Last night marked a significant milestone for the DIARIO DE AVISOS Foundation as it held its third annual Terra 2024 awards at Teatro Leal in La Laguna, in a gala that underscored the crucial importance of historical heritage preservation. This event, done in partnership with UNESCO, not only celebrated achievements but also pushed the envelope on how we think about and engage with our cultural legacies.
The evening was particularly distinguished by the advocacy for integrating sustainable practices into the preservation of historical heritage. Mayor Luis Yeray Rodríguez of La Laguna eloquently spoke on the theme, emphasizing the urgent need to address the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability in heritage conservation. His message was clear: the challenges of the present demand innovative solutions that respect and preserve our collective history while promoting sustainable development.
As the awards ceremony unfolded, several key recognitions were made:
- Conservation Award: The city of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia received the Terra Ciudad de La Laguna Conservation Award. This accolade was in recognition of their four-decade-long commitment to the protection and maintenance of their UNESCO-recognized sites. The award was accepted by María Abondan, Director of International Cooperation, and Sandra Schmalbach, Director of the Workshop School of Cartagena. In a heartfelt message, Cartagena’s mayor reiterated the city’s dedication to revitalizing and protecting its rich historical fabric.
- Innovation Award: Notre-Dame Cathedral in France was awarded for the innovative restoration techniques used following the catastrophic fire in 2019. Eric Tallon, representing the French cultural and restoration team, highlighted the meticulous efforts of countless architects, craftsmen, and firms involved in the cathedral’s restoration, pointing out the symbolic reopening scheduled for late 2024.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage Award: The Terra Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was given to the Portuguese tradition of Fado. This musical style, inscribed by UNESCO in 2010 as a vital cultural expression, was honored for its profound connection to Portuguese cultural identity and its role in bridging past and present through its melancholic melodies and poetic lyrics. Sara Melo, from Lisbon’s Fado Museum, accepted the award, emphasizing Fado’s universal appeal and its importance as a cultural ambassador for Portugal.
- Tourism Initiative Award: This award was bestowed on the Historic Centre of Cordoba, Spain, recognized for its exceptional dedication to preserving and promoting its four UNESCO World Heritage sites. José María Bellido, mayor of Cordoba, spoke about the city’s efforts to balance heritage conservation with sustainable tourism, ensuring that their cultural treasures continue to inspire both locals and visitors alike.
- Emerging Challenges Initiative Award: Edinburgh, Scotland received this award for its forward-thinking approach to urban planning and sustainable tourism. The award was accepted by Javier Omecaña of the British Tourist Office, who detailed Edinburgh’s strategies for incorporating green technologies and sustainable practices to maintain its status as a world heritage leader while fostering economic growth.
Each of these awards not only recognized the achievements of the recipients but also set a precedent for global efforts in the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage. The event was a powerful reminder of the dynamic ways in which communities around the world are engaging with their historical legacies to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
