The Risk Mapping Tool for Cultural Heritage Protection in Europe and Mediterranean Basin

Cultural and natural heritage (CNH) are persistently at risk due to the impact of extreme climate events, with an increasing frequency over time due to climate change. The assessment and monitoring of these effects impose new and continuously changing conservation challenges and urgently needs for innovative preservation and safeguarding approach. Research into user-driven solutions/tools and mitigation/adaptation strategies, is therefore urgently required, based on sound scientific studies, capitalization of achieved knowledge, transferring and dissemination of results and coordinated actions among the different actors involved in the decision-making process for protection and management of CNH (Public Authorities, scientific community, private sector, rescue bodies). The present contribution aims at illustrating the “Risk mapping tool for cultural heritage protection” specifically designed to support policy and decision makers, researchers and professional figures in charge for the protection of cultural heritage sites in the identification of risk areas and assessment of vulnerabilities for cultural heritage exposed to extreme events linked to climate change. Its development was strongly based on a user-driven approach and the multidisciplinary collaboration among the scientific community, public authorities and the private sector.