World Heritage Coastal Defence Systems in Europe and the Caribbean

In the framework of the ‘European Month in Cuba’, the EU-funded UNESCO Transcultura Programme is organizing an event on the management of heritage coastal defence systems in Europe and the Caribbean as a resource for developing the cultural and creative sectors.

Fortifications represent a common heritage between Europe and the Caribbean, stemming from their intertwined histories and the cultural exchange that emerged from interactions between European and Caribbean peoples. The architectural styles, engineering techniques and strategic importance of fortifications highlight this shared heritage that has left a lasting impact on the landscapes of both regions throughout the centuries.

Besides their historical, cultural and educational importance, well-preserved and revitalized fortifications can play an important role in the socio-economic development of local communities. Positive economic and social impacts can be achieved by designing and implementing models for the sustainable use of fortifications. International experience shows that the inclusion of fortifications in a tourism offer stimulates entrepreneurship and creativity, creates employment and increases the income of the people involved. Furthermore, it can generate multiplier effects through links with other economic activities.

Within this context, the UNESCO programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, funded by the European Union, is organizing the workshop ‘World Heritage Coastal Defence Systems in Europe and the Caribbean’ from 23 to 25 April 2024. This workshop will bring together representatives of the management teams of European and Caribbean fortifications inscribed on the World Heritage List, as well as Caribbean properties on the National Tentative Lists, to explore and identify opportunities for the sustainable development of cultural and creative tourism in the context of Caribbean World Heritage properties, particularly those with coastal defence systems.

On the same dates, another workshop, ‘Entrepreneurship and Cultural Heritage Tourism: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges at World Heritage properties’, will be held in parallel. Working with World Heritage Managers, this workshop aims to strengthen the capacities of Caribbean creative entrepreneurs to gain socio-economic benefits from heritage resources, thereby improving the livelihoods of communities and ensuring the sustainability of heritage resources.

Kindly note that this event will only be accessible by invitation.