Risk Management for Cultural Heritage

<< Background >>The RMCH project was designed to address the critical gap identified in the European Green Deal regarding the protection of cultural heritage in the face of climate change. It aimed to solve various interconnected problems, including reliance on dwindling resources, the need for a fairer distribution of economic growth benefits, and the existential threats of climate change and biodiversity loss. Central Europe and the Mediterranean area are facing an increase in extreme events such as downpours, floods, warm spells, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. These events pose significant threats to cultural and natural properties, causing the deterioration of masonry, structures, monuments, and artworks.The RMCH project aimed to fill this critical gap to understand and address the complex risks posed by climate change to cultural heritage. By focusing on training future and present cultural heritage professionals, the project ensured they were equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change. Institutions, managers, and owners, as well as VET providers, played a crucial role in this initiative by integrating risk assessment and prevention into the management and promotion of tangible cultural heritage.<< Objectives >>Our primary objective in implementing this project was to create and test a new vocational education and training (VET) curriculum specifically designed to meet the job market demands of the Cultural Heritage sector, with a focus on addressing the impacts of climate change. This curriculum aimed to formalize the skills and competencies required for the emerging role of Cultural Heritage Risk Manager. To achieve this, we raised awareness and gathered data among key stakeholders across Europe about the urgent need for well-trained professionals in cultural heritage risk assessment. We conducted a thorough analysis of the job market to identify the essential skills and competencies necessary for protecting tangible cultural heritage from climate change. Additionally, we developed a digital tool that allows VET trainees to test and enhance their skills, providing practical experience as Risk Managers. Finally, we designed and implemented a modular Vocational Training Course for Risk Managers and Climate Change Officers of Cultural Heritage in four European countries, using a blended learning model that integrated virtual and in-person training.<< Implementation >>Our project underwent several phases to address the critical need for Cultural Heritage Risk Managers in the face of climate change. Initially, led by partner WARREDOC, we delved into desk research, exploring the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage across Europe. Concurrently, we assessed the job market demands, identifying the precise skills and competencies required for this emerging role.Guided by partner ITAM, we conducted in-depth investigations to understand the balance of skills necessary for effective risk management in cultural heritage. This involved a survey of stakeholders to ascertain their specific needs and existing capacities in this domain.MAZZINILAB developed a prototype Risk Assessment platform. This involved a process of conceptualization, design, and testing to ensure its effectiveness in addressing the identified challenges.Lastly, under the guidance of partner DUK, we crafted and tested a comprehensive Training Course tailored to equip future Cultural Heritage Risk Managers with the requisite skills and knowledge. This involved a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, aligning closely with the European Qualifications Framework.<< Results >>The concrete outputs and results of the project were as follows:PR1: PO1 resulted in the publication of a comprehensive study on risk assessment and management of cultural heritage in Europe, which provided critical insights into current practices, identified gaps, and informed the development of specialized training programs for Cultural Heritage Risk Managers.PR2: Development and delivery of a specialized set of skills and competencies for Cultural Heritage Risk Managers. This was achieved via activities in WP2, with the Risk Manager’s European skills and competencies profile (PR2) serving as the foundation. PR3: Creation of a functional, scalable, and replicable web app model for training VET learners in cultural heritage risk assessment (PO3). This was realized through activities in WP3, with the Prototype of the Risk Assessment platform (PR3) playing a central role. After testing and refinement, this platform showed potential for further development and long-term sustainability.PR4: Training of VET learners as Cultural Heritage Risk Managers using the newly developed Training Course (PO4). This was accomplished through activities in WP4, with the Certified Training Course for Cultural Heritage Risk Managers (PR4) being critical. Transnational learning activities also played a vital role in piloting and enhancing the training course.