The need to protect the cultural heritage from the climate crisis and its effects was mentioned, among others, by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Christos Stylianidis, during a high level event of the Greek government, held within the framework of COP 26, on protection of cultural monuments from climate change. He said that cultural and natural heritage is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the negative social and environmental effects of climate change, the climate crisis, while adding that cultural heritage is one of the four pillars of sustainable development.
“Recent scientific reports clearly show that if we do not act immediately, the destruction of the integrity of the world’s cultural heritage may be irreversible. We must act now “, Mr. Stylianidis pointed out while he made it clear that the only way to face these climate challenges is through multifaceted cooperation, through structured dialogue and the exchange of best practices and knowledge.
“We must build on the actions agreed at the first International Conference on the Protection of Cultural Heritage from Climate Change held in Athens during the summer of 2019. We must promote preventive and resilient actions at international, national and local levels.” , the minister noted.
Mr. Stylianidis stressed that the key is education as he explained that education contributes to understanding the effects of climate change and encourages changes in behavior and attitudes within society.
He also stressed the importance of educating children, students and the general public about the effects of climate change on cultural heritage. Also, as he said, it is equally important to educate the citizens through programs and actions in museums and archeological sites but also through training scenarios in the private sector.
“Education is a key tool for prevention and as the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection we are working on such initiatives,” said Mr. Stylianidis. The minister stressed the need to constantly assess the “vulnerability” of the world heritage and this can be done with more research and further data through special monitoring systems that will help to better understand the effects and threats of climate change on monuments.
“The vulnerability index will allow us to prioritize our actions”, noted Mr. Stylianidis while talking about a strategy that will include practical tools and solutions for adaptation to climate change, sustainable management and preservation of cultural heritage .
At the same time summarizing what emerged from the conference and is to take place next year, Mr. Stylianidis said that “the Greek government will organize a summit at the level of heads of state and government to agree on a roadmap and further actions.” In addition, he said, this initiative will be further promoted at a ministerial level event, during the Greek Presidency of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Athens in 2022.
Mr. Stylianidis also said that a pilot program will be launched to create the “Climate Identity” of selected monuments in the Mediterranean region with the contribution of the European member states of the South.
“Cultural heritage shapes the identity of a region, a society, improves social inclusion, the quality of the environment, promotes tourism and creates jobs. “Improving the climatic resilience of our monuments creates environmental, social and economic benefits”, concluded Mr. Stylianidis.
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