Southern Europe / Mediterranean Regional Secretariat of the OWHC
report during the 7th Symposium
Cordoba, Spain
Southern europe/mediterranean Region
Rafael Pérez de la Concha Camacho, Coordinator
The regional coordinator of the Southern Europe/Mediterranean Regional Secretariat, Mr. Rafael Pérez de la Concha Camacho, takes the floor and excuses the mayor of Cordoba who had to leave, but who wished to leave a message of congratulations to the mayor of Rhodes for the Symposium. He mentions that the Southern Europe/Mediterranean Regional Secretariat, whose creation dates back to September 2001, comprises 57 World Heritage Cities located in seven countries: France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Malta, Spain and Vatican City (Holy See), the latter being an observer member.
In order to fulfill its daily task, he mentions that the city of Cordoba appointed a municipal technician on a full-time basis to take care specifically of this issue. It has its own Web site, which completes the Organization's site, and which is magnificent. A catalogue-guide is also under preparation; this document will constitute a basic tool to present the Regional Secretariat and to make it better known. Further to a request of the General Secretariat, the Regional Secretariat performed major work by organizing in Cordoba, in July last year, a meeting of the Spanish cities and organizations, in order to present the goals of the World Monuments Fund. The Regional Secretariat held two regional conferences, in addition to a third coordination meeting, which took place within the scope of this Symposium.
She emphasizes the importance for the members to meet together geographically, but also to preserve their common history and their architectural heritage. The regional work of the past few years has resulted in the creation of a new regional secretariat located in the city of Kazan. From the moment it was inscribed on the UNESCO List, Kazan has been an active member within the Regional Secretariat. The Regional Secretariat played a major role to help the city of Kazan to create its own secretariat, and she wishes them good luck. A member was lost, but the Organization of World Heritage cities is enriched by the addition of a good Regional Secretariat.
Among the conclusions of the second regional conference, which was held in Cordoba, last April, it is worth noting:
1. The proposal and the support of the Southern Europe/Mediterranean Regional Secretariat for the candidacy of Cordoba so that it will be designated European City of Culture for 2016.
2. Various activities that were held jointly on the occasion of Solidarity Day of the OWHC (September 8, 2003), coordinated by the Regional Secretariat.
3. The creation and the launch of the First Internet Contest "Surfing round the South Europe/Mediterranean World Heritage Cities".
4. The creation of the Cultural Agenda of the Southern Europe/Mediterranean Regional Secretariat.
5. The promotion of and greater flexibility in exchanges between the respective cities on various issues: social, economic, tourist, cultural and town planning, etc.
6. The constitutions of the following Technical Commissions:
o Funding Commission (Evora, Portugal)
o Tourism Commission (Rhodes, Greece)
o Town Planning and Rehabilitation Commission (Lyon, France)
o Culture Commisstion (Naples, Italy).
The Regional Secretariat of Cordoba (Spain) will coordinate the efficient operation of all these commissions.
7. The development and growth of cultural tourism in the World Heritage Cities of the Southern Europe/Mediterranean Regional Secretariat, through the preparation and development of a Cultural Tourism Development Plan.
It is worthy to note that it was decided, at the meeting held during this Symposium, to hold the 3rd Regional Conference in the Portuguese City of Evora, in the spring of 2005. Also, all efforts will be made in order to secure the membership of the cities that are not yet members to the Secretariat.
Regarding the operation of the technical commission during year 2004, they will hold specific meetings furthering an enriching exchange of ideas and will draw up projects and processes that have already been successfully experimented in other cities. It was also agreed to increase cultural and commercial exchanges among the various cities, which will serve as models of cooperation and mutual collaboration, and to work in a coordinated fashion, so that the international conventions that are organized every year be alternated among the various cities.
Finally, all the cities wishes to express in unison their deep gratitude and their congratulations to the mayor of Rhodes and the president of the Organizing Committee of this 7th Symposium for their hospitality and the impeccable organization of the meeting. In closing, he hands over to the Secretary General a resolution that reads as follows: "The Southern Europe/Mediterranean Regional Secretariat upholds and supports the candidacy of Cordoba as Europe Capital of Culture for year 2016".