Brussels, 02/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank will be hosting a seminar on the Rehabilitation of Historic Cities in the Mediterranean, in the framework of the EIB initiative “Médinas 2030”. The seminar is to be held within the “Mediterranean Economic Week” organised by the Marseilles local authorities from the 7-10 October, and follows a conference held in Venice on 30 October 2008, the pioneer of the “Medinas 2030” initiative.
In a press release, the EIB pointed out that the historic centres of southern and eastern Mediterranean cities have been marginalised due to the deterioration of their infrastructures and the emergence of new urban hierarchies. They are undergoing irreversible changes that significantly alter their role. The EIB therefore affirms that it is imperative to develop a comprehensive and an integrated approach for the rehabilitation of Médinas with the implementation of "patient” investments. This seminar will be the starting point of a far-reaching debate destined to lead to the implementation of investment projects supporting the revitalisation of historic urban centres. The seminar will include four sessions on the following topics: How can the renovation of historic sites be included within the framework of a comprehensive and integrated strategic vision of the city as a whole? What are the challenges of urban rehabilitation and the objectives to be achieved by 2030? What criteria of good governance to adopt based on previous experience in the field of the rehabilitation of Médinas? What role can the private sector play in the effectiveness of public policies concerning rehabilitation?
For further information, please contact Michèle Schmitt - Phone: (+352) 43 79 - 84206; Fax: (+352) 43 79 - 64280 Email: prot.events@bei.org. (O.L./transl.rh)