On Monday, Art History Professor Maisa Navarro was presented with the key to La Laguna (Tenerife) by the City Council in recognition of her dedication to the study, promotion, and preservation of the city’s cultural heritage, ultimately leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
This honour, part of the events commemorating the 25th anniversary of the municipality’s recognition by the United Nations organisation, coincided with a lecture entitled Rethink the future, where the professor from the University of La Laguna discussed both the history and future prospects of the city.
Navarro emphasised the cultural significance of La Laguna, asserting that “future generations must inherit it in respectful conditions,” just as she experienced in her youth, and expressed her gratitude towards social and student movements for their efforts in preserving its heritage, particularly during the 1970s.
“This city is exceptional, not merely as a Canarian locale, but as a site of universal significance across the globe. This is the message I wish to convey today, to highlight the critical need for the City Council to take responsibility for its protection in the future,” Navarro stated.
The municipality’s mayor, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, embraced the challenge and underscored the importance of the suggestions made by the professor, whose contributions were pivotal in attaining the UNESCO designation. He affirmed that aside from her professional achievements, her legacy will be etched in history, instilling “pride in the citizens of La Laguna.”
