25 YEARS IN THE SERVICE OF ROMANIAN HERITAGE AND COMMUNITIES
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Thoughts shared by Peter Bond, consultant to Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute
“I should like to congratulate the Pro Patrimonio Foundation (PPF) on its 25th anniversary. Its achievements in preserving and protecting physical and intangible heritage in Romania are numerous and varied. It has been a remarkable force for good and continues to develop.
I was first introduced to PPF in 2014 through the 7 Most Endangered programme of Europa Nostra and the EIB-Institute as I was involved as a consultant to the latter. PPF had nominated the “60 wooden churches in southern Transylvania and northern Oltenia” project to the programme. Despite great difficulties and challenges at every level, PPF has persisted over the years and has by now restored several churches and protected many others. This was undertaken in an exemplary manner with PPF coordinating all the technical work of restoring the structure and the associated art works. It was achieved with limited funds and institutional support and relied much on PPF coordinating a band of enthusiastic volunteers, all under the professional guidance of experts.
A significant example of the work has been the full restoration of the Ursi church in Vâlcea County. The project was recognised as outstanding in the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards in 2021 when it was awarded the Grand Prix in the Conservation Category and also won the Public Choice Award. This is but one example of PPF’s work, but it illustrates well the very worthwhile work carried out by the organisation over many years.
It is important for the preservation of the valuable heritage in Romania that this exceptional work continues and that its relevance is appreciated by the wider public who are encouraged to continue supporting the Pro Patrimonio Foundation“
Photo: PPF archive, Mr. Peter Bond on the Europa Nostra mission, October 2014
