June to November 2014 - Organization of World Heritage Cities

ORGANIZATION OF
WORLD HERITAGE CITIES
June to November 2014
Newsletter #2
Word from the President
As President of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC), it is for me an
honor to present this second newsletter to all of you. This newsletter aims to do an
update of all the activities or events the cities and secretariats of our network did
between June and November 2014.
The General Secretariat and the Regional Secretariats are making great and deep
endeavours in organizing many meetings and activities to keep all the city members actives and informed.
Personally, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise on the importance of
the Regional Meetings. This year until now, each Regional Secretariat was greatly
involved in those meetings to realize and accomplish its commitment with our organization. I would like to congratulate them for their involvement. All of those
meetings where successful and all the efforts put into it where rewarded by the
positive comments and impacts they generated. One impact in particular is our
growth as an organization with international credibility.
“The General Secretariat and the Regional
Secretariats are making great and deep endeavours in organizing
many meetings and
activities to keep all
the city members actives and informed”.
- Basílio Horta
I would particularly like to underline the work of the Asia-Pacific Regional Secretariat, who organized their 1st Regional Meeting, which took place from the 24th to
the 26th of September 2014 in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea. Thanks to the remarkable support of the Mayor of Gyeongju, Mr. Choi Yang Sik, and the dedication of
the Regional Coordinator, Mr. Kwon Huh, the conference was a great success.
(CONT’D P.2)
Basílio Horta, Mayor of Sintra (Portugal) and President 2013-2015 of the OWHC
In this edition

Word from the President

Word from the
Secretary General

Regional Meetings

Word from the General
Secretariat

Words from the
Regional Secretariats

Solidarity Day

Mayors&Heritage
Word from the
President
(cont’d)
Denis Ricard, Secretary General
Word from the Secretary
General
Hello everybody!
At the OWHC, things are moving in every direction and all around the world.
Meanwhile, the General Secretariat is actively working on projects such as the
Jean-Paul l’Allier prize, the Youth on the Trail of World Heritage, the City2city program, etc. the Regional Secretariats hold their Regional conferences: Central and
Eastern Europe in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic from 29 of April to 2 of May 2014;
Euro-Asia in Aktau, Kazakhstan from 24 to 26 of August 2014; Asia-Pacific in
Gyeongju, Republic of Korea from 24 to 26 of September 2014; Latin America and
the Caribbean in Valparaiso, Chile from 27 to 30 of October 2014; Northwestern
Europe in Quedlinburg, Germany from 13 to 14 of November 2014 and Southern
Europe and Mediterranean in Cordoba, Spain from 25 to 28 of November 2014.
Time is running fast and in less than a year, we will have gone through the 13
OWHC World Congress that would have been hold in Arequipa, Peru, from 3 to 6
of November 2015. A local committee is already working hard on planning and
organizing this World Congress, while at the international level, a scientific committee is preparing the scientific content. This committee is composed of Mr. Gustavo Araoz, Executive Committee’s president of ICOMOS; Mr. Joseph King, director of the sites unit of ICCROM; Mr. Matthias Ripp, coordinator of the World Heritage of the city of Regensburg, Germany; Ms. Lee Minaidis, Deputy Secretary
General of the OWHC; Ms. Manon Auffray de l’Étang, Programs Administrator at
the OWHC and a representative of the UNESCO.
Following the wishes expressed by our members, there will be a distinctive feature
at the next World Congress: the cities are going to be the mains actors during
exchanges with the help of qualified moderators. The theme will be: “World Heritage Cities, Resilient Cities”.
This is a rendezvous to immediately schedule in your 2015 agenda: Arequipa,
Peru, World Congress of the OWHC from 3 to 6 November 2015.
This is a good example of how relevant are the Regional Secretariats.
They are all different, located in different regions with different realities,
problems and concerns. Because I
believe and defend that the Regional
Secretariats must be the first and essential connection with the General
Secretariat. I wish you all the best and
hope that from these interchanges of
experiences, we can provide new
examples and find different solutions
to our local problems.
Thank you all,
Basílio Horta
Regional Meetings 2014
Euro-Asia in Aktau, Kazakhstan from 24
to 26 of August 2014
Central and Eastern Europe in
Kutna Hora, Czech Republic from
29 of April to 2 of May 2014
Latin America and the Caribbean in
Valparaiso, Chile from 27 to 30 of
October 2014
Asia-Pacific in Gyeongju, Republic of
Korea from 24 to 26 of September 2014
Northwestern Europe in Quedlinburg,
Germany from 13 to 14 of November
2014
Southern Europe and Mediterranean in
Cordoba, Spain from 25 to 28 of
November 2014
Word from the General Secretariat
Call for projects « World Heritage Cities, resilient Cities »
We wish to remind you that you have until December 19 th, 2014 to submit a project regarding the call for projects "World
Heritage Cities, Resilient Cities".
Urban Resilience will be the core of the scientific day of the 13 World Congress in Arequipa, Peru, from November 3 rd to
November 6th 2015. To learn more about the theme and the types of projects we are looking for, please visit the
page Theme 2015 - The Urban Resilience.
It matters to us to give you a central role in this day. We count on your participation!
Case Studies Program
The questionnaire of the program Case Studies is available on the web page of the program as well as the downloadable
version of the compilation of the first 40 case studies. If you wish to obtain one case study in particular, go on our new
Projects database where you will be able to search for a case either by theme or by city.
The Jean-Paul-L’Allier prize for heritage
The Jean-Paul-L’Allier prize for heritage will be back in 2015 for its fourth edition. The cities of Warsaw (Poland), Tunis
(Tunisia) and Cuenca (Ecuador) have received in the past this prize, which underlines the large-scale realizations of the
World Heritage Cities at the level of the preservation, development and management of their World Heritage property.
Also, the Organization of World Heritage Cities is proud to announce the support of Mr. Serge Martin concerning the JeanPaul-L’Allier Prize for Heritage through a $50,000 CAD contribution. His donation is used for the financing of 10 editions of
the Jean-Paul-L’Allier Prize.
Please be on the lookout for news coming from us. The launching of the fourth edition will be done in the forthcoming
months.
International video production competition – “My city, our World
Heritage”
The competition will be launched on next January 5th for 2015.
Consult our website in the Ongoing Projects section from January to know more about the project.
Mayors&Heritage
For the year 2014, 7 cities of the OWHC answered our interview. You can find them in 3 languages on the web site at
the page Mayors&Heritage. You will also find in this bulletin, the last published interviews.
City2City
The City2City project, which is a program intended to provide practical assistance to the cities that are members of the
OWHC, is highlighted this year. Visit the program's page by clicking here to find a complete explanation of it.
New!
In order to call on the expertise of another city member, you will only need to fill in the candidacy file, with the online
form on the program’s page. The OWHC will then take the lead to contact you and to put you in communication with a
respondent city.
A project database was put online on our website. It is accessible for each city that would like to consult issues and
solutions, related to the heritage management, engaged by other cities.
Finally, the General Secretariat of the OWHC will soon do a gathering of information in order to develop an expertise’s
directory of the cities. From January 2015, all the cities of our network will be solicited to handle us a list of all the fields
of expertise that they own in heritage management. This directory will therefore facilitate the research that the cities will
have to do in order to do an application for networking as part of the City2City program.
Youth on the Trail of World Heritage
This youth program, which was successful between the years 2004 and 2009, will be relaunched in 2015.
While sticking with the same basis, the program has been improved to facilitate the exchanges between cities of a
same Regional Secretariat: a scholarship will be given to support the cities’ twinning, allowing them in this way to do a
school trip.
From mid-January 2015, consult our web site in the Ongoing Projects section to learn more about the details of the
project.
Regional Secretariat of
Northwest Europe
Photo Competition: “Modern Life in an Old
City”
An international photo competition entitled “Modern Life in an Old City” was organized for its member cities by the Regional Secretariat of Northwest Europe. Starting with the official launch of the project on September 8, the Solidarity Day of
World Heritage Cities, this competition finished on November 8. Young people
were invited to submit their photos on the OWHC webpage www.ovpm.org/en/
Modern_Life_in_an_Old_City.
The competition involved two stages: at the first stage, each participating city had
until the end of November to select its winning photo for which a prize of € 350
was awarded. At the second stage, all the winning photos of our cities will be collected by mid-December and one winning photo will be selected by an international jury of the OWHC and a prize of € 700 will be awarded.
Wonderful pictures were submitted so far and we are happy that our members
joined our competition with the objective of advertising one of the ideas of OWHC:
to demonstrate that life in a heritage city can be very modern.
The Regional Secretariat of Northwest Europe thanks all the participating cities for
their efforts so far and looks forward to announcing the winning photo for the region by mid-December.
OWHC Film Project – Northwest Europe
model region
Poster of the Photo Competition
The Regional Secretariat of Northwest Europe submitted in 2012, within the Loyalty Reward Program for grants, a model film project of the region. After confirmation by the Board of Directors, a first pilot movie about Regensburg was produced
in 2013 as a model for others in the region. According to the whole concept, different levels in a modular system can be combined and used by all member cities of
the region and also implemented for other regions within the OWHC structure.
After a presentation of the pilot film at the World Congress that was held in Oaxaca and its approval by the General Assembly, the project was continued in 2014
and is now under process.
The plan is to produce a movie showing the whole OWHC region of Northwest
Europe and its member cities in its variety and unity. October 2014 was the deadline for a public bidding process to find an appropriate agency for the complete
movie to be produced by mid-2015. The selected agency will soon be presented
to all members so we can start collecting data material right away. The plan is to
present the movie at the next OWHC World Congress to be held in Arequipa.
Mayor of Regensburg convinced
international networking of cities
about
On the occasion of the last meeting of the working group of the Association of
German Cities of World Heritage Cities, which took place in Regensburg last July,
the Mayor of Regensburg and Chairman of the group, Mr. Joachim Wolbergs,
stressed the importance of networking on an international level for all of the world
heritage cities. Mr. Wolbergs mentioned: “Especially when it comes to UNESCO
World Heritage, seemingly basic activities like cooperation, exchange of expertise
and networking are most important for our cities”.
Mayor of Regensburg, Mr. Joachim Wolbergs, at
the work group session of the German cities
Association
“Since 2012,
when Regensburg
took over the seat
of the Regional
Secretariat, the
Northwest European group of active OWHC cities
grew from 11 cities to 19 cities”.
Group photo at the Regional Meeting of Quedlinburg
Regional Meeting in Quedlinburg: “Crisis as
Opportunity for World Heritage Cities –
Resilience”
The meeting, which took place in Quedlinburg, Germany, from November
13 to 14, was attended by members of 20 different cities. Representatives
of our members and potential new member cities (new candidates for our
region are Philadelphia and Salzburg) highly appreciated the opportunity
to exchange experiences, gain new information and scientific background
as well as to set up new links with other heritage cities.
Inspired by next year’s OWHC World Congress topic “World Heritage cities – Resilient Cities”, the Regional Secretariat of Northwest Europe decided to offer a thematic focused on the same field for its conference in
Quedlinburg. Entitled “Crisis as Opportunity for World Heritage Cities –
Resilience”, the meeting offered to our member cities a chance to gain
knowledge and information about different experiences on the matter.
Furthermore, the conference focused on the scientific approach towards
the field of resilience studies.
Northwest Europe, a growing region in the
OWHC network
Since 2012, when Regensburg took over the seat of the Regional Secretariat, the Northwest European group of active OWHC cities grew from 11
cities to 19 cities. We are happy to welcome the members that have
joined us since 2013: Amsterdam (Netherlands), Warsaw (Poland) and
Česky Krumlov (Czech Republic), and since 2014: Salzburg (Austria). We
hope for a fruitful and prosperous cooperation!
Regional Secretariat of Asia-Pacific
1st Regional Meeting of OWHC’s Regional Secretariat of Asia-Pacific
The first regional meeting of OWHC-AP (OWHC for Asia and the Pacific) was successfully held in Gyeongju, from
September 24th to 26th. It consisted of two parts: OWHC/UNESCO Experts Workshop and the Mayors’ Meeting.
More than 120 representatives and experts were brought together to specially deal with the following topics: “People
-centered Conservation Principle” and “Challenges of World Heritage Cities: Vision and Reality”.
Since it was the first gathering of the region, a great deal of the budget was supported by the Korean government. In
addition, the UNESCO, the UNESCO World Heritage Center and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO
generously participated in the process of organizing this monumental event.
As a result of all the discussions and the interactions, the "OWHC-AP Gyeongju Recommendation" was adopted.
The Recommendation includes the fundamental direction and goals we have to achieve within the framework of
OWHC-AP, based on the "People centered conservation", as well as reflecting the vision and reality of the world
heritage cities.
Social Networking Service
OWHC-AP implemented the OWHC-AP Youth Communication Committee, who lively participated in the social network of the OWHC-AP. They designed all kinds of internet products including the designs and contents for the webpage www.owhcap.org and Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/The-Organization-of-World-Heritage-CitiesAsia-and-the-Pacific-Owhc-Ap/291077361081793?ref=hl.
Furthermore, they are not only in charge of producing the content for the social media but more importantly, building
academic discussions about issues that influences the World Heritage cities. We would like to expand this small
group of youth beyond Korea with the young people from our member cities. This group of youth will be the vanguard of exchanging information within the region and building awareness of OWHC-AP.
New website
Logo and mascot of the Regional Secretariat of Asia-Pacific
“OWHC-AP implemented the
OWHC-AP Youth
Communication
Committee, who
lively participated
in the social network of the
OWHC-AP. They
designed all kinds
of internet products including the
designs and contents for the webpage and Facebook page”.
Media/Communication Workshop of the UNESCO youth
UNESCO Youth Media Workshop on World
Heritage of Asia and the Pacific
The OWHC-AP and Gyeongju city supported the UNESCO
World Heritage Media/Communication Training Workshop
with the UNESCO World Heritage Center and the Better
World Foundation of Korea in Gyeongju, which took place
from October 9th to October 13th.
This activity allowed around 20 youth leaders in Asia and the
Pacific Region to develop specific skills that they can apply to
their activities related to World Heritage. Based on this initiative, the OWHC-AP will implement the Asia-Pacific Video
Competition in 2015.
Regional Secretariat of Central and Eastern
Europe
Budapest – Reopening of the Várkert Bazár on August 29, 2014
The most significant event with respect to World Heritage in Budapest in the last period was that, after 30 years
of deterioration, the Várkert Bazár (Castle Garden Bazaar) was finally re-opened.
Várkert Bazár is an imposing long and complex building at the foot of the Castle Hill near the Chain Bridge, built
between 1875 and 1883 and which contains a row of shops and artists’ studios. Miklós Ybl, famous architect of
the time, was assigned with the planning of the building. Ybl’s masterpiece was designed in neo-renaissance
style with palace buildings on both ends.
During World War II, Várkert Bazár suffered serious damage: many parts of the building, statues, frescos and
paintings perished. In the 1950s’, a partial reconstruction took place that caused more damage in the original
building than development.
The Youth Park was opened in 1961 on the roof terraces of the building and functioned as a music club for
young people. It was a unique place where youngsters of the communist regime could enjoy pop music and a
relative freedom. The old walls could not bear the intensive use not suiting the original function, and Várkert
Bazár had to be completely closed down in 1984. Since then the building had been waiting for a better fate.
The first phase of the reconstruction was opened at the 200 th anniversary of the birth of Miklós Ybl, while the
opening of the second took place on August 29, 2014. The City of Budapest can be proud again of the marvellous complex of the Várkert Bazár.
See the website: www.varkertbazar.hu
Reopening
of the
Bazaar
“The most significant event with respect to World
Heritage in Budapest in the last period was that, after
30 years of deterioration, the Várkert Bazár (Castle
Garden Bazaar)
was finally reopened”.
The Salamander procession, Banska
Banska Stiavnica – Salamander Day on
September 12, 2014
The feast of Stiavnica´s miners gradually became also the feast of Slovak
miners. The Salamander procession presents in two hours the entire history
of Banska Stiavnica. The most significant events from the town history are
presented in the procession, starting with the legend about the discovery of
gold and silver up to now and marching the most important uniformed representatives of mining. Numerous delegations of miners from abroad are represented in the Salamander procession every year, every second Friday
evening in September.
To know more about Banska Stiavnica, visit www.banskastiavnica.sk/visitor/
Trebíc – A lively historical city
After extensive reconstruction, the Vysočina Museum Třebíč has reopened.
The museum attracts visitors with its four new exhibitions – mineralogy,
monastery, castle and museum. All of these exhibitions include not only
interesting exhibits and information about natural and historical conditions in
southwest Moravia, but also interactive elements.
To know more about Trebíc: www.visittrebic.eu/?lng=ang
Regional Secretariat of Southern
Europe and Mediterranean
There are 75 World Heritage Cities in the Southern Europe and Mediterranean
region, located in 12 different countries. Among these cities, 32 are members
in good standing of the OWHC in 2014, as they had paid their contribution as
at December 31, 2013.
The cities are: Ejmiatsin (Armenia), Vienna (Austria), Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Cidade Velha (Cape Verde), Québec (Canada), Alcalá de Henares,
Aranjuez, Baeza, Cáceres, Cordoba, Cuenca*, Granada, Ibiza, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Segovia, Tarragona* and Úbeda (Spain), Bordeaux, Le
Havre, Lyon, Nancy, Provins, Strasbourg (France), Rhodes (Greece), Tel-Aviv
(Israel), Angra do Heroísmo, Elvas, Evora, Guimaraës, Porto, Sintra
(Portugal), Kotor (Montenegro), and as an observer member, the Vatican City
State (Holy Sea).
*Further to contacts made by the Regional Secretariat, the Spanish cities of
Cuenca and Tarragona are taking steps to join the OWHC. In addition, the Italian city of Noto has shown its interest to attend the regional conference in November and to join the OWHC.
Activities conducted since 2014

Maintenance and updating of the information on the Regional Secretariat
and its member cities on the web site of the OWHC: www.ovpm.org/en/
regional_secretariats/southern_europe_mediterranean and on the profile
on Facebook.

Edition and distribution of the 2014 booklet of the Regional Secretariat.

Distribution of the summary of the subjects covered during the Projects
Meeting, which was held in Granada (Spain), from April 1 to 4, 2014.

Organization and draw among the 500 competitors of the 10th edition of
the Internet Competition, comprising a prize of 1,200 €, the winner of
which comes from Segovia (Spain): Raúl Santos Zazo.

Youth project: Further to the success of the first edition, the Second
competition of young photographers was launched, while the photos of
the first competition were displayed in several cities.

Dissemination of several meetings in connection with heritage management between the members in good standing.

Stands of the Regional and photo exhibition during the Second Exposition on Heritage, which was held in Cordoba, from June 19 to 22, 2014.
Photos of the Regional Meeting
“Further to contacts made by the
Regional Secretariat, the Spanish
cities of Cuenca
and Tarragona are
taking steps to
join the OWHC. In
addition, the Italian city of Noto
has shown its interest to attend
the regional conference in November and to join the
OWHC”.
Poster of the 2nd Young Photographers’ Competition

Dissemination of Solidarity Day for 2014. We received information
and disseminated the activities of the cities of Cidade Velha, Cordoba,
Evora, Granada, Quebec and Sintra.

Participation of the Regional Coordinator in the 3rd Regional Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean, which was held in Valparaiso (Chile) from October 26 to 30, 2014, with a presentation on Contemporary Architecture of the World Heritage Cities of Southern
Europe and the Mediterranean.

Attendance of the Regional Coordinator at the First International
Exhibition on Heritage Property, which was held in Valparaiso
(Chile), on October 31 and November 1, 2014.

Organization and holding of the 14th Regional Conference, which
was held from November 25 to 27, in Cordoba (Spain).

Accessibility Project and Heritage: Further to several meetings that
have been held since 2011, this project culminated during a workshop
that took place on November 27, in Cordoba. The booklet, which is a
compilation of the experiences of several cities of our Secretariat in
this field, will be edited and will supplement the Archaeology and Rehabilitation booklets, edited in 2010 and 2011.
Solidarity Day of the World Heritage Cities September 8, 2014
In Philadelphia, in the United States, the Mayor Michael A. Nutter, joined by Councilman Mark Squilla and
other officials, gathered to officially rename Walnut Street between 5th and 6th streets “World Heritage
Way”, in recognition of the presence of Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in celebration of the Organization of World Heritage Cities’ Solidarity Day of the World Heritage Cities.
In Segovia, Spain, the city celebrated Solidarity Day of world heritage cities by giving free access to 3 of
their centers: the Didactic Centre of the Jewish Quarter; the San Andrés Gate and the House-Museum of
Antonio Machado.
In Cidade Velha, Cape Verde, a colloquium was organized to promote the importance of heritage. Topics such
as administration of an historical site as a safe haven, or
the importance and challenges for the preservation of the
title World Heritage, were broached.
In Puebla, Mexico, the mayor José Antonio Gali Fayad and many officials did a walking tour of their
city to initiate restoration projects of 7 heritage constructions.
In Granada, Spain, the city planned several activities during the weekend before the Solidarity Day.
Those activities took place in the Albaicín district, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In Oaxaca, Mexico, is organized a meetingworkshop about the management of historical centers.
In Quebec, Canada, the city celebrated the Solidarity Day by organizing many activities in its historical
centre. Among others, walking tours and a conference named “Quebec, World Heritage City”, proposed a discovery of the Old Quebec historical district.
In Regensburg, Germany, the Regional Secretariat of North West Europe also organized a photographs’ competition named Modern Life in an
Old City. The title of the competition intends to
generate photographs showing modern aspects of
life in a World Heritage City.
In Cordoba, Spain, the Regional Secretariat for Southern Europe and
Mediterranean
the 2
nd
organized
edition of its competition Young
Photographers’ competition on World
Heritage Cities. This competition is for
young person between 10 and 16
years old who, through their photographs, have to show the elements
that brought the cities of this Regional
Secretariat to be declared World Heritage Cities.
In Évora, Portugal, the OWHC flag was hoisted at the City Hall and many promotion actions were
made during cultural activities around the 8th of September. Click on this link to see a video on the
Solidarity Day (Portuguese):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wymATcb73y0
In Sintra, Portugal, the municipality offered free entrance and guided visits to many of their monuments, such as the Regaleira Palace. They also organized a light show in their art museum.
In Cracow, Poland, the Deputy Mayor of the city, Ms. Magdalena Sroka, proceeded to the opening of
a photo exhibition on September 8th. This exhibition presents the results of transformations that have
taken place in the Old Town of Cracow from 2011 to 2013, since the establishment of a cultural park,
set up by the Mayor, Mr. Jacek Majchrowski.
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
KARI KOSKI
MAYOR OF RAUMA
IN FINLAND
The Old Rauma was registered on the World Heritage List in 1991.
What has been the impact of this nomination for your city?
The protection of Old Rauma has been in good level even before the nomination
to the World Heritage List. The nomination has increased and deepened the discussion about it. Cooperation with other World Heritage sites has played a significant role. The nomination has also brought more visibility and visitors to Old
Rauma and increased awareness of the World Heritage site.
In your opinion, what is the vital role of a mayor when a site has
been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List?
The vital role as a mayor is to bring forth and promote the publicity of Old Rauma.
Also promoting the flow of information inside the city organization but as well between the different public and governmental organizations is really important.
Concretely, what have been your actions toward the protection and
enhancement of your heritage?
The city budget is including every year specific amount resources to maintain and
develop the area of Old Rauma. Old Rauma renovation centre Tammela is offering guidance services to residents living in an area of Old Rauma. The large development program of the city centre started 1999 and is still going on. Rauma’s
well-planned and forward thinking city centre was rewarded when Rauma was
named the Town Centre of the Year 2009 in Finland.
Do you hold special events to enhance your city?
Rauma is the city of festivals. The Lace Week has been organized for already
over 30 years, it is celebrated at the end of July. Rauma Blues is organized in July
and Festivo, Rauma music festival, at the beginning of August as well as the Blue
Sea Film Festival in August.
The Old Rauma entrepreneurs and shops often join together to support commercial events and projects, such as the development of the city centre and the organization of various events.
Rauma is remarkable for its traditional wooden architecture and for
its urban planning specific to countries of northern Europe. It managed to retain its old appearance, in part owing to the development
of the modern city outside the historic centre. Are you able to keep
the residential function of the Old Rauma? Is the presence of the
local population within the historic centre an asset or a challenge?
We have kept the residential function of Old Rauma very well. As far as we know
none of the residential buildings is used as a weekend cottage. Along with that it is
essential to keep other central area functions of Old Rauma. Especially important
is to keep the commercial services that bring people to the area by daily basis
and all year round and keep the area part of the living city centre.
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
KARI KOSKI
The presence of the local population, dwellers and people who use the services, is
vital. Without that Old Rauma would not have all its outstanding universal values
when nominated for to the World Heritage List.
MAYOR OF RAUMA
IN FINLAND
In your opinion, what makes Rauma such a special place?
The city of Rauma has a long and honourable history since 1442. Old Rauma is
the heart of the city. At present Old Rauma is a lively commercial and dwelling
area with over 600 inhabitants and 600 buildings. We are honoured by an unique
atmosphere of the World Heritage site Old Rauma. Interesting sights, museums,
fascinating shops, many charming cafes, restaurants and artists studios welcome
you to get acquainted with this magnificent area!
(CONT’D)
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
NIKOLAY DIMITROV
MAYOR OF NESSEBAR
IN BULGARIA
The Ancient City of Nessebar was registered on the list of the
World Cultural and Natural Heritage of UNESCO in 1983. What
impact has this nomination had on your city?
The inscription of Ancient Nessebar on the list of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage in 1983 was a recognition of the rich culture and history
of the city for more than three thousand years. The heritage of Thracians,
Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians alongside with the National Revival architecture were registered as eternal values of the humanity and
Nessebar has been the only Bulgarian city of UNESCO for thirty-one
years now. That is a great pride and big responsibility. The approach to
the cultural heritage has been altered according to the recommendations
of UNESCO. All international agreements such as the City's Historic
Preservation Chart and the directions of The International Council on
Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) for management of historical ensembles
have been taken into consideration. Nessebar is a live and dynamic city
and the imposed rules enter into a complicated interaction with the general natural, geographic, social and economic context. On the other hand
this nomination attracts holidaymakers who like the combination of the
ancient city of Nessebar and the modern seaside resort of Sunny Beach.
The effective preservation of the city results in sustainable economic development of the municipality.
In your opinion what is the vital role of a mayor when a site has
been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List?
To be the mayor of a world cultural heritage city is a great responsibility on a national and international level. The preservation and conservation of such an old
city and the effort to make it popular require extreme devotion bearing in mind that
some of the regulations are restrictive and contradict with the real necessities of
the live city. That is why the contemporary policy of preservation, use and management of the heritage should be made popular, understandable and acceptable.
To be more convincing together with experts of UNESCO and ICOMOS we work
out plans based on the international experience in this area. The mayor of Nessebar has the responsibility and mission to preserve the historical heritage for the
generations to come.
In concrete, what actions have you taken to protect and enhance
your heritage?
At the very beginning of my mayor's mandate in 2007 the municipal administration
became aware of the existing problems threatening the reputation of Nessebar as
a world heritage site. The first initiative we undertook was titled “Ï Love Nessebar”.
It was aimed at the children and young people to educate them to love and keep
the city, be responsible and proud of living in it. They have participated in its social
life and volunteered in all public activities for more than seven years. We started
decreasing the level of the street trade. This is a gradual process because it is
difficult to balance the requirements of UNESCO with the local interests. The first
steps were to remove the stalls from the central parts, set up a craftsmen street
and small bazaars on the seaside alleys. “Green Nessebar” was another initiative
for keeping the Bulgarian Black sea coast, the local nature, green areas and parks
clean. The Plan for Preservation and Management of Ancient Nessebar required
the improper advertisements to be removed, the street umbrellas and restaurant
shelters to be unified. I would like to point out that all these measures have been
taken with the approval of the local residents who have realized it is being done to
improve the appearance and the city status. Both holidaymakers and representatives of official bodies like the Diplomatic Corps, the Secretary General of the Organization of World Heritage Cities Mr Denis Ricard and many others declare that
Nessebar boasts a world level. We are proud to say that many cruise ships with
about thirty thousand passengers on board drop anchor in the port of Nessebar.
Around forty thousand people visit the old town daily to admire its beauty and
uniqueness. The contemporary approach to the cultural heritage demands its
preservation and integration within the living environment. The Plan for Preservation and Management of Ancient Nessebar is a manual of actions to combine the
history and the present in an eternal process. Mention should be made of Faith in
Nessebar project. It was supported financially by Regional Development Operative
Program and co financed by The European Fund. The project included conservation, restoration and socialization of the churches of St John the Baptist, St
Paraskeva and St Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The three of them form a cultural route called Spiritual Path. The churches have obtained a new function and
they can be the scene of concerts, theatrical and artistic activities. Our main purpose is to keep the natural assets and the cultural values in harmony, to combine
architecture, nature and sea in one whole as the city has been through the centuries.
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
NIKOLAY DIMITROV
MAYOR OF NESSEBAR
IN BULGARIA
(CONT’D)
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
NIKOLAY DIMITROV
MAYOR OF NESSEBAR
IN BULGARIA
(CONT’D)
Do you hold special events to enhance your city?
Besides being a city of UNESCO Nessebar is the centre of the biggest
tourist destination in Bulgaria. The municipality organizes free international, national and local festivals throughout the tourist season. About
five thousand participants from nine countries take part in the festivals
Sun, Joy, Beauty and Constellations in Nessebar. We house a European
and World Folklore Competition too. The Assumption of Our Lady religious holiday on 15th August is the festive day of Nessebar. The city becomes one big scene for various cultural events which end with a spectacular sound and light show. Autumn Shoals festival dedicated to fishing
is organized on the international day of the Black sea. Many people attend
the winter Weekend of Love and Wine on 14th February. The local festivals of bread and young wine attract visitors outside the tourist season.
Bulgarian and foreign scientists participate in Bulgaria Pontica history forum.
Nessebar has two tourist clienteles: one that is more “cultural”, attracted by the ancient city, and one that is more for
“holidaymakers”, attracted by the hotels and the sandy beaches
along the coastline. Have you develop a policy to attract “beach”
tourism to “cultural” tourism?
The combination of sea and mountain is the perfect condition for the development of the recreative tourism. Sunny Beach seaside resort which
has gained a worldwide popularity is within walking distance. Some of the
biggest tourist companies operate in the resort. The holidaymakers can
take advantage of sightseeing tours of Nessebar. To provide more facilities we have enlarged the parking areas and have restricted the access of
vehicles into the old city. Ancient Nessebar has been featured in tourist
catalogues, guidebooks, folders and cruise voyages.
What makes Nessebar such a special Place?
If there is a city erupted from the bottom of the sea to its blue surface like
an exquisite shell filled with the music of the history and the beauty of the
past milleniums
If there is a city seized by the isthmus to the land, to our hearts and souls.
If there is a city where to find yourself you should get lost in the narrow
cobbled streets.
If there is a city......... This is the god blessed Nessebar.
Nessebar is the land of your admiration, the eternal century old magic. It
is the pearl on the crown of the Bulgarian self-esteem.
The Independence Hall was registered on the World Heritage List
in 1979. What has been the impact of this nomination for your city?
The impact of Independence Hall as a World Heritage site has led to the revitalization of the Old City neighborhood, building of a Visitors Center, and a Constitution
Center to further develop the area. In 2012, Philadelphia hosted the 40th Anniversary of the World Heritage Convention. Working with the Global Philadelphia Association, we look forward to expanding upon the global culture and business opportunities brought to us with membership of the Organization of World Heritage
Cities.
In your opinion, what is the vital role of a mayor when a site has
been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List?
It is an opportunity for the Mayor to broaden the scope of his city by promoting the
World Heritage status and by leveraging the tourism, cultural, and business opportunities therein. Philadelphia is city of firsts in many ways and is positioned to become the most sustainable city in the United States, another World Heritage connection.
Concretely, what have been your actions toward the protection and
enhancement of your heritage?
Philadelphia has three centuries of architecture protected by among the oldest and
most robust historic preservation laws in the country. Many of our most beautiful
and historically rich buildings are protected by landmark status under the purview
of our Historical Commission.
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
MICHAEL A. NUTTER
MAYOR OF PHILADELPHIA
IN THE UNITED STATES
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
In addition we’re very focused upon sustainability and the long-term preservation of our
city. During my January 2008 inaugural address, I pledged to make Philadelphia the
number one green city in America, and as a result, I created the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. The Greenworks Philadelphia plan guides a range of efforts to preserve and
protect our open spaces, our neighborhoods, and to encourage a responsible use of
energy and a sustainable built environment.
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
MICHAEL A. NUTTER
Do you hold special events to enhance your city?
MAYOR OF PHILADELPHIA
IN THE UNITED STATES
As America’s Birthplace, we host an amazing celebration for Independence Day. The
Benjamin Franklin Parkway becomes the stage to the “largest free concert” in the country on July 4th. The concerts lead up to a spectacular fireworks display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
(CONT’D)
This concert is kicked-off by the Wawa Welcome America Festival, with the Independence National Historical Park Service hosting a reading of the Declaration of Independence, performances, and other events in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia.
We also host the two-day Made In America music festival, produced by Jay-Z and Live
Nation, which attracts dozens of top performers on multiple stages at the Benjamin
Franklin Parkway and which this year expanded to Los Angeles.
As a city with many outdoor public spaces, we also host numerous outdoor festivals
throughout the warmer months. Sporting activities include the Philly Cycling Classic, the
Drexel International Squash Tournament, Aberdeen Dad Vail Rowing Regatta, and
Stotesbury College Regatta. Philadelphia, long known for its numerous gardens, hosts
the largest indoor flower show in the world – the Philadelphia Flower show in early
March.
Philadelphia represents a first development in U.S.A. for the
OWHC. What kind of message is your city trying to send to the
other American cities that possess a site inscribed on the World
Heritage List? What kind of message is your city trying to send at
the international level? What is Global Philadelphia and how is it
going to help you with these messages?
Joining the OWHC represents a milestone for Philadelphia to which it is uniquely attached and extremely proud. This city of firsts can showcase its many attributes to the
world by becoming the first ever US city to join the organization. Beyond that it will inevitably become a leader enticing other cities to join. The Global Philadelphia Association is uniquely qualified to join us in a public private partnership.
In your opinion, what makes Philadelphia such a special place?
Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, encapsulated in religious tolerance and many other manifestations outpouring from the ideas of its founder
William Penn. Beyond that Philadelphia is an industrious, international place to work
live and do business, with a quality of life that is second to none. Philadelphia is in the
midst of a renaissance with evolution in culture, commerce, building, sustainability, and
of course the rich heritage that it has to offer. The word is spreading. After decades of
population decline Philadelphia is now growing and experienced the largest growth of
20-34 year olds of any major American city over the last eight years. This is the perfect
time to showcase our history, and our future, to the rest of the world.
The Historic Centre of Cordoba was registered on the World
Heritage List in 1984. What has been the impact of this nomination for your city?
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
First of all, I would like to point out the recognition that the Cordouan heritage obtained internationally, which has enhanced the image of the city and contributed to
the touristic and cultural promotion of Cordoba.
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
JOSÉ ANTONIO NIETO
BALLESTEROS
This has also led us, as we are responsible for its conservation and management,
to continue to make heritage more and more enjoyable and accessible for the
people living in the Historic Center. This recognition has produced a sense of
pride among the population and gave impetus to its awareness of defense of this
living heritage that inserts itself in the XXIth Century.
In your opinion, what is the vital role of a mayor when a site
has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List?
To ensure the protection and the spreading of the outstanding universal values
that have made it possible for the Historic Centre of Cordoba to deserve its inscription.
Our old city’s own and unique heritage values have survived owing to the care and
the recognition of the inhabitants of Cordoba throughout the centuries. We must
continue working so that these values will still remain for centuries to come.
MAYOR OF CORDOBA
IN SPAIN
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
JOSÉ ANTONIO NIETO
BALLESTEROS
MAYOR OF CORDOBA
IN SPAIN
(CONT’D)
Concretely, what have been your actions toward the protection and enhancement of your heritage?
In order to improve management regarding all aspects related to heritage, we created a Special Delegation of Heritage to Mankind and the historic centre, which, in
2014, was granted a specific budget of more than one million euros. This delegation focuses on four fundamental pillars for heritage: the SAFEGUARD and the
ENHANCEMENT of the built heritage, the development of a CROSS-SECTORAL
AND INTEGRAL PLANNING for its management, TRAINING and RESEARCH, by
supporting research as a formula for economic, social and cultural development,
and DISSEMINATION and AWARENESS-RAISING.
Do you hold special events to enhance your city?
In 2014 only, there will be more than 100 events related to the recognition and the
dissemination of our heritage; most of them go beyond the local context, both for
the quality of the participants and the dissemination done through the international
and national heritage networks in which our city takes part: the Organization of
World Heritage Cities, the League of Historical Cities, the European Association
for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage, the Group of cities that are heritage of
mankind in Spain (GCPHE), the Network of Jewish Quarters “Roads of Sepharad”, the Network of cities having a cathedral, the Network of cities served by a
TGV, the Road of Betica and Rome (RUBERO), etc.
We must point out that we are celebrating this year two major events: the 20 th
anniversary of the inscription of the Historic Centre and the 700th anniversary of
the Cordoba synagogue. The opening ceremony of the 700th anniversary was held
on Sunday, September 21, with a recital of the signer Jasmin Levy.
The city of Cordoba is, in addition, an international reference point for two major
festivals: the Cordoba Guitar Festival, which takes places in the first weeks of
July, and is currently in its 35th edition, and Cosmopoetic which, from September
22 to October 5, 2014, will host one again the best poets from all over the world.
On the other hand, the International Sephardic Music Festival, which presents in
June its thirteen edition, enjoys an important representativeness, together with the
cultural activities organized for the European Day of Jewish Culture, known in our
city as the “Sephardic Fall”. In addition, during the All-Night Flamenco Event, with
its eighth edition in the summer of 2015, the places of the historic centre of Cordoba will once again be invaded by demonstrations of the flamenco art.
The Holy Week of Cordoba should also be mentioned; it is a Fiesta of tourist interest that is well known for its meditation, as well as the celebrations of the fairs Our
Lady of Good Health, in May, and those of the Virgin of Fuensanta, in September.
These are two celebrations of coexistence and exaltation of our culture.
Since 1996, Cordoba is a loyal member of the OWHC. You
have been involved at different levels of the Organization
(Board of Directors, regional Conferences, Youth programs,
etc.) and throughout the years, you have participated at numerous activities, up to even receive the Regional Secretariat
of Southern Europe/Mediterranean. Among all those experiences, is their one in particular that have leave its mark on
Cordoba City?
I believe that it is important to note the two periods during which Cordoba was a
member of the Board of Directors and participated in the preparation of the Strategic Plan of the OWHC, in 2005, and during the last stage, the process of reflection
initiated on the operation and the objectives of the Organization. And, of course,
the experience of being, since 2001, the seat of the Regional Secretariat for
Southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
It is rewarding to note the strong drawing power that all the meetings and activities
of our Regional Secretariat has had and in which it took part, as well as the human
and technical quality of all the people who have cooperated and given us new
lessons at each meeting. We have shared experiences that encourage us to make
further progress in the huge responsibility we have to take care of our heritage.
In addition, the 14th Regional Conference will be held in Cordoba this year, from
November 25 to 28; this will enable us to greet once more the representatives of
the 32 cities that are part of this Regional Secretariat and to work on the crosscutting aspects of heritage management, such as access and mobility, youth, local
handicrafts and visual pollution.
In your opinion, what makes Cordoba such a special place?
Our historical complex, in addition to being one of the most appealing in the world,
is inhabited; Cordoba is a city of more than two thousand years of history where
the coexistence of the cultures is still very present and that enjoys great vitality.
Evidence of this vitality and intermingling cultures is the CORDOBA PATIO FESTIVAL, inscribed since December 2012 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage; it is held during the first weeks of the month of May, at the
time when the explosion of the spring further contributes to making the Cordoba
Historic Centre a unique ensemble.
Cordoba is an ancient city where one can find five major recognitions of UNESCO:
in addition to the Cordoba Mosque, its Historic Center and the Patio Festival,
which I have already mentioned, it is a city that must also be visited to savour and
to learn the values of the Mediterranean diet, and to get acquainted with the flamenco art.
MAYORS &
HERITAGE
INTERVIEW WITH MR.
JOSÉ ANTONIO NIETO
BALLESTEROS
MAYOR OF CORDOBA
IN SPAIN
(CONT’D)
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