COMUNICATION

The President of the Regional Government of Extremadura, Guillermo Fernández Vara, highlighted the importance of the historical, artistic and cultural heritage of Extremadura through the UNESCO mentions this Thursday and assured that “these recognitions are not just ours”, but rather a “heritage of all mankind”. (16/09/2021)

This was said by the head of the regional executive during his participation in the inauguration of the I Guadeloupean World Heritage Sessions, which have been organised by the European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation, in the framework of the Holy Year of Guadalupe, and which will take place between 16 and 17 September at the Royal Monastery of Guadalupe.

In this context, Fernández Vara pointed out that the World Heritage Cities are “a point of pride in Spain” and also in Extremadura, which has Mérida, Cáceres and Guadalupe, in addition to four other UNESCO mentions such as the Monfragüe and Tagus International Biosphere Reserves, the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark and the Siberian Biosphere Reserve.

He said that “there are few regions in Europe that have so many simultaneous mentions” that must be “cared for, protected and maintained” because, he said, “they are not gifts, they are recognitions and commitments”.

Referring to the historical, artistic and cultural heritage of the region, the head of the regional government has stressed that “having history means having something to look at yourself in and knowing where you come from”.

“Heritage allows us to demonstrate and know what we have been throughout history in a practical way,” because “we know where we come from if we see the heritage that helps us and teaches us to be able to verify that in a much clearer way”, he affirmed.

In addition, he has called for responsibility so that “that legacy” that we receive “generationally” is delivered in “the best possible conditions to future generations”, because otherwise “the capacity that we have to be able to learn from our history will be deteriorating”.

During his speech, he also highlighted the value of the town of Guadalupe, which was “a symbol in the 15th and 16th centuries”, as it was “one of the main economies of our country” thanks to the so-called “economy of miracles” that brought “a lot of prosperity” and made Guadalupe “a reference centre” housing one of the first medical schools in Spain.

In addition, the president of Extremadura highlighted the importance of these sessions, which have “a marked academic and scientific reflection character “, so that “that part of the heritage, which is a living science that brings us the past, may allow us to bring the present to the future”.

This inaugural event was also attended by the regional Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sports, Nuria Flores Redondo.