In the next episode of our podcast “Holistic Heritage” we focus on Estonia to explore both its achievements and the challenges it faces in the protection and promotion of its rich cultural heritage. This northernmost Baltic state finds itself at the intersection of increasingly divided worlds. The ongoing war in Ukraine has prompted authorities to reconsider their policy regarding cultural heritage in times of conflict.
How can we effectively safeguard tangible cultural treasures? How do we interpret and confront the complex legacy of Soviet influence that has left its mark? What actions has Estonia taken in the context of the invasion of Ukraine, and what good practices can inspire other European countries in the realm of cultural heritage protection?
John Beauchamp and Katarzyna Jagodzińska from the Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Kraków had the opportunity to speak with Riin Alatalu, Vice-President of ICOMOS who holds the UNESCO Chair of Cultural Heritage Studies at the Estonian Academy of Fine Arts. The meeting took place during the Europa Nostra Cultural Heritage Summit held in Bucharest in October 2024. Their conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration for future initiatives in this field.