The Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of Emblematic Commercial Establishments in Europe, signed in Barcelona on March 7, 2023, highlights the collaborative efforts of cities to preserve and enhance iconic commercial sites. It emphasizes the need for a common roadmap supported by European and international institutions to address challenges and promote sustainability. The declaration urges advancing its objectives through an annual action plan to evaluate achievements in various measures.
Recognizing the significance of UNESCO conventions and the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the declaration aligns with sustainable development goals, emphasizing sustainable consumption, climate action, and global partnerships. It acknowledges the economic, cultural, and identity-building roles of emblematic commercial establishments, emphasizing the need to protect them from risks like business viability, heritage preservation, and digitalization challenges.
To ensure success, the declaration proposes the development of an international charter defining emblematic establishments and their levels of heritage and cultural protection. It stresses the importance of creating tools for safeguarding and enhancing these establishments. The document calls for collaboration among cities facing similar challenges to protect and promote emblematic commercial sites effectively.
In conclusion, the declaration serves as a call to action for cities to work together in preserving and promoting emblematic commercial establishments, recognizing their value and the need for coordinated efforts to ensure their sustainability and cultural significance in the future.
