Round Tables

Theme 1

Synthesis

Cultural heritage is not only about our past. Cultural heritage is the bridge between our past and our future. Linkages must be recognized between cultural heritage - tangible and intangible - and the social and economic development of societies, and the everyday lives of citizens. This broader interpretation of cultural heritage was addressed by both Rafael Tovar of Mexico and Catherine Tasca of France. Minister Tovar pointed out that once a narrow concept, further study in the field of cultural heritage has helped to broaden its scope, as witnessed by its inclusion in economic programs, national development plans and other areas of social and economic policy. Minister Tasca's reference to an evolution in cultural heritage referred to the shift in focus toward recent cultural heritage. She said that this 20th century cultural heritage is in need of protection as it represents the collective memory of large sections of the population.

Marita Ulvskog of Sweden pointed out the need to educate people about local cultural heritage as well as the need to involve politicians and cultural experts at the local level in order to strengthen cultural policies. Minister Ulvskog echoed Minister Tasca's earlier comments when she highlighted the importance of cultural heritage related to women and the working class.

South Africa's Bridgett Sylvia Mabandla brought the perspective of the INCP's developing country members to the forefront by highlighting that skills transfer and capacity building are a problem for some developing countries which lack the human resources necessary to preserve their tangible cultural heritage. She also pointed out that traditional skills and expertise cannot be lost in the process of globalization as they are crucial to the livelihood of many people.

Mamadou Diop from Senegal pointed out that globalization and information technologies, if used correctly, could offer opportunities for developing countries to show the rest of the world their otherwise inaccessible cultural heritage.

Numerous ministers commented on the potential that tangible and intangible cultural heritage holds for promoting economic and social development. Charles Furey of Newfoundland, Canada, also brought to ministers' attention the interdependence which exists between both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

The intangible cultural heritage issue of languages was another key subject discussed by ministers. Minister Diop from Senegal identified languages as the primary element of culture and insisted that there must be an effort made to protect the hundreds of languages in danger of disappearing. Sheila Copps of Canada told ministers of the grim statistical projection that the world will lose half of its existing languages in the next ten years.

Norbert Riedl of Austria and Svein Einarsson of Iceland both looked at the more contemporary aspects of cultural heritage. Norbert Ridel explained how cultural heritage must link with contemporary arts and artists. While Sveinn Einarsson warned all participants that today's youth must be involved in any plans to preserve our cultural heritage as they will become its guardians in the future.

Karina Peterson of Latvia, also spoke to the difficulty in balancing the promotion and protection of cultural heritage with support for new creation. She went on to state that cultural heritage plays an important role in social and political integration as well as nation building.

Concerns of former socialist states or countries in transition were raised by both Croatia's Antun Vujic and Russia's Leonid Makarchenkov. Minister Vujic pointed out the necessity of distinguishing not only between tangible and intangible cultural heritage but between conservative and non-conservative heritage as well. He continued by saying that the state culture in some countries is not a catalyst for positive change. Mr. Makarchenkov stressed the importance for Russia to achieve its own cultural identity outside of the former Soviet Union. The issue of the need to assure the protection of minority languages was also raised once again.

Meeting participants generally agreed that cultural heritage has the potential to encourage various forms of social and economic development if used properly within the context of globalization. However ministers were keenly aware of the need to protect cultural heritage, namely languages and traditional skills, from the negative effects of globalization. Education was identified as a key area which may help to increase awareness of the importance of cultural heritage. Various viewpoints, from developing countries as well as former socialist countries, offered ministers a chance to see issues from various perspectives.

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