'Save one building, and it will influence the next decision'

The secretary-general of Europe’s leading heritage organisation has called for creative solutions to safeguard not only important heritage buildings but entire landscapes from over-development.

“In Malta there are still a number of extraordinary ensembles of vernacular – not spectacular – buildings. What is spectacular that the whole ensemble is still there; whole quarters have retained their historic character,” Europa Nostra secretary-general Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailovic told Times of Malta.

“This sense of place and the distinctive character of places is increasing in value. People don’t want to see the same thing wherever they go. It’s a critical moment: there is a tendency to want a new Dubai everywhere, but people who want to go to Dubai will go to Dubai. The ones who come here want to experience the distinctive character of this place.”

Ms Quaedvlieg-Mihailovic was in Malta this week addressing a conference on cultural diplomacy and a board meeting of Europa Nostra, Europe’s largest and oldest heritage network, with more than 250 member organisations in 50 countries, including local NGO Din L-Art Ħelwa.

The organisation is active in promoting heritage – including...