18 August 2009
In Sarajevo in 2008 I called for the sensitive development and management of the Foundation's work. Care was needed to protect the setting of the nationally important monument at Visoko, measures to enhance the experience of visitors to the sites were outlined and I warned of the need to safeguard sensitive areas of the sensitive natural environment from the often harmful pressures of mass tourism. I also suggested that, carefully handled, the development of tourism could bring with it many physical, social and economic benefits, particularly when seen in the context of the beautiful landscapes and fascinating cultural heritage in this wonderful part of Central Europe.
I made it clear in 2008 that I am neither an archaeologist nor historian. I'm not qualified to conclude, one way or another, about whether the countryside around Visoko is perhaps the cradle of an unknown epoch in the cultural development of Europe or is otherwise host to unique landforms and geology, or perhaps both.
The activities of the Foundation, like those of so many other organisations, are of course affected by the economic downturn. The need to secure compliance with local urban planning laws and the legal measures to protect the national monument at Visoko are, quite properly, something that must be addressed. Without the breakthrough that the Foundation seeks, those sceptical of its objectives can claim to be in the ascendancy. That breakthrough may happen later this year. On the other hand there may be nothing conclusive to exhibit for several years to come, further fuelling the passions on both sides of the debate.
However it is with utter dismay that I read of the bitter and personal attacks against the Foundation and its key personnel.
There is always a role for supporters and objectors of any scheme and the greater and more controversial is that scheme, the louder will be the voices on both sides of the debate. Properly expressed, the views of objectors have to be given very careful consideration and should never be dismissed out of hand. In making a judgement on something so potentially important and controversial as the objectives of the Foundation, the evidence of both supporters and opponents has to be objective, scientific and founded on fact.
What is without doubt a matter of fact, here in the summer of 2009, is that the debate started by the Foundation shows no sign of going away. Equally, both nationally and internationally, tourism is an area of the economy that is remaining strong despite the gloomy economic outlook. Many people are continuing to visit the Visoko area to see for themselves and make up their own minds about these strangely shaped landforms and their patterned surfaces now partially exposed to the bright Bosnian sun. The Foundation's excavations around Visoko ought to be seen, promoted and marketed in the context of the nationally important cultural and natural heritage assets elsewhere along the Bosna and Fojnica valleys. The expenditure brought by interested, casual and curious visitors alike would bring about widespread benefits to the economy of Visoko, and its residents.
The views of those opposing the Foundation deserve to be listened to and discussed objectively. The breakthrough so eagerly sought by the Foundation and its supporters may be many years away. The financing of further excavations could be delayed by the economic recession.
Nevertheless the sustainable development of an archaeological park around Visoko, properly regulated and protecting those existing, priceless monuments and landscapes, has much to offer and deserves to the subject of mature debate.
Chris Norman,
Edinburgh
Scotland
August 2009