Demonstrating solutions to protect and preserve cultural heritage from climate impacts

Expected outcome

In line with the EU Adaptation Strategy and the objectives of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, successful proposals will support the preservation of cultural heritage (moveable, immoveable and natural with cultural significance) under a changing climate. Project results are expected to contribute to all the following outcomes: Innovative solutions for protecting and preserving cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change have been demonstrated and are made widely available for upscaling and deployment across the European Union and beyond. This includes nature-based solutions. Regional and local authorities hosting cultural heritage are better prepared to preserve it under a changing climate. Relevant stakeholders - including heritage scientists and managers, climate scientists, regional and local policymakers, civil society and representatives from the tourism industry - have co-created and put in place climate-resilient solutions. Citizens and local communities have also been engaged in the process.

Scope

Rationale As the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, economic losses associated with it are also increasing. However, not all impacts can be quantified economically. This is the case of cultural heritage, which is particularly threatened by climate change but requires dedicated solutions due to its own specificities. Cultural heritage is a key priority for adaptation in the COP28 UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience but has not been addressed by the Mission so far. This is why this action aims to identify and demonstrate solutions that protect and preserve cultural heritage from climate impacts. This topic focuses on tangible (movable and immovable) heritage, and natural heritage with cultural significance. Innovative and effective solutions are needed to help cultural heritage managers and local communities to prepare the cultural heritage sites, structures, and artefacts against the climate impacts, in a way that safeguards their cultural and historical integrity and acknowledges the importance they hold for present and future generations. Solutions sought Proposals should identify, test and demonstrate innovative solutions to protect and preserve cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change and identify possible trade-offs and co-benefits. The solutions may address different aspects of heritage protection and preservation such as, but not limited to, innovative environmental assessment methodologies, monitoring technologies and systems, (green) conservation and restoration techniques [1] , risk management and disaster prevention, etc. All of the following aspects should be considered: The solutions are expected to be co-designed by all the relevant stakeholders and to engage citizens. When relevant, nature-based solutions should be explored as a priority The solutions should consider the potential interactions and compound effects of different hazards. Careful consideration is necessary to avoid maladaptation. This topic r

What this means for cities and regions

Demonstrates solutions to protect and preserve cultural heritage from climate impacts — heat damage to historic stone, flooding of coastal heritage, wildfire risk to landscape sites. Cities, regions, heritage authorities, museums and conservation organisations participate. The largest budget envelope in the Adaptation Mission 2026 wave at €21 million; close 23 September 2026.