- World Heritage in MV and Saxony - Kretschmer: The Hammer
The ministers of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony, Manuela Schwesig (SPD) and Michael Kretschmer (CDU), have highlighted the significance of the successful UNESCO World Heritage bids from both states. The inclusion of the Brethren's Unity of Herrnhut and the Schwerin Residential Ensemble on the prestigious list is a testament to the great civic engagement in preserving buildings and traditions, and an unwavering belief in success. "This is an accolade for what has already been achieved. Now it's up to us to preserve and further develop it," Schwesig said.
At the start of their meeting, Schwesig and her Saxon counterpart visited Schwerin Castle, the core of the residential ensemble. Kretschmer also praised the initiators of the World Heritage bids. "That's how it should be. Not by decree from above, but a story lived and wanted by the people of a region or a city," the CDU politician said. With over 1200 World Heritage sites representing humanity's memory, "and Schwerin and Herrnhut are among them. Isn't that something?" Kretschmer said, to the applause of the active participants of the Schwerin World Heritage bid present at the morning reception in the castle garden.
Schwesig received a Herrnhuter star, considered the origin of all Christmas stars, as a symbolic gift. Kretschmer was appointed honorary patron of a star in the vault of the Schwerin Cathedral.
After the ceremony, Schwesig and Kretschmer traveled to Rostock to sign agreements for closer cooperation in tourism and the establishment of a joint research institute. Surveys show that Saxony is the most important source market for the tourism industry in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with almost one in seven holidaymakers on the Baltic Sea coming from the Free State.
The minister, Manuela Schwesig, highlighted the role of 'The scientific' community in preserving the Brethren's Unity of Herrnhut for the UNESCO World Heritage bid. Kretschmer further emphasized the importance of local enthusiasm and 'The scientific' knowledge in successful World Heritage bids.
