In order to strengthen the protection and preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the old town of Kuldīga, on Tuesday, 3 February, the Saeima adopted a new law to this effect.

The law provides for a special management and monitoring system for the historic centre of Kuldīga, which will promote cooperation between the state, local government, and society in the protection of cultural heritage.

The old town of Kuldīga is included in the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the law on the city’s historic centre was adopted to ensure the preservation, protection, development, and proper management of this cultural and historical site.

The law defines the territory of the old town of Kuldīga and its protection zone as covering an area of 173.18 hectares. In order to preserve the historical environment in this area, restrictions on the construction and reconstruction of buildings have been imposed, and as of 2029, it will be mandatory to insure real estate located in the old town.

The law also stipulates that these properties must be reflected in the land register as having special status – cultural monuments in a World Heritage Site.

The Kuldīga Municipality will have broader rights to get involved in real estate issues. To prevent the deterioration of cultural and historical buildings, the Municipality will also be able to expropriate properties that are poorly maintained, untidy, or neglected.

The law provides for the establishment of a Kuldīga Old Town Cooperation Council, which will coordinate the involvement of the state, local government and society in heritage management. The law also sets out specific requirements for the protection of the old town landscape and other elements of universal value, and stipulates requirements for assessing impact on heritage.

In their explanatory memorandum, the authors of the law on the old town of Kuldīga emphasise that the special law will strengthen Kuldīga’s competitiveness as a cultural tourism destination, attract investment, and create new business opportunities, while preserving the city’s authenticity.

Saeima Press Service