As climate change accelerates, our cultural heritage — the monuments, landscapes, traditions, and local knowledge that define who we are — is increasingly at risk. From ancient ruins to indigenous wisdom, these irreplaceable assets are being damaged or lost due to floods, droughts, storms, and other hydroclimatic extremes.
A new policy brief, Integrating Water, Climate and Heritage in Policy Action, calls for urgent and coordinated action to address this growing threat. It outlines how protecting heritage must become a key part of climate adaptation strategies, especially as water-related hazards are now the leading cause of heritage degradation worldwide.
The paper highlights several priorities for action:
- Stronger funding mechanisms, including a proposed European Heritage Resilience Fund
- Interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and local communities
- Innovative technologies, such as AI-driven monitoring and flood-resistant materials
- Living labs that bring together research and real-world community solutions
- Empowerment of local stakeholders, ensuring that traditional knowledge is not lost but integrated into modern planning
Protecting cultural heritage isn’t just about preserving the past — it’s essential for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable futures. Heritage connects us, grounds us, and offers powerful tools for climate adaptation. By acting now, we can ensure that it continues to inspire and support generations to come.