The International Centre of the Roerichs has became a new Member Organization of Europa Nostra

The International Centre of the Roerichs has became a member of Europa Nostra − pan-European Federation for Cultural Heritage which unites civil, non-governmental and non-profitable organizations. Europa Nostra defends not only that part of cultural heritage which is directly threatened but also advocates for preservation of cultural heritage in the world.

The logo design of this international organization is laconic and clear to everyone. The images of an Orthodox Temple, a Muslim Minaret and a Medieval Tower are placed in a circle symbolizing the unity of History and Culture of different countries and peoples.

Nowadays Europa Nostra, which was created in 1963 under the auspices of UNESCO, unites more than 400 European organizations of 47 European countries. The outstanding maestro Placido Domingo is the President of Europa Nostra Federation. This year a representative of Russia Mr Valentin I. Manturov, Director of the Russian National Centre for Heritage Trusteeship, was introduced in the Board of Europa Nostra.

Until recently, Russia was represented in Europa Nostra by three organizations − Moscow Society for the Protection of Architectural Heritage, National Fund «The Revival of Russian Manor» and the Russian National Centre for Heritage Trusteeship. Now the list was supplemented by the International Centre of the Roerichs.

In the official announcement on the entry of the International Centre of the Roerichs in Europa Nostra it was emphasized that participation of organisations of Russia, the largest country of European and Asian continent with its multi-national culture could support Europa Nostra's prime mission, such as influencing national and regional heritage policy, campaigning for endangered heritage, recognizing outstanding heritage achievements and raising public awareness.

It is symbolic that entry of the International Centre of the Roerichs in Europa Nostra Federation coincided with the 75th Anniversary of the Roerich Pact and the recognition of the lifetime dedication of Ms Lyudmila V. Shaposhnikova, Director General of the Museum by name of Nicholas Roerich, Honored Art Worker of Russia. This year Ms Shaposhnikova was named the winner of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage, Europa Nostra Awards 2010, in Category 3 − Dedicated Service.