For Gibraltar, Gorhams' World Heritage status brings 'huge responsibility'

On behalf of the people of Gibraltar, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has accepted the honour of world heritage status of the Gorham’s Cave Complex “with a sense of huge responsibility”.

Gibraltar was committed to making it known to the world and to promote the objectives of UNESCO he said at a special ceremony yesterday evening which took place on one of the future viewing platforms overlooking Gorham’s Cave.

In the presence of the Governor, Government Minister’s, members of the Opposition, local and international dignitaries, scientists and academics, the Chief Minister received the Certificate of Inscription from UNESCO, officially rubber stamping the Gorham’s Cave Complex as a World Heritage site.

Making the presentation Professor Minja Yang, on behalf of the Director of UNESCO, stated “with the World Heritage recognition it is our hope that future research on these sites will continue and become even more exemplary”.

“The real work begins now,” she emphasised.

In his speech the Chief Minister spoke of the magnificent backdrop of the proceedings.

“Today is an important realisation of the value that lies around us,” he said.

“We are just the present day generation who have found comfort, peace and protection under its towering height.”

Recognising the work of Professor Clive Finlayson and Dr Geraldine Finlayson, Mr Picardo, thanked them both for leading “the work of understanding of what we have here”.

“Gibraltarians are a cosmopolitan, warm and friendly people. The Gorham’s Cave project reflects this openness, he said, “as it continues to involve researchers from many countries and different disciplines," he said.

“It has been an exemplar of how people can come together, leaving politics aside, and work towards a common goal for the benefit of humanity. Now that we are distinguished as one of the most important 30 sites in the world that work will continue.”

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