Nelly Ardill: The situation is catastrophic for our historical buildings and monuments
Last Updated on Saturday, 11 February 2012 08:14 Written by Administrator Saturday, 11 February 2012 07:42
Introduction
SOS Patrimoine en Péril – Save our Heritage is a philanthropic organisation aimed at protecting and enhancing the value of our Mauritian heritage. Its mission can be described as association-communication-vision and action in the context of sustainable development (MID).
The role of the Association is to inform the administration and civil society on threats to our heritage. Without interfering with the authorities, we are working in close partnership with the private sector, educational institutions, cultural centres and the Ministries and organisations concerned, at national, regional and international levels.
The Association was registered in 2006 (No 9616) and is listed as beneficiary for CSR funds (No.1289). Our members have different responsibilities related to the environment, historical, touristic or architectural elements, despite the fact that they have to work and look after their families. I am personally involved largely with workshops and meetings, securing finance, liaison with the authorities and other associations (MACOSS), regional and international organizations, acting where possible with the full knowledge and agreement of the responsible ministries.
We invite all those attentive to our Mauritian heritage to visit our Web site www.patimoineenperil.mu and in particular to open the Inventory tab. The Inventory is a tool to list and describe the elements of our culture and past and where possible identify possible threats. Based on a Wiki approach, all are cordially invited to add to its contents.
-What are the subjects considered as heritage in a country?
In general, the international community recognizes as heritage all the elements particular to a country which define its character. This can include buildings or sites of historical importance and which might have an aesthetic dimension, and this has been the traditional view in Mauritius, as can be seen in the listings of the NHF (National Heritage Fund). We tend to take a wide view, however, including endemic plants and birds, wetlands and nature reserves and utensils of every-day life, as well as intangible and cultural elements such as paintings and music, as well as personalities who have impacted on the life of this country.
-What is your assessment of the current state of affairs of our precious historical heritage in Mauritius?
If we consider the three aspects of our heritage, I believe that relative to the environment, the lagoons, beaches and wetlands, the public is increasingly aware and moving: the media and many associations are helping to promote Government action.
The situation is catastrophic for historical buildings and monuments. I am well aware that we can't preserve everything, particularly on private property. Part of the problem is that there is a widespread conception that old things have no value and should be replaced with modern concrete constructions. People don't feel concerned when carved stones are stolen from historical buildings or even tombs. Even the Government has not hesitated to pull down old railway stations or post offices which represented unique local architecture.
I find it sad that no-one realises that this precious heritage is an exploitable ecological niche – why come to this country if there is no local character which defines its charm. Our old buildings are an integral part of the countryside to visit and photograph.
--Do you think that we have reached a point of no-return?
The listing of the Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne as UNESCO World Heritage sites is proof that the Government is aware of the problem and is taking action. The authorities managing these sites are doing their best. I also applaud the creation of a National Art Gallery, but much still needs to be done to keep the charm of the old Port Louis while permitting the construction of modern infrastructure. Singapore might provide a model to follow.
We urgently need to educate the youth of this country to appreciate the value of a Mauritian identity. Our thanks to the media for the unflagging support given to this end.
--You travelled the world over. What have you seen in other countries in relation to the protection of national heritage which can be adopted here?
Throughout my travels, I have been able to see that many countries, not always the most wealthy, enhance their heritage sites, preserving this tourist potential, providing employment and giving pride to the population. We need, in Mauritius, to forge our policies, in relation to our financial means, to direct meaningful investment to be able to reap economic benefits. This will mean choosing those features which best define the country and its population to present to visitors.
-Is there any legislation to control and protect whatever is designed as national heritage?
We are the champions of legislation, although laws are often weak, leaving too much leeway to civil servants and politicians. Existing laws are rarely enforced, however, particularly when electoral objectives get in the way... Despite numerous studies and learned papers on the subject, mostly collecting dust in drawers, funds are available for institutions, but these have no operating budgets.
-Formerly there were societies such as ‘Societe des Arts et des Sciences’ and a national department for the designation of buildings to be classified as historical monuments. What happened to these institutions?
The NHF, now doing some good work, doesn't even have the funds to protect monuments on public land, let alone subsidise the preservation of the few remaining lovely old creole houses. The Société des Arts et des Sciences seems to have become largely inactive. It is very protective of its treasures, such as the paintings in the Museum, some of which have been restored and could form the basis of the National Arts Gallery.
The Mauritius Commercial Bank has amassed a marvellous collection of documents and memorabilia, some of which are on view in the Blue Penny Museum. The MSIRI also has an important collection of scientific literature and paintings. Finally, SOS Patrimoine is helping the National Archives with equipment and training with CSR funds, but the same should be done at the Carnegie Library.
Some Public-Private Partnerships, such as the preservation of the Martello Tower in La Preneuse have worked very well, and we should promote this model, despite some loss of “Control” by the State. I applaud the work of private individuals such as Goodaruth Chuttoo with his expositions and museum of small objects and Trstan Breville's Musée de la Photo, as well as a number of initiatives aimed at protecting endemic species.
I am disappointed, however, at the lack of involvement of the University and MGI, particularly as this contributes to the lack of involvement of the student body.
I believe the Ministry of Tourism could be more involved in this area and that the Ministry of Culture could seek foreign partnerships. Mauritius is always in the first rank in signing conventions but rarely exploits the opportunities these offer.
Indradev CURPEN
NEWS ON SUNDAY, 10-16 FEB 2012