(Finance) – “Climate change represents one of the main threats to the world’s cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. Phenomena such as rising temperatures, coastal erosion, extreme climate events and ocean acidification put monuments at risk , archaeological sites and traditions that define the cultural identity of the communities”: this was underlined by the Vice President of Assorestauro Francesca Brancacciospoke in Baku on the occasion of COP29. “This unique and significant heritage, safeguarded by international organizations such as UNESCO and ICOMOS, requires coordinated and collaborative interventions to ensure its preservation for future generations. In addition to the commitment of government institutions, a fundamental role is played by private organizations and business networks, such as Assorestauro, which represents the Italian supply chain of the restoration sector. Through participation in national and international projects, these entities bring consolidated experience to bear on cultural heritage with sustainable and innovative methodologies. Cooperation between institutions, businesses and local communities is essential to address the challenges posed by climate change and preserve cultural heritage as a pillar of global identity”
Cultural heritage is not just an element to be preserved – Brancaccio specifies – but an engine for sustainable and inclusive development. The adoption of targeted strategies and innovative methodologies allows you to balance conservation with contemporary needs, he says, explaining that sustainability represents a guiding principle in the restoration and conservation of historic buildings.
Brancaccio also observes that the resilient design of cultural heritage implies a holistic approach that considers the implications of climate change from the early stages of the intervention, citing among the emerging good practices: The climate-neutral use of sites, with an eye to renewable energy; The reuse of traditional materials and techniques to reduce environmental impact and the adoption of innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of extreme climate events.
The challenge of preserving cultural heritage in a context of climate change requires the involvement of an entire supply chain: analysis, survey and diagnostics, design, production of materials and technologies, restoration and valorization companies. Only through synergistic collaboration between all actors – he concludes – will it be possible to reduce the vulnerability of cultural heritage and ensure that they can continue to tell their story to future generations. In a world increasingly exposed to climate risks, preserving cultural heritage is not only a question of identity, but also of sustainable development, resilience and social cohesion.