In a notable move towards the preservation of architectural and urban heritage, the dean of the Official College of Architects of Castilla-La Mancha (COACM), Elena Guijarro, and the president of the Hispania Nostra association, Araceli Pereda, have signed a collaboration agreement at the Madrid headquarters of the association. This agreement aims to set up a framework for cooperation between the two institutions to promote activities that strengthen the defense of cultural heritage, not only in Castilla-La Mancha but also at the national level.
The agreement, planned to be renewed annually, seeks to encourage educational and scientific initiatives, as well as the organization of guided tours, roundtables, and workshops related to architecture and urban planning. It also includes research projects in areas of mutual interest, collaboration in social awareness and dissemination programs, and the exchange of relevant information and documentation.
The collaboration between COACM and Hispania Nostra is not new. The organizations have already worked together on various activities and congresses, such as the recent II Heritage Days held in Cuenca. After the agreement was signed, teams from both entities met to start outlining joint projects.
During the signing, Elena Guijarro emphasized the importance of establishing a collaboration protocol with an entity of great prestige like Hispania Nostra, stating, “we could not agree more with the purpose of this association.” For her part, Araceli Pereda highlighted the need to join efforts to protect heritage, given the scarcity of resources and personnel in this field.
Hispania Nostra, founded in 1976, has reinforced its position as one of the most important organizations in Spain’s heritage conservation, inspired by the Europa Nostra model. Its work includes the protection and management of monuments, cultural landscapes, and spreading awareness about heritage, as well as maintaining the red list of heritage in danger.
The COACM, as a public corporation that brings together architects from Castilla-La Mancha, is committed to regulating professional practice, promoting continuous training, and defending the interests of its members in the public sphere, highlighting the crucial role of architects in the conservation of architectural heritage. The signing of this agreement is seen as a decisive step in achieving its strategic objectives in this area.