Preservationists: We must involve the public in the restoration and use of monuments

Prague - Starting today until Friday, dozens of heritage conservation experts from European countries are debating the economics of cultural heritage, the relationship between tourism and heritage conservation, and the impact of climate change on monuments in Prague. According to experts, it is essential for the state-managed heritage sites to involve the public in their utilization.
    Public participation is a major focus across Europe; education related to cultural heritage is also very important, said Simon Thurley, Director of English Heritage, the British institution managing heritage sites, to journalists today.
    As an example of effective public engagement, he cited a television competition in Britain that involved up to four million people, aimed at finding the heritage site most in need of repair. Pavel Jerie, Director of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ), stated that the Czech Republic is a newcomer in involving the public in heritage conservation.
    The Ministry of Culture is preparing a system that would establish groups of citizens responsible for better utilization of primarily state castles and chateaus. These groups would consist of representatives from both state and local administration, local civic associations, as well as representatives from local universities or the private sector, said Deputy Minister of Culture František Mikeš.
    The first conference of the European Heritage Heads Forum was held last year in London, attended by 21 of the 25 member states. Delegates agreed to discuss their current issues at similar meetings every year. The Prague meeting is organized by the NPÚ.
    According to Director Jerie, a debate about different heritage conservation systems in various countries could help Czech experts. A new heritage law has been in preparation in the Czech Republic for many years – next year marks the 50th anniversary of the first law, while the current one has been in effect for 20 years. Many of its aspects have been criticized by experts and heritage owners, including the so-called dual decision-making process.
    Thurley noted that the heritage conservation system in Britain is similar to that in the Czech Republic, approximately the same age. "This year we will have a new law, and during its preparation, we have drawn upon the heritage systems of many countries," he stated. In the Czech Republic, around 40,000 properties are classified as cultural monuments, while in greater Britain, this number reaches several hundred thousand.
    According to Thurley, the classification of monuments there will not change much with the new law. "Rather, we will focus on the significance of the monument for its surrounding landscape than on highlighting individual objects," he added.