Climate change increasingly impacts cultural heritage, be that material, immaterial or scenic. Heritage sites are often trapped by urban practices and expanding human activity, undermining their resilience and jeopardizing some of their attributes.
Heritage sites are prime illustrations of the osmosis between human action and nature, thereby enhancing local character in terms of layout, choice of materials, architectural perspectives, and orientation… Hence the importance of preserving and protecting these sites from the daily hazards of climate change. This meeting of experts launches the debate on the impact of climate change on heritage sites and associated risks.
The meeting also seeks to initiate discussions on the need for concerted measures to safeguard moveable cultural heritage in urban centers, and areas most exposed to pollution and human activity. Moveable heritage (whether monumental or domestic) presents both vulnerabilities and great potential in managing the impact of global warming in urban areas, whether through traditional construction techniques and methods (providing lessons in sustainability and respect for the environment) or through new cultural applications of built heritage.
The meeting highlights the value of cultural heritage in establishing historic sites, as well as the vulnerability of these sites in the face of new climatic challenges, and the associated potential hazards to their conservation. The meeting also examines case studies of cultural heritage sites facing the threat of climate change, with specific recommendations on how to address this situation, as well as new guidelines and recommendations for strengthening the resilience of urban heritage, risk mitigation, and heritage asset management methods.
Experts will share insights and perspectives on the sustainable management of listed sites, highlighting the age-old ecological value inherent to building and conservation techniques, while considering the effects of climate change. The meeting ties in with Foundation workshops aimed at sharing expertise, raising awareness, and building capacity, to strengthen and synergize efforts towards eco-responsible and environmentally-friendly heritage property management.
