Colonial Fortifications in the Caribbean. Achievements, conservation and perspectives

Abstract

The historical, monumental and universal significance of the Spanish Caribbean fortifications has permitted us to develop a policy of recovery, protection, maintenance and education. Along twenty-five years, we have obtained good results, we have joined forces on national and international scales and we are now more aware of our cultural and patrimonial values and the potential for developing Cultural Tourism. Numerous Organizations and prestigious International Scientific Committees in the world have recognized, revalued and extended the importance of this patrimony, the same as many educational and cultural institutions develop vocational training. We have been working in the maintenance and restoration of building sites and of fortresses as a whole, taking all the necessary steps, through managements plan, to attach the real value to them. We have carried out socio cultural programs, which had called for a wide audience, to support the buildings. Nevertheless, there are some problems which attempt on the protection and integrity of this patrimony. For example: Wrong interventions are made in listed buildings; some of these fortifications are misused, which depreciate the value and nature; lack skilful policy and financial support from the countries of the area which brings about there abandon and destruction. Although we are taking measures to correct the above explained, still it is much to do, to develop and to think.