Estudios Locales of Salobreña Centre (SEL)
Cultural heritage constitutes a rich historical legacy for which present generations have an unwavering responsibility, as this heritage represents a living testimony to the best achievements of countless men and women throughout history.
Preserving our heritage means showing respect for the legacy of countless generations of our fellow human beings who came before us, while passing on our cultural traditions to future generations.
Cultural heritage should be considered a social asset and a fundamental part of our culture, which has helped to shape our identity. Initiatives developed or complemented around cultural heritage can help to revive the economy and socio-cultural life of specific areas or regions. This requires social awareness of the potential and value of these characteristic hallmarks of identity, the legacy of the past, as well as a medium- and long-term planning and implementation process. In short, it is necessary to involve and raise awareness among the population of the value and use of these heritage resources and to undertake actions aimed at enhancing their value, ensuring their proper use and management over time, in order to facilitate their development and improvement.
It is within this framework that the initiative to create the Salobreña Estudios Locales Centre SEL (acronym for Selambina y Salobreña Estudios Locales) takes on relevance and becomes the tool that will structure and give meaning to heritage as a resource in our town. This Centre must ensure that the benefits obtained from the various elements of our Cultural Heritage are returned to the local community, either by improving and complementing the tourist offer or by promoting and disseminating its values. Without neglecting actions that facilitate these aims, such as conservation, restoration and protection, which must preserve it and guarantee its legacy for future generations.
Its objectives are the protection, conservation, restoration and enhancement of the rich cultural heritage of Salobreña. The actions and measures carried out result in visible social benefits, such as the promotion of tourism and dissemination on a social scale. The final beneficiaries are visitors to the town and, of course, the people of Salobreña.
But what is the purpose of a Estudios Locales Centre? To research, study, promote, disseminate and spread awareness of the historical, artistic, scientific, cultural, economic, social and human values relating, in this case, to the town of Salobreña and its surroundings. In addition: the promotion, conservation and dissemination of all its natural, historical, artistic and cultural wealth.
The Estudios Locales Centre must bring together all the tasks and functions specifically related to the heritage of Salobreña and its surrounding area. It coordinates with other municipal departments with similar interests, such as: Urban Planning, Tourism, Environment, Education, etc.
Basically, its main pillars are: research, protection, conservation, restoration, dissemination and enhancement of our cultural heritage, with the participation of the public.
Research and dissemination are essential. In this regard, we have the collaboration of a large group of local and regional researchers who selflessly contribute to various projects and activities. On the other hand, in the field of dissemination, two distinct areas of action are proposed: one more general or educational, aimed at the general public, whether locals or visitors, and another with a special emphasis on local educational centres and those who visit us. In the latter, teaching and pedagogy take on special relevance.
We are convinced that the consolidation of this initiative will undoubtedly facilitate access and knowledge, while allowing the appropriate measures to be taken to preserve and bequeath our rich cultural heritage to future generations in the best possible conditions.
