Preserving Europe’s Cultural Heritage: A Focus on Horizon Europe
Europe is home to a rich cultural heritage that has been cultivated over centuries and spans the continent. From the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt to the castles of France and the Roman ruins in Italy, Europe’s cultural heritage is a testament to the creativity, ingenuity, and resilience of its people. This priceless heritage is what brings millions of visitors each year to Europe and serves as an inspiration for artists, historians, and cultural enthusiasts worldwide.
However, with the passage of time, numerous factors such as urbanization, wars, and natural disasters have threatened this cultural heritage. The destruction of Notre-Dame de Paris in 2019, the fires in Venice and Porto’s libraries in Portugal are only a few examples that highlight the fragility of Europe’s cultural heritage.
To preserve the cultural heritage of Europe, the European Union (EU) has recently launched Horizon Europe, a seven-year research and innovation program that provides funding and resources to protect and promote Europe’s cultural heritage.
The Horizon Europe program has identified three areas of priority for the preservation of Europe’s cultural heritage: the protection of tangible heritage, the preservation of intangible heritage, and the digitalization of heritage.
The protection of tangible heritage involves the conservation of buildings, monuments, and other physical structures. This is essential to prevent damage caused by natural disasters, environmental factors, and urbanization. The preservation of intangible heritage involves the safeguarding of traditions, customs, and cultural practices. This can be done through documentation, research, and education.
The digitalization of heritage involves the use of digital technologies to preserve and showcase cultural heritage. For instance, using high-resolution scans and 3D modeling can be used to create virtual tours of museums and archaeological sites. This can help to promote access to and education about cultural heritage.
One example of a project funded by Horizon Europe is the development of a new system for the detection and management of natural disasters in cultural heritage sites, known as SHERPA. This project aims to create a monitoring system that can alert authorities and local communities to the presence of risks such as earthquakes, flooding, and landslides, providing them with valuable information to protect cultural heritage sites.
Similarly, Horizon Europe is funding projects such as ARCHiVe, which aims to develop innovative tools and practices to preserve and showcase Europe’s audiovisual cultural heritage. This project looks at the ways digital technologies can make audiovisual archives more accessible and engaging for the public, allowing them to gain a deeper appreciation of Europe’s cultural heritage.
In conclusion, preserving Europe’s cultural heritage is a critical task that requires the involvement of individuals, communities, and organizations across Europe. The Horizon Europe program can provide an essential tool for the protection and promotion of Europe’s cultural heritage. By prioritizing the protection of tangible heritage, the preservation of intangible heritage, and the digitalization of heritage, we can ensure that Europe’s diverse and rich cultural heritage is preserved, enjoyed, and celebrated for generations to come.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)