Ukraine faces significant reconstruction challenges, particularly in relation to the protection of its cultural heritage. Blue Shield knows from significant experience around the world that the restoration of monuments as a material expression of cultural identity must be recognised as an important pillar of reconstruction planning. It is particularly important in the Ukrainian context.
With project funding from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction (Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen), Blue Shield Germany is supporting the Ukraine Reconstruction Platform launched by the federal government with conceptual considerations for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Germany has extensive experience of urban monument reconstruction, which the Ukrainian government have expressed an interest in.
As part of the project, the project team, led by Elisabeth Korinth and coordinated by Dr Andrij Kutnyi, developed concrete recommendations for monument protection and urban development in cooperation with German and Ukrainian stakeholders. The recommendations for action combine the knowledge and wealth of experience of monument protection and preservation in the states of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Berlin and Saxony from decades of active practice with the successful urban monument protection programmes. In particular, the project includes recommendations on the significance of the monuments and their context. In addition, technical, legal and structural requirements relating to the treatment of monuments in Ukraine, collated in partnership with Ukrainian authorities, were recorded, analysed, and integrated into the recommendations.
It was a real privilege to be able to share Germany’s extensive experience on reconstruction with our Ukrainian partners. We know only too well that it’s not just about the fabric of the buildings, but their significance. We have to remember why they matter and who too. People are at the heart of reconstruction.
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