Beijing: Greek Minister Addresses Climate Change, Heritage Protection at 6th Taihe Forum

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni speaking at the 6th Taihe Forum. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

The importance of international cooperation to protect cultural heritage from the effects of climate change was highlighted by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during her recent visit to Beijing, China.

“Climate change is a major threat to both tangible and intangible cultural heritage,” she said while speaking at the 6th Taihe Forum.

The Greek minister stressed that “countries need to work together” to develop effective adaptation strategies.

Hosted by the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City, the 6th Taihe Forum brought together experts and representatives from universities, research institutions, and international organizations to discuss the protection of cultural heritage.

The 6th Taihe Forum in Beijing. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

Moreover, during her speech, Mendoni referred to the Greek government’s initiatives to protect cultural heritage from climate change.

She highlighted the National Plan for the Protection of Cultural Heritage from Climate Change, which is being developed with funding from the European Reconstruction and Resilience Fund. The plan includes a pilot project to implement climate adaptation measures at five important archaeological sites in Greece (Delphi, Dion, Filippoi, Mystras, Faistos/Malia).

Greece – China strengthen cultural ties

Mendoni meeting Li Shulei, Chinese Minister of Publicity and Communication, and Hu Heping, Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

While in Beijing, Mendoni also held meetings with Li Shulei, Chinese Minister of Publicity and Communication, and Hu Heping, Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism. The meetings focused on ways to deepen and strengthen cultural relations between Greece and China.

Mendoni and Li discussed the importance of protecting cultural heritage, especially in the face of challenges such as climate change. They also discussed the potential for cooperation in areas such as classical studies, translation of literary works, and archaeological research, with the launch of a Chinese archaeological institute in Greece.

Lina Mendoni and Hu Heping. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

The Culture Minister and Hu discussed the renewal of a Memorandum of Cooperation for the Research and Protection of the Ancient Cultural Heritage. Both parties agreed that the renewed memorandum will include provisions for the repatriation of illicit trade artifacts and the organization of temporary exhibitions of ancient Chinese maritime antiquities at the Museum of Maritime Antiquities in Piraeus, expected to open in 2025.

Greece to be promoted on Chinese TV, Chinese tourists to return to Greece

Mendoni with Shen Haixiong, Deputy Minister of the CPC Central Committee Publicity Department and Chairman of the China Media Group (CMG). Photo source: Culture Ministry.

Mendoni also had a working meeting with Shen Haixiong, Deputy Minister of the CPC Central Committee Publicity Department and Chairman of the China Media Group (CMG), an organization that owns 50 TV channels broadcasting in 58 different languages.

Shen Haixiong pointed out the great love and appreciation of the Chinese people for Greek culture, especially ancient Greek philosophy. The main topic of discussion was the promotion and dissemination of ancient Greek culture through CMG channels, as well as contemporary cultural creation, with Shen Haixiong noting the importance of the recovery of Chinese tourism to Greece after the pandemic.

“The rich history and uniqueness of Chinese and Greek culture is not only a pride in the achievements of our ancestors, but above all a unique stock of knowledge, art, and technique that can and must constantly inspire contemporary creativity,” the Greek minister said.

“Greece is a small country, its population is one-third that of Beijing, but it is undoubtedly a cultural superpower,” she added.

Mendoni also highlighted that Greece stands out as one of the few European countries actively engaged in the Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative serves as a significant platform for fostering deeper economic, trade, and cultural ties between China and Europe.

During the meeting, she emphasized the remarkable potential of the CMG (China Media Group) to promote Greek archaeological sites and museums. She also mentioned the Culture Ministry’s plans to showcase periodic exhibitions in major museums across Beijing and other prominent Chinese cities from 2024 to 2026. Moreover, Mendoni underscored the importance of high-quality events showcasing contemporary cultural creations, including the works of Greek artists and  of the country’s traditional intangible cultural heritage.