, he reminded participants that cities and regions are key partners for development. "I am certain that we are best placed to provide whatever is necessary for sustainable development to be taken into account when it comes to cultural heritage. Within this context, local development, based on respect for natural environment, is key."
Source: www.cor.europa.eu