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Dear Commissioner for the Environment,
Dear Mr President of ETEC,
Dear Mr President of ICOMOS Cyprus,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very pleased to be here today at the University of Cyprus to address the Workshop on Mortars in our Tradition and the use of mortars in traditional buildings and monuments.
It is noteworthy and encouraging to see the large attendance at this Workshop, which is organised by the Cyprus Scientific Technical Chamber (CTEK) and ICOMOS Cyprus in collaboration with the Scientific Committee for Monuments and Traditional Buildings of CTEK, under the auspices of the Deputy Ministry of Culture. It is something that proves, I would say, that the effective protection of traditional buildings, and more broadly of our cultural architecture and heritage, is not just an obligation of the state and government services. It is also a priority and a concern that mobilises bodies such as ICOMOS, the relevant chamber, but also professionals such as architects, archaeologists, conservators and civil engineers.
The rich cultural heritage of our country is scattered all over Cyprus, in urban centres, mountainous and rural areas. The Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture, as the competent Department of the State, has over time as its primary objective the protection, systematic conservation, restoration and promotion of these traditional buildings and monuments, which include ecclesiastical monuments, houses of folk and urban architecture, bridges, water mills, cisterns and fountains. According to the Law on Antiquities, these monuments are declared Ancient Monuments of List A and B, with the ultimate aim of ensuring the maximum preservation of their particular cultural and architectural elements and their harmonious integration into the natural and built landscape.
It is a fact that the conservation of the architectural heritage and its proper management and exploitation, encouraging traditional uses and the integration of new ones, can contribute effectively to the revitalisation of rural areas and degraded urban centres, to the upgrading of the tourist product and to the improvement of the economy of areas and settlements with a remarkable cultural heritage.
As I have repeated many times, our cultural heritage is not just an asset, a treasure which we must preserve. We need to finally understand that polarisation is a barrier to many sectors of our society and economy. If our culture and cultural heritage is properly exploited, it can have multiplier benefits for the development and progress of our country.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to underline the great importance that the Deputy Ministry of Culture attaches to the protection and promotion of all the traditional buildings and Ancient Monuments of our country, which are an integral part of our identity. It is for this reason that the Deputy Ministry of Culture, through its competent Department, has increased its budget for the conservation and restoration of ancient monuments from 2.9 million euros in 2023 to almost 3.7 million euros in 2024, an increase of about 27%. This amount includes grants for conservation/restoration work on Schedule B Ancient Monuments, such as churches, monuments of public utility, and monuments of traditional architecture. Grants amount to at least 50% of the recognized expenditure, with a maximum grant amount of €200,000.
The Department of Antiquities, in addition, promotes various strategies and actions that preserve, respect and promote the authentic and unique cultural elements that they have preserved over the centuries, and also promotes training workshops for the staff of the Department's construction crews as an important investment in enhancing their knowledge and expertise.
The Department of Antiquities, in addition, promotes various strategies and actions that preserve, respect and promote the authentic and unique cultural elements that they have preserved over the centuries, and also promotes training workshops for the staff of the Department's construction crews as an important investment in enhancing their knowledge and expertise.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Unless actions are taken to protect our cultural heritage - and let me add here the issue of climate change, in addition to the ravages of time - many monuments, heritage sites and works of art may not exist by the end of the century. The role of you, you, the scientific staff, who are here today at this workshop, is important in resolving many issues in the field of cultural heritage.
Enriching knowledge about the use and application of traditional materials and techniques contributes to the enhancement of historic buildings in the context of the sustainability of our cultural wealth. The characterisation and correct use of mortars should be taken into account in any conservation and restoration project, as it is well known that mortars are what protect buildings and therefore play an important role in traditional architecture. As stated in the communication promoting today's workshop, "mortar was, is and will be the showcase and cloak of protection of our culture."
It is for this reason that workshops, such as today's, to train professionals in a field that needs specialisation and study are welcomed and supported by the Ministry of State for Culture. This is why I would like to congratulate ETEC and ICOMOS Cyprus for this targeted effort to train professionals. I hope that more such initiatives and opportunities will follow, as it is our conviction that synergies, study, respect for tradition and exchange of experiences can contribute decisively to shaping the ever-evolving landscape of conservation and restoration of historic buildings and the promotion of our rich cultural heritage.
In closing, allow me to congratulate two prominent scholars in the field, Professor Panagiotis Touliatos, Professor Emeritus of the National Technical University of Athens, and Professor Claire Palyvos, Professor Emeritus of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Visiting Professor at Frederick University, who are honoured today by being made Honorary Members of ICOMOS Cyprus. This proclamation is the minimum recognition of their valuable and long-standing contribution both to scientific research and projects and to the education of numerous young students and researchers in Greece and Cyprus.
Thank you very much.
(Ephys/GS/NYAN)
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