A recent panel discussion was held on “Historical Cultural Heritage Preservation and Development of a City” as part of the 2009 Hangzhou International Sister City Mayors Conference, which was held on October 15 at the Shangri-la Hotel.

Takayoshi Uchida, head of the Fukui Education Committee

Takayoshi Uchida, head of the Fukui Education Committee, shared his ideas and thoughts on the subject with the attendees.

“We believe there are various forms of the cultural treasures including culture shared universally and individual culture developed in specific regions. It is a global topic of how to make co-existence of universal culture and individual culture, modern culture and traditional culture,” Uchida said.

Culture is irrecoverable once lost, he added.

As a historical city, Fukui conducts overall research and investigation before land is developed, Uchida explained, adding once a historic relic is found, a relic protection fund is used to preserve it.

“Discovering historic relics in a balanced way and taking advantage of cultural heritage is our experience,” he said.

By Chen Saiyan