Partners
Cooperative Agreements
One of the clauses of the Edinburgh Declaration for the Improved Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage at the National and Local Levels states: “Both governments and non-governmental organisations should work together more closely to address the problem of the progressive loss of cultural and natural heritage, developing joint initiatives both to raise public understanding and concern, and to build capacity at the national and local levels, where appropriate calling on international assistance and cooperation.”
INTO will enter into agreements as appropriate, and has recently signed MOUs with Europa Nostra and IUCN Academy of Environmental Law.
Europa Nostra
Denis de Kergorlay, Executive President of Europa Nostra, and Simon Molesworth, Chairman of INTO, signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations. “This agreement marks a significant step forward in forging a stronger alliance between heritage organisations active in Europe and across the Globe”, said Denis de Kergorlay addressing delegates during the signing ceremony at the Dublin Castle. “There can be no doubt that organisations that share a similar vision for the improved conservation of our heritage can become so much stronger by forming partnerships with like organisations. This Memorandum of Understanding is exactly the step forward that both organisations needed to strengthen each other’s effectiveness within the global community. Today’s very important ceremony is therefore a truly historic event and should be seen as an example to be followed by others”, stressed Simon Molesworth, Chairman of INTO.
The above event took place during the 13th International Conference of National Trusts, organised by An Taisce, the National Trust of Ireland. ”An Taisce is delighted to welcome the coming together here in Dublin of two international networks in which An Taisce has been involved from the very beginning of their existence. The launch of this new partnership coincided with the debate on climate change that is so central to the shared mission of INTO and Europa Nostra” stressed John Ducie, the principal organiser of the Dublin Conference, and member of the Executive Committee of INTO.
After the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding, Denis de Kergorlay expressed Europa Nostra’s full support to the Dublin Declaration on Climate Change adopted by INTO at this Conference. He committed Europa Nostra to disseminate this document to its Europe-wide network of members and contacts and in particular to the European Institutions ahead of the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change taking place at the end of this year.
In signing the Memorandum of Understanding, Denis De Kergorlay, noted that Europe’s heritage community was taking this step because “union fait la force” or “together we are stronger.”
Europa Nostra is a network of more than 400 member and associate organisations from all over Europe, representing millions of citizens supporting or working for heritage as volunteers and professionals.
Europa Nostra is a network of more than 400 member and associate organisations from all over Europe, representing millions of citizens supporting or working for heritage as volunteers and professionals. Members of this growing network share ideas and exchange best practices with European colleagues, contribute to and benefit from the Europa Nostra website, magazines, heritage tours and meetings.
The three central themes of Europa Nostra are:
Celebrating the best of European cultural heritage
Each year, we reward the best of cultural heritage achievements. Through its European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards, Europa Nostra celebrates excellence and dedication by architects, craftsmen, volunteers, schools, local communities, heritage owners and media.
Lobbying
Europa Nostra promotes sustainable development and quality standards in urban and rural planning. It seeks to safeguard cities, countryside and historical, architectural and archaeological sites and to demonstrate that cultural heritage is a key asset to Europe’s society and economy, and is essential to identity and quality of life. Europa Nostra is well-connected to the European Union, the Council of Europe and UNESCO.
Campaigning in favour of Heritage at risk
Europa Nostra campaigns against the many threats to Europe’s cultural heritage. When monuments or sites are in danger by uncontrolled development, environmental change, neglect or conflict, Europa Nostra raises its voice. Cooperation and solidarity between heritage organisations and activists are vital to ensure that witnesses of our past are here to enjoy today and in the future.
Find out more about the Europa Nostra Heritage at Risk campaign here.
Europa Nostra Annual Congress, Isanbul (8-12 June 2010)
We are delighted to announce that INTO members have been invited to join this special event in Istanbul, “European Capital of Culture 2010”. An invitation and programme are attached but please see the Europa Nostra website for further details.