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It is an honour for me to
address the 1st International Creative Event, held under the auspices of the
Deputy Ministry of Culture and organised by the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism
Initiative (CSTI) as part of the European Project “Let's create an SDGs heritage
– SDG Cultheritage”.
It is essential to acknowledge
that at the core of sustainable development lie culture and creativity.
Indeed, by weaving creativity and culture into tourism initiatives, we can
play a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering
economic growth, preserving cultural heritage and promoting environmental
sustainability.
Essential collaboration between
the Deputy Ministries of Tourism and Culture has led to significant
synergies, especially in showcasing our cultural heritage. Our rich cultural
heritage promotes Cyprus as an attractive holiday destination worldwide. However,
as we advocate for culturally sensitive destinations, our commitment to
sustainability remains unwavering. This commitment involves prioritising
responsible behaviour and the preservation of our cultural and environmental
resources, ensuring they remain intact for future generations to appreciate
and enjoy.
Our commitment to preserving
Cyprus' cultural and natural heritage is a cornerstone of our efforts,
aligning with the principles set forth in the International Conventions of
Granada and Florence. This dedication is evident in the work of the
Department of Antiquities, which actively collaborates with key governmental
bodies and NGOs, including the Geological Survey Department, the Department
of Forests and Bird Life Cyprus. Together, we are not just guardians of our
past but also architects of a sustainable future.
Our archaeological sites and
monuments transcend their historical significance to become dynamic centres
for education, sustainability and community engagement. In this endeavour, we
emphasise:
- Transforming
museums and sites into educational hubs that advocate for sustainability
and green development.
- Promoting
cultural tourism as an enlightened form of travel deeply rooted in
environmental values and respect for local culture, thereby fostering a
new type of tourist mentality.
- Utilising
monuments and archaeological sites as catalysts for local community
development, generating economic benefits through small-scale businesses
and employment opportunities, and involving locals in the preservation
and management of these sites.
By integrating these actions,
we not only safeguard our cultural legacy but also utilise it as a powerful
tool for promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing social
cohesion. This approach underscores our commitment to sustainable,
responsible tourism practices that honour and elevate our cultural heritage.
The Department of Contemporary
Culture, on the other hand, is actively engaging with cutting-edge concepts
and initiatives in Smart Tourism and Smart
Destinations, focusing on the interplay between cultural
heritage, digitalisation and sustainability. This effort aligns with the
European Commission’s “Smart Tourism” framework and the United Nations World
Tourism Organisation’s “Smart Destinations” initiative.
Currently, the Department is
drafting a statement of principles on policies and strategies guiding the
development, planning, management, operations and promotion of smart cultural
tourism in Cyprus with an emphasis on contemporary culture. This initiative
seeks to encourage sustainable, responsible tourism policies and actions,
merging contemporary culture with innovation and cohesion.
Furthermore, the Cyprus
Handicrafts Service (CHS) embodies our commitment to safeguarding traditional
crafts while propelling them into the future through innovation, supporting
our local artisans and craftsmen in adapting to the global market's dynamics.
Cultural tourism, by promoting
interactions with local communities and supporting local artisans, offers a
sustainable alternative that benefits both the environment and the economy.
It involves empowering indigenous communities to share their knowledge and
traditions, supporting cultural preservation and fostering cross-cultural
understanding and appreciation.
All departments and services
within the Deputy Ministry actively adhere to initiatives like the “ICOMOS
International Charter for Cultural Heritage Tourism”, which emphasises
enhancing cultural heritage protection and community resilience through
sustainable tourism management. Additionally, all our efforts are directed
towards ensuring that our actions align with the European Union (EU)
“Transition Pathway for Tourism”.
Ladies and gentlemen,
While we have achieved notable
progress in weaving sustainability into our cultural and tourism initiatives,
it is evident that more efforts are needed to fully achieve our goals. The
path toward sustainable development is continuous, demanding our commitment
to adapt and grow.
That is why the engagement of
cultural and creative organisations, like CSTI, in embracing sustainable
development principles is critical as it spurs innovation and broadcasts the
sustainability message in line with the EU's framework, which places sustainability
at its core.
Hence, I extend my
congratulations to CSTI for organising this landmark event – a crucial
platform for dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and best
practices. I also commend their unwavering efforts to promote sustainable
tourism practices within Cyprus and beyond.
Thank you for your attention. I
look forward to the innovative ideas and discussions prompted by this event,
confident in our collective ability to build a sustainable legacy for future
generations – a genuine SDGs heritage.
(EFys/GS/EP)
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