EU praises ‘digitalisation’ of Cyprus cultural heritage

THE European Commission has welcomed the efforts of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) in advancing the digitalisation of cultural heritage of Cyprus.

A statement from the European Commission office on the island said that the “recovery and reconstruction of cultural heritage is an important step towards the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms of the affected communities”.

It added that the “protection of cultural heritage” can be a “force for peace and when intersected with digital technology can stimulate dialogue, foster understanding and connect communities”.

European Commission director general for structural reform support, Mario Nava, said: “Digital transition is accelerating and impacting all spheres of society, including cultural heritage. The digitalisation of monuments can foster connectivity and inclusion of divided communities.

“I consider this very important in the case of Cyprus where we will create union through online accessibility to a shared cultural past.

“We must continue our efforts and I encourage particularly the youth to use this digital tool to challenge divisive narratives and use their voice to stimulate understanding of cultural heritage among those in their lives.”

The European Commission statement said the “digital cultural heritage project is an integral component of the work of the TCCH” and that since 2012, it has contributed to this work with over 24 million euros via the “European Union Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community aiming for the island’s reunification”.

“Thanks to a longstanding partnership with UNDP [United Nations Development Programme], the TCCH has restored, conserved, structurally supported or physically protected over 100 cultural heritage sites across the island.”