The European Investment Bank Institute and Europa Nostra, the leading heritage organisation in Europe, have published a technical and financial report for the rehabilitation of the Kampos of Chios, in Chios, Greece, listed among The 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe in 2016.
The European experts propose to create a new executive organisation responsible for the sustainable development of the Kampos and recommend several short and medium term actions which need to be taken.
The Kampos of Chios is a semi-urban, semi-rural area where the islands’ wealthier families built beautiful mansions of local stone, surrounded by citrus orchard estates. The 200 houses and towers which survive, combined with high stone walls separating the estates and narrow surrounding lanes, create a poetic landscape.
The sole surviving example of an originally Genoese colonial order – although frequently rebuilt since the 14th century as a result of earthquakes – the Kampos is seriously endangered. Despite two official preservation decrees however, protection has proven inadequate. Meanwhile the replacement of citrus with the thirstier cultivation of potatoes and vegetables has led to serious problems of water quality and quantity. Other threats are also increasing: through traffic and the partial demolition of stone boundary walls.
The EIB Institute facilitates the transfer of know-how and experience between different partners and countries in the heritage conservation field. It cooperates with Europa Nostra to identify those under acute danger of neglect or destruction. This innovative cooperation mixes the cultural expertise and lobbying work of Europa Nostra with the technical appraisal and rescue planning skills of the EIB. The EIB/CEB experts carry out on-site missions and produce technical reports on the viability and phasing of the project recuperation as well as on the funding options.
