Multifaceted approaches to protecting Tangible Cultural Heritage

Engaging stakeholders, including local communities, indigenous peoples, heritage professionals, and policymakers, is crucial for successful adaptation.

On one hand, securing funding for cultural heritage restoration is a complex task, and stakeholder participation plays a crucial role in its success.  Engaging stakeholders, including local communities, governments, private donors, and cultural organizations, fosters a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the heritage site. This can broaden the funding base by tapping into diverse sources of financial support. Additionally, stakeholders can advocate for the project, raising public awareness and generating enthusiasm for the restoration effort. This collective effort can attract the attention of potential funders, showcasing the project's value and potential positive impact on the community.

On the other hand, achieving public acceptance for closing cultural heritage sites for restoration requires a multifaceted approach, and stakeholder participation is central to this process. By engaging with local communities, heritage groups, and interested individuals, project leaders can foster understanding and build a sense of shared purpose. Open communication about the necessity of closure, the specific restoration goals, and the anticipated timeline can alleviate concerns and generate buy-in. Stakeholder participation also allows for incorporating diverse perspectives into the restoration plan, potentially leading to solutions that minimize disruption or offer alternative access to the site during closure. This collaborative approach fosters trust and transparency, leading to a more supportive and accepting environment for the necessary closure period.

Several factors can influence the success of adaptation strategies:

• Financial resources: Securing adequate funding for adaptation measures is essential.
• Technical expertise: Expertise in conservation techniques, climate science, and risk management is required.
• Community buy-in: Public and community support for adaptation plans is key for long-term success.

Moreover, developing and sharing knowledge about new conservation methods is essential. Key factors are:

• Research and development: Supporting research and development of new conservation methods and materials tailored to address climate-related threats.
• Sharing best practices: Promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration among conservation professionals to share best practices and develop innovative solutions.
• Investing in digital preservation: Investing in digital preservation technologies to create high-resolution digital copies of artworks as a backup and for educational purposes.

Implementing adaptation measures for cultural heritage will involve additional costs, including:

• Risk assessments: Conducting evaluations to understand the specific threats to cultural heritage in different climate scenarios.
• Conservation/restauration activities: Addressing the increased frequency and severity of damage caused by climate change compared to historical conditions.
• New conservation techniques: Upgrading infrastructures, using new materials, and implementing preventive measures to mitigate climate impacts.
• Capacity building: Organizing training programs and workshops to equip communities and professionals with the skills needed for effective adaptation.
• Public awareness campaigns: Educating the public about climate change risks to cultural heritage and the importance of adaptation strategies.
• Monitoring programs: Establishing systems to track and evaluate the effectiveness of adaptation solutions over time.

The benefits of adapting cultural heritage far outweigh the associated costs. Cultural heritage embodies significant cultural, historical, and economic value, making its preservation essential. Protecting cultural heritage not only strengthens community identity but also enhances tourism and boosts local economies. Furthermore, preserving traditional knowledge—such as practices in resource management and disaster preparedness—can play a vital role in supporting adaptation efforts across other sectors, offering practical solutions and fostering resilience.

There are numerous treaties, directives, and strategies at both the European and global levels aimed at protecting cultural heritage.

Article (3)3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) states that the Union shall ensure that Europe’s cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced. Article 167 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)  defines the EU role as one of encouraging cooperation between Member states to support the safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance.

The EU Floods Directive recognizes the importance of cultural heritage in flood risk management. It goes beyond just protecting people and property from flooding. By requiring Member States to assess flood risks, the directive ensures cultural heritage sites are included in this evaluation. This allows for the development of flood risk management plans that consider preventative measures and emergency response protocols specifically for these valuable historical and cultural landmarks.

The EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change recognizes the need to protect and preserve cultural heritage in the face of climate change impacts, such as floods, storms, and sea-level rise. Considering this as a good practice there is a need to incorporate cultural heritage in the national and regional adaptation strategies and plans, such as it is currently foreseen in Cyprus and Slovakia.

On the global level states Parties to the World Heritage Convention should follow measures set by World Heritage Committee to adapt to climate change and to mitigate the impacts. For example states Parties may use the opportunities presented by the ‘Nairobi Work Programme on Impacts, Vulnerability, and Adaptation to Climate Change’ under the UNFCCC, and other ongoing processes, to address adaptation to climate change at World Heritage properties.

The timeframe for implementing adaptation strategies will vary depending on the complexity of the project, the availability of resources, and the level of stakeholder engagement. However, it is crucial to begin adaptation efforts as soon as possible.

Effective adaptation is an ongoing process. Climate change is a dynamic phenomenon, so adaptation strategies need to be reviewed and updated regularly. Long-term monitoring of climate impacts and cultural heritage sites is essential.