A very interesting piece of news comes to us today from The Hague and Luxembourg. Η Europe Nostra - the European civil society voice dedicated to cultural and natural heritage - and its partner, the European Investment Bank Institute, today announced the 12 most threatened heritage sites in Europe selected for the 7 MOST ENDANGERED Programme 2021:

The selection was made on the basis of the outstanding significance of the heritage and cultural value of each of the sites and the serious risk they pose. The level of involvement of local communities and the commitment of public and private actors to the conservation of these sites were considered as important added values. Another selection criterion was the potential of these sites to act as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development within the sites themselves and their wider areas.

The selection of the 12 endangered heritage sites was made by an international Advisory Group, which consists of scientists and experts in history, archaeology, architecture, conservation, project analysis and financing. The final list of the 7 most threatened heritage sites in Europe for 2021 will be announced in March.

The Five Islands – Amorgos, Kimolos, Kythera, Sikinos and Tinos - are located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, while four of them (Amorgos, Kimolos, Sikinos and Tinos) are part of the island complex of the Cyclades. All five are characterised by the «Cycladic landscape», which gives them a high cultural and environmental value. The harmonious coexistence of the Aegean Sea, with its hills, mountains, traditional settlements, monuments and archaeological sites, creates an emblematic landscape, which is a vital part of Greek and, by extension, European identity.

This multispectral landscape is now in serious danger as the Greek government encourages its conversion into an industrial zone with wind farms. The plan is to install wind turbines at various locations on each island, often next to archaeological sites, Natura 2000 protected areas and as a backdrop-around the perimeter of traditional villages. The proposed wind turbines far exceed the actual energy needs of the islands and are to provide energy to other parts of Greece. The wind turbines will not only have a visual impact on the landscape of the islands, but will also affect their morphological and climatic features, endangering both their flora and fauna and their agricultural, livestock and tourism sectors. This will undoubtedly reduce the environmental and cultural value of the landscape and jeopardise the survival of local communities.

The HELLENIC Society for Environment and Culture selected five indicative islands in the Southern Aegean Sea to be included in Europa Nostra's 7 Most Endangered 2021 Programme. The HELLENIC SOCIETY has been fighting for a sustainable lifestyle with renewable energy sources since 1972. However, in the case of the Cycladic Landscape represented by the Five Islands of the South Aegean, the organisation calls for alternative and balanced clean energy solutions instead of massive wind farms, combined with a thorough consultation process with local communities and experts.

The President of Europa Nostra, Professor Dr Hermann Parzinger, stated: «At a time of global crisis, we stand in full solidarity with local communities across Europe, who are the tireless stewards of our most vulnerable assets. We stand in solidarity and we also act. You can be sure that Europa Nostra, and our wide network of members and partners, will join our voices in defence of these 12 heritage sites that are at risk of being lost forever. From iconic natural landscapes, to places of religious significance and gems of modern architecture, these remarkable sites embody our shared history and are an inexhaustible source of development and prosperity for their regions and countries, and for Europe as a whole. At a time of great need, let us work together to preserve our cultural heritage and put it where it belongs: at the heart of Europe's post-pandemic recovery.».

The Rector of the European Investment Bank Institute, Francisco de Paula Coelho, stated: «This list is an important reminder that our cultural heritage is fragile and should not be taken for granted. With this selection, our common goal is to support and strengthen the efforts of local communities across Europe who are convinced of the immense and multifaceted value of our cultural heritage. In order to make full use of our common cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable development, we must ensure its physical protection as the first and most urgent step.».

The 7 Most Endangered Programme is managed by the Europa Nostra in cooperation with the European Investment Bank Institute. It also has the support of program Creative Europe the European Union. Since 2013, this programme has been part of a civil society campaign to save Europe's endangered heritage. It raises awareness, prepares independent evaluations and makes proposals for action. Although does not provide direct funding, the listing of a site under threat often serves to as a catalyst and incentive to mobilise the necessary public or private support, including funding.

For the 2021 edition, for the first time since the launch of the programme, the selected 7 heritage sites will be eligible for a sponsorship EIB Heritage Grant up to EUR 10,000 per region. The EIB Heritage Grant can be allocated to the selected 7 threatened sites to help implement a planned action to help save the endangered tuna.

Nominations for the 7 Under Threat 2021 Programme were submitted by member organisations, partner organisations and individual members of Europa Nostra from all over Europe as well as by members of European Heritage Alliance.

Presentation of the Institutions

Η Europa Nostra is the European voice of civil society committed to protecting and promoting cultural and natural heritage. A pan-European federation of heritage NGOs, supported by a wide network of public bodies, private companies and individuals, it covers more than 40 countries. Founded in 1963, it is today recognised as the largest and most representative heritage network in Europe.

Europa Nostra campaigns to save Europe's endangered monuments, sites and landscapes, in particular through the 7 Under Threat Programme (7 Most Endangered Programmes). It rewards excellence through the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. Europa Nostra actively contributes to the definition and implementation of European strategies and policies related to heritage, through a participatory dialogue with the European institutions and the coordination of European Heritage Alliance.

The European Investment Bank Institute (EIB-I) was established within the EIB Group (European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund) to promote and support social, cultural and academic initiatives with European stakeholders and the general public. It is a key pillar of the EIB's community and citizenship. More information can be found at http://institute.eib.org.

The Creative Europe is an EU programme that supports the cultural and creative sectors, enabling them to increase their contribution to employment and growth. With a budget of €1.46 billion for the period 2014-2020, it supports organisations in the fields of cultural heritage, performing arts, fine arts, interdisciplinary arts, publishing, film, television, music and video games, as well as tens of thousands of artists and professionals working in culture and audiovisual media. The funding allows them to operate across Europe, reach new audiences and develop skills for the digital age.