Why the Cultural Heritage Is Critical for Horizon Europe Success

Introduction

Horizon Europe is the EU’s ambitious research and innovation program for 2021-2027, with a whopping budget of €95.5 billion. As Horizon Europe aims to deepen Europe’s scientific and technological excellence and tackle societal challenges, culture and cultural heritage are becoming even more critically important.

Cultural heritage refers to all aspects of the man-made and natural environment that have a cultural significance and are passed on from generation to generation. It includes tangible and intangible heritage, such as historic buildings, landscapes, artifacts, oral traditions, and performing arts.

In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons why cultural heritage is so crucial for the success of Horizon Europe and its mission to foster sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous societies.

The Value of Cultural Heritage for Horizon Europe

Cultural heritage is not a luxury, but a fundamental asset that underpins Europe’s multidimensional identity and richness. It is also a driver of economic growth, social cohesion, and wellbeing. Here are some reasons why cultural heritage matters for Horizon Europe:

Promoting Innovation and Creativity

Cultural heritage is a source of inspiration, innovation, and creativity. By preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge, skills, and practices, we can enhance our ability to create innovative and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges. For example, tapping into traditional knowledge and indigenous practices can help us develop new medicines, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation strategies.

Moreover, cultural heritage can be a catalyst for the development of creative and cultural industries, which are one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. The creative and cultural industries (such as architecture, design, fashion, film, music, and software) generate jobs, wealth, and soft power for Europe, with a turnover of over €500 billion and creating 7.5 million jobs in the EU27 in 2019.

Fostering Inclusive and Diverse Societies

Cultural heritage is a key element of Europe’s diversity and inclusiveness. It reflects the diversity of human experiences, identities, languages, and values, and contributes to promoting intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and social cohesion. By involving communities, particularly those that are marginalized or underrepresented, in the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of cultural heritage, we can create a sense of belonging, agency, and ownership, and promote social justice, equality, and human rights.

Moreover, cultural heritage can act as a vehicle for intergenerational and intercultural learning and education, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and creativity among young people and adults alike. It can also help combat stereotypes, prejudices, and racism, and promote cultural exchange and mutual respect.

Protecting the Environment and Cultural Landscapes

Cultural heritage is closely intertwined with the natural environment and landscapes, and preserving it can contribute to environmental sustainability and resilience. Cultural landscapes, such as agricultural terraces, traditional fishing villages, and sacred natural sites, are often shaped by centuries-old interactions between humans and nature, and provide ecosystem services, such as soil conservation, water regulation, and carbon sequestration. By protecting and managing cultural landscapes, we can enhance their cultural, ecological, and economic values and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Moreover, cultural heritage can help raise awareness and promote sustainable behaviors, such as reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and taking care of biodiversity. For example, historical parks and gardens can showcase sustainable gardening practices, while cultural events can promote eco-tourism and sustainable consumption of food and goods.

Conclusion

Cultural heritage is critical for the success of Horizon Europe and its mission to foster sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous societies. By recognizing the value of cultural heritage and integrating it into research and innovation policies and practices, we can unleash its full potential and accelerate Europe’s transformative power. From generating innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges to fostering intercultural dialogue and diversity, cultural heritage provides a wealth of opportunities for Horizon Europe and beyond.

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