How do you measure the impact of heritage? Sometimes in numbers. Often in stories. Always in people.

The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) is pleased to announce the publication of its 2025 Annual Report, offering a comprehensive overview of a year marked by international collaboration, expanded training opportunities, new partnerships, and a growing global community committed to safeguarding and activating cultural heritage.

In 2025, HERITΛGE continued to strengthen its mission of empowering people and institutions through practical, inclusive, and community-centred heritage management. Across four continents, we worked with universities, governments, museums, NGOs, local communities, and international organisations to develop knowledge, build skills, and create lasting networks.

The report highlights a remarkable year in which HERITΛGE:

• Delivered 44 training programmes and educational activities.
• Trained 1,100 participants from 60 countries.
• Advanced major international projects across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America.
• Strengthened collaborations with leading academic institutions, cultural organisations and funding bodies.
• Continued investing in research, innovation and digital approaches to heritage management.

Beyond the figures, the Annual Report celebrates the achievements of our participants, trainers, partners and supporters, whose expertise, enthusiasm and commitment continue to shape the future of heritage management.

Reflecting on the year, said Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis, HERITΛGE Director:  

“Every year reminds us that heritage is ultimately about people. The achievements presented in this report are the result of the dedication of our staff, trainers, partners, supporters and thousands of participants who believe that cultural heritage can contribute to stronger communities and a more sustainable future. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey.”

As HERITΛGE looks ahead, the organisation remains committed to expanding access to high-quality training, supporting communities worldwide, fostering international cooperation, and ensuring that cultural heritage continues to serve as a powerful resource for education, resilience, sustainable development and social impact.

We invite our friends, partners and members of the global heritage community to explore the report and discover the projects, people and partnerships that made 2025 such an important year for HERITΛGE.

Read the 2025 Annual Report and join us as we continue building capacity, connecting communities, and shaping the future of heritage management—together.

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After two weeks of immersive fieldwork across Paros island in Greece, participants in the HERITΛGE Engaging Communities in Cultural Heritage Summer Field School concluded their learning journey by returning their research to the community that helped shape it.

Hosted on June 26th in the Dimitrakopoulos Building in Parikia, the public event brought together local residents, municipal representatives, heritage practitioners and visitors for an evening celebrating collaboration, dialogue and shared discovery. Rather than presenting research solely as an academic exercise, participants shared the stories, experiences and perspectives they had gathered through interviews, observations and conversations with the people of Paros.

Guided by HERITΛGE trainers Dr Aris Anagnostopoulos and Dr Lena Stefanou, the event showcased how community-based heritage research can strengthen connections between people, place and cultural heritage.

One research group explored the vibrant artistic life of Paros. Through interviews with local artists, makers and craftspeople, the participants documented the diversity of creative practices found across the island, producing a compelling short documentary celebrating the people whose work continues to shape Paros’ cultural identity.

A second group investigated the concept of spolia—the reuse of ancient architectural elements within more recent buildings. Combining historical research, interviews and personal reflections, the team created a poetic video essay inviting audiences to discover traces of the past embedded within the island’s contemporary landscape and to see familiar streets through a different lens.

Another group focused on Paros’ rich food heritage, examining how local products, traditions and everyday practices carry stories of identity, memory and belonging. Through conversations with cheese producers, olive oil makers, bakers and local families, the participants developed an interactive StoryMap and an illustrated zine highlighting food as a living expression of community heritage.

Giving back to the community

The evening was more than a presentation of research findings. It became an opportunity to give something back to the people whose knowledge, generosity and lived experiences made the projects possible. Discussions continued long after the presentations had ended, as participants and members of the local community gathered on the rooftop of the Dimitrakopoulos Building to enjoy local cheese, wine and conversation under the Parian summer sky.

The event reflected the philosophy at the heart of the Engaging Communities in Cultural Heritage Summer Field School: that heritage is created through dialogue, participation and collaboration. By placing local communities at the centre of the learning experience, participants not only developed new research skills but also discovered the importance of listening, co-creating knowledge and sharing it with those to whom it belongs.

The Summer Field School concluded the following morning with an online presentation by Alexander (Sandy) Colvine, Project Manager of the EMPATHS project, who introduced participants to innovative approaches to participatory heritage interpretation. The session offered an opportunity to reflect on the fortnight’s field experience within a broader European context, highlighting how community participation is reshaping the ways heritage is interpreted, experienced and shared.

HERITΛGE extends its sincere thanks to everyone in Paros who welcomed participants into their homes, workshops, businesses and communities, generously sharing their stories, experiences and perspectives. Their openness and hospitality made this year’s Summer Field School a truly collaborative and memorable experience.

We also warmly thank Paros’ Deputy Mayor for Culture, Ms Anna Kagkani, and the President of the Paros Tourism Committee, Ms Katerina Barbarigou, for joining the Summer Field School, sharing their insights with participants and supporting this year’s public programme. Their engagement provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced by local decision-makers and business communities. 

Throughout the two-week programme, participants also had the opportunity to engage with leading international practitioners and researchers. Guest speakers included Ghanaian scholar artist at The Africa Institute, National Institute of Singapore, Philip Kwame Boafo, Traci Kwaai who shared the inspiring journey of the Fisher Child project –  which has received support through a HERITΛGE grant, HERITΛGE’s Tim Healing, Assistant Professor of Social Anthropology an Panteion University, Dr Despina Nazou, and local community leader Nikos Malatestas. We are grateful to all of them for sharing their thoughts and contributing to a unique experience for our trainees.

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As part of the

EXCALIBUR is one of the flagship projects contributing to the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECHOES) initiative, which is developing the European Heritage Cloud—a shared digital ecosystem designed to enable heritage professionals, researchers and institutions across Europe to collaborate, share knowledge and harness advanced digital technologies for the preservation, study and interpretation of cultural heritage. Within this framework, EXCALIBUR is developing innovative AI-powered and extended reality (XR) tools that will help document, analyse and safeguard heritage sites for future generations.

The team visited the sites and was privileged to have a special guide: the tour was led by Dr Sophocles Hadjisavvas, Honorary Director of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus and the archaeologist who directed excavations at the site between 1977 and 1990. Walking through the monumental necropolis alongside the person who helped reveal many ofl its secrets transformed what could have been a technical site visit into an unforgettable lesson in archaeology, history and interpretation.

Dr Hadjisavvas guided participants through the remarkable architectural diversity of the cemetery, explaining how the site reflects the social hierarchy of Hellenistic Cyprus. Some tombs are relatively modest underground chambers, while others are monumental peristyle complexes inspired by domestic architecture, complete with colonnaded courtyards carved directly into the rock.

“Walking through the Tombs of the Kings with the archaeologist who excavated them reminded us that every digital model begins with human knowledge. The future of heritage lies not in replacing expertise with technology, but in bringing them together.”
Dr Eleni Stefanou, HERITΛGE

Throughout the morning, he shared stories from the excavations that only someone who had spent years uncovering the site could tell.

Among the most fascinating insights was the evidence suggesting that Tomb 8 may be the burial place of Ptolemy of Cyprus, the island’s last king before Cyprus became a Roman province—a reminder that archaeology is not simply about objects and monuments, but about reconstructing lives, identities and historical turning points. The tour was complemented by a visit to the Paphos Archaeological Museum that houses many of the artefacts found at the Tombs of the Kings. 

For the EXCALIBUR consortium, the visit also had a practical purpose.

The Tombs of the Kings constitute Use Case 1 of the project, providing a real-world environment in which partners are defining the requirements for a new generation of digital tools. During the site visit, participants examined the monument’s structures, discussed areas vulnerable to environmental degradation and human impact, and identified priorities for documentation, including 3D scanning, environmental monitoring and the datasets required for future digital preservation. The visit was followed by technical workshops exploring AI, risk mapping, semantic data, XR technologies and collaborative digital environments for cultural heritage.

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Our trainees at work.

This year, HERITΛGE’s Digital Tools Summer School – delivered in cooperation with HOGENT- brought together 27 heritage professionals from 23 countries across five continents, online and then in person in Greece. By combining flexible online education with intensive, hands-on fieldwork in Greece, the program successfully bridged theory and practice, equipping participants with the critical skills needed to document and manage cultural heritage in the modern era.

Building on over 10 years of experience, this year’s programme extended the online component, giving participants more time to develop their understanding of complex concepts before meeting in person. As a result, an evolved learning model has been developed with asynchronous preparation, targeted live sessions and real-world application giving trainees including students, researchers and heritage professionals more flexibility and opportunities to delve into the material at their own pace. 

Participants studied at their own pace using asynchronous learning materials prepared by Dr Cornelis Stal, while submitting questions and reflections through a dedicated digital platform. These informed a series of live online sessions tailored to participants’ needs, prioritizing discussion, clarification and practical problem-solving.

The strong online preparation ensured that participants arrived in Greece with a strong theoretical foundation, allowing the field school to focus on applying knowledge rather than introducing concepts for the first time.

Learning the digital tools shaping heritage practice

During the online phase, participants developed practical competencies in two areas that are becoming increasingly important across the heritage sector: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and image-based 3D documentation.

Working through practical exercises and using their own projects as case studies, participants learned, among others, how to:

• create and manage spatial datasets using GIS;
• apply data styling and labelling;
• digitise heritage information from field measurements and existing sources;
• perform attribute and spatial analyses;
• produce maps for documentation and decision-making;
• construct orthophotos, point clouds and three-dimensional models through photogrammetry;
• integrate image-based 3D models into GIS environments.

These technologies are transforming the way cultural heritage is documented, analysed and managed, enabling professionals to make more informed decisions while creating richer digital records for research, conservation and public engagement.

From online learning to real-world application

The program’s dual structure offers unique flexibility. While the online component serves as a valuable, standalone autonomous training program in mapping, GIS, and photogrammetry for those unable to travel, it also acts as the vital foundation for the field school. Rather than a separate course, the field school is the direct continuation of the online curriculum.  

“The field component also demonstrated an important lesson: digital documentation is not simply about mastering software. It requires understanding heritage places, adapting to field conditions, solving practical challenges and making informed decisions throughout the recording process. ” Dr Cornelis Stal

In the second phase, 14 participants travelled to Tolo and Nafplio for an intensive ten-day practical training programme focused on laser scanning and drone photogrammetry. Working at heritage sites in Nafplio, Drepano, Asini, Romvi and Kastraki, participants planned documentation campaigns, collected field data, operated advanced recording equipment and processed the information into accurate digital outputs. The training took place with the support of Agisoft Metashap that offered free access to its photogrammetry software to participants for the duration of the summer school. 

By applying the concepts explored online in authentic heritage settings, participants experienced the complete digital documentation workflow—from data acquisition and processing to analysis and interpretation.

“The field component also demonstrated an important lesson: digital documentation is not simply about mastering software. It requires understanding heritage places, adapting to field conditions, solving practical challenges and making informed decisions throughout the recording process,” said HERIΤΛGE and HOGENT’s  Dr Cornelis Stal. 

Technology becomes valuable only when it is applied thoughtfully in real heritage contexts.

A global learning community

This year’s Summer School brought together participants from Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Ethiopia, Ghana, Greece, India, Iraq, Lesotho, Libya, Moldova, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, the Philippines, Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Representing five continents and a wide range of professional backgrounds, participants shared experiences from archaeological sites, museums, historic cities, cultural landscapes and community heritage initiatives.

The diversity of perspectives enriched discussions throughout the programme, creating opportunities to exchange approaches, compare challenges and establish professional connections that will continue well beyond the Summer School itself.

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HERITΛGE is proud to be a partner in MusicSphere, a Horizon Europe-funded project and part of the wider European Cultural Heritage Cloud ecosystem being developed through the ECHOES initiative. Bringing together experts in cultural heritage, musicology, conservation, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and immersive experiences, MusicSphere seeks to transform the way traditional musical instruments are documented, studied, preserved, and experienced.

The project focuses particularly on traditional musical organs and other historically significant instruments, combining advanced 3D technologies, acoustic analysis, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences. By capturing not only the physical form of these instruments, but also their internal structure, mechanical behaviour, sound production, craftsmanship, and interaction with their architectural environment, MusicSphere aims to preserve both the tangible and intangible dimensions of Europe’s rich musical heritage.

On 2–3 June 2026, representatives of the MusicSphere consortium gathered in Thessaloniki, Greece, for the project’s first Use Case Meeting. Hosted by the International Hellenic University (IHU) and LUTHIEROS, the event brought together project partners to review progress, strengthen collaboration, and explore the cultural heritage that lies at the heart of MusicSphere’s research and innovation activities.

HERITΛGE was represented by Dr Aris Anagnostopoulos, who joined fellow consortium members for two days of discussions, cultural visits, and technical exchanges.

Exploring Organ Heritage: From Ancient Innovation to Living Traditions

The first day focused on cultural visits connected to MusicSphere’s first use case, which examines the Hydraulis of Dion within the broader context of Europe’s organ heritage.

Partners travelled to Katerini to visit the Greek Evangelical Church, home to the largest pipe organ installed in a church in Greece. Built by Weigle and installed in 1980, the instrument features 22 registers and a fully mechanical action system. The visit offered valuable insights into the preservation, operation, and cultural significance of pipe organs, which represent one of the project’s primary areas of focus.

The consortium then visited the Archaeological Museum of Dion, where participants explored the remains of the Hydraulis of Dion, the oldest surviving pipe organ ever discovered and the earliest known keyboard instrument in history. Invented in Alexandria during the 3rd century BCE, the Hydraulis is widely regarded as the technological ancestor of the modern pipe organ and an important milestone in the development of musical instruments.

Although only fragments of the original instrument survive, the Hydraulis provides a fascinating opportunity to investigate the origins of organ technology. As part of MusicSphere’s first use case, partners are exploring how advanced digital technologies can help reconstruct and better understand this remarkable instrument.

The day concluded with a visit to the SEIKILO Museum of Ancient Music in Thessaloniki, including a guided tour and live concert. Managed by MusicSphere partner LUTHIEROS, SEIKILO is the world’s first interactive museum dedicated to ancient music. Visitors can hear, touch, and play reconstructed ancient Greek instruments while exploring the sounds and musical traditions of the ancient world. 

Developing Digital Twins for Musical Heritage

A central objective of MusicSphere is the creation of advanced digital representations of traditional musical instruments that capture far more than their physical appearance.

Through the integration of 3D scanning, digital reconstruction, acoustic modelling, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies, the project seeks to recreate not only the instruments themselves but also their soundscapes, performance characteristics, and cultural contexts. These digital twins will help researchers, conservators, musicians, and the wider public explore and experience instruments that may be fragile, inaccessible, or partially lost.

For the Hydraulis of Dion, this approach offers a way to reconstruct missing components and explore how the instrument may originally have functioned and sounded, despite the fragmented nature of the surviving remains.

Reviewing Progress Across the Project

The second day was dedicated to consortium meetings hosted by the International Hellenic University.

Partners reviewed progress across multiple work packages and discussed upcoming milestones, deliverables, and technical developments. Discussions focused on artificial intelligence algorithms, toolkit architecture, digitisation activities, dataset preparation, acoustic analysis methodologies, and the development of the project’s advanced technological infrastructure.

The International Hellenic University also presented the latest 3D reconstruction of the Hydraulis of Dion, demonstrating ongoing work towards its digital restoration and integration into the project’s Digital Twin framework.

Dedicated technical sessions allowed partners to align requirements, exchange expertise, and coordinate future implementation activities.

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Delivered over the past two months, the workshops brought together 29 participants from Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Nuevo León to explore how cultural heritage can become a catalyst for social impact, economic opportunity, and sustainable community development.

The workshops attracted a diverse group of participants representing a wide range of sectors and perspectives. Attendees included representatives from culture, tourism, and economic development agencies, universities, Indigenous communities, community promoters, tour operators, non-governmental organizations, and independent heritage practitioners. This diversity created a rich environment for discussion, learning, and collaboration.

A particularly valuable aspect of the workshops was the participation of representatives from four Indigenous peoples of northern Mexico. Their knowledge, experiences, and community perspectives contributed significantly to discussions on heritage management, community engagement, and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of locally rooted approaches to heritage stewardship.

The Communities, Heritage and Economic Development workshop was originally developed by Paul Burtenshaw of the World Monuments Fund and was delivered in Mexico by Athena Yiannitsas. The workshops represent the first time that HERITΛGE has offered this training in Spanish, expanding access to methodologies and practical tools that have already benefited heritage practitioners in other parts of the world.

Throughout the program, participants explored ways of linking heritage conservation and promotion with broader social and economic goals. Discussions focused on how heritage can support local livelihoods, strengthen community identity, encourage sustainable tourism, and contribute to long-term community resilience and well-being.

The workshops form part of the broader HerMaP Mexico initiative. HerMaP Mexico works across the six northern border states of Mexico to strengthen cultural heritage management through training, networking, sector mapping, and support for community-led heritage projects.

As the initiative continues to expand, HERITΛGE remains committed to supporting heritage professionals, community leaders, and organizations working to safeguard and activate the rich and diverse heritage of northern Mexico.

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their enthusiasm, commitment, and generosity in sharing their ideas, experiences, and knowledge. Their engagement is helping build a stronger and more connected heritage community across the region.

With two successful cohorts completed, HerMaP Mexico looks forward to continuing to provide training opportunities that empower communities and strengthen the role of cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable development throughout northern Mexico.

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At HERITΛGE we are very proud to be a part of a new, UN-recognised campaign to accelerate climate change adaptation for cultural heritage sites and practices by 2030, Heritage Adapts! (HA!)

The HA! Initiative launches today as the first global campaign uniting the heritage sector behind a shared mission: to have at least 3,000 sites and practices pledge to take locally-led climate adaptation action by 2030. 

The campaign is driven by a powerful coalition of  leading partners, led by Preserving Legacies, that also includes HERITΛGE, the Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Research and Development (CIPRED), The Climate Heritage Network (CHN), the European Heritage Hub, the Intangible Cultural Heritage NGO Forum, International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Julie’s Bicycle, Shadhona, and the World Monuments Fund. 

Recognised by UNFCCC, the UN’s climate agency, as a Plan to Accelerate Solutions advancing the Global Goal on Adaptation, Heritage Adapts! connects local action to global impact, strengthening community resilience worldwide.

A crisis threatening heritage, community resilience

Climate change is the fastest-growing threat to heritage globally. According to UNESCO, one in three natural heritage sites and one in six cultural heritage sites are under threat, as are 60% of World Heritage Forests and 66% of World Heritage Marine Sites. UNESCO’s newly published People and Nature in Unesco-Designated Sites report further found that across its sites, climate-related hazards have increased 40% in a decade, and more than one in four could hit potentially irreversible tipping points by 2050. But this data covers only a fraction of the world’s heritage; most sites, living practices, collections, and landscapes that communities value remain untracked by international frameworks. This gap is itself part of the problem. Compounded by heritage adaptation remaining largely absent from climate finance and policy, stewards on the frontlines are often left with limited funding and support. Yet heritage is not just a victim, it is part of the solution, a source of community resilience and time-tested solutions relevant today.

A collective campaign built for action

Heritage Adapts! — with its founding coalition of over 100 organisations and stewards across the Global North and South — aims to fill that gap and accelerate climate adaptation for all types of heritage.

“As the world hurtles toward 2°C of warming, we are in a race to help communities—and the culture and heritage that sustain them—adapt while there is still time. The UN’s new Global Goal on adapting cultural heritage can be transformative, but only if it fuels real support for every site and cultural practice. Around the world, partners are uniting to urgently seize this moment. That shared resolve is the driving force behind Heritage Adapts!” – Andrew Potts, Director of Policy, Preserving Legacies. 

HERIΤΛGE is excited to be part of an initiative that aims to foster immediate action at the level of local communities and heritage managers.

“Across the world, we are already witnessing the impact of climate change on cultural heritage, from historic cities and archaeological sites to living traditions and community practices. At HERITΛGE, we work with heritage professionals and communities on the frontlines of these challenges, helping them build the skills, knowledge and networks needed to respond. We are honoured to be part of Heritage Adapts!, an initiative that has the potential to drive meaningful change where it matters most. By empowering those closest to heritage to lead adaptation efforts, we can strengthen both heritage resilience and community resilience for generations to come,” said HERITΛGE Director, Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis.

At the core of HA! is the collective pledge to take locally -ed adaptation action by 2030 and an online community of action platform to support those adapting. Built around a self-paced program through every stage of adaptation, it makes the process accessible no matter the starting point. A global peer network connects those on the frontlines, and downscaled climate data is available in downloadable regional packets, complemented by training so stewards can use it on their own terms and weave it with the knowledge their communities already hold. Developed directly with stewards, it is grounded in hands-on expertise and an inclusive, locally led, plural knowledge system approach to help ensure all voices are at the table and that solutions are targeted, sustainable, and locally appropriate.

Heritage stewards, organisations, and institutions are invited to take the pledge, join the community, and start adapting at act.heritageadapts.org. 

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Professionals from across the global heritage and cultural sectors came together this May for HERITΛGE’s Strategic Planning Workshop, an intensive training programme designed to strengthen strategic thinking, organisational resilience, and long-term sustainability within the heritage field.

The workshop took place over two sessions, on 14–15 May and 21–22 May 2026, bringing together 18 participants from Greece, Rwanda, Malawi, Puerto Rico, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Jordan, Turkey, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Led by Dr. Alexandros Papalexandris, the HERITΛGE strategy workshop offers a dynamic introduction to the core principles of strategic management and its critical role in shaping successful individuals and organizations. Participants explore how strategy is formed and applied, gaining insight into organizational vision, mission, and values, as well as how to translate them into clear, actionable strategic goals while effectively navigating change. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding stakeholders and aligning strategies with their expectations. 

The program also develops participants’ ability to scan the external environment and industry landscape, using key analytical tools to identify opportunities and market segments. In addition, it highlights the foundations of competitive advantage, essential organizational resources and capabilities, and the key success factors behind effective strategy execution, including the basics of feasibility studies and business planning.

“The Strategic Planning Workshop aims to provide heritage professionals with practical tools and critical perspectives to help them navigate increasingly complex and uncertain environments,” said Foteini Giannoulidi, Educational Programs Manager at HERITΛGE. “What made this workshop particularly valuable was the diversity of experiences and perspectives brought by participants from different regions of the world. The discussions demonstrated how strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability are becoming essential skills for safeguarding and sustainably managing heritage today. It was also a great honour to welcome Ivan Verbytskyi, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, whose insights into managing culture and heritage during times of crisis offered participants an inspiring and deeply important perspective on resilience, leadership, and adaptability.”

The workshop was further enriched by a series of inspiring guest lectures and discussions on cultural resilience and leadership in times of uncertainty.

Among the guest speakers was Ivan Verbytskyi, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, who shared powerful insights into the unprecedented challenges faced by Ukraine’s cultural and heritage sector during the ongoing war. His lecture highlighted how heritage managers and cultural institutions can respond effectively during periods of crisis and instability.

One of the key takeaways from his presentation was the importance of flexibility and adaptability in strategic management. In rapidly evolving and unpredictable situations, the ability of managers to adjust quickly and make informed decisions under pressure becomes critical for sustaining institutions and protecting cultural heritage.

Participants also heard from Rafika Mokhtari, architect, co-founder of Izourane Algeria, HERITΛGE fellow, and HERITΛGE grantee. Rafika presented her heritage initiative in Algeria and shared practical lessons from its implementation, including the operational and strategic challenges encountered during the project’s development.

Her presentation offered participants valuable insight into real-world project execution, risk management, collaboration, and the importance of strategic planning in overcoming obstacles within the heritage sector.

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The EMPATHS Training Programme is designed for heritage professionals who want to explore how heritage interpretation can become more participatory, inclusive, and community-centred. Through interactive and practice-based learning, the programme invites participants to rethink the role of heritage professionals as facilitators of dialogue, co-creation, and shared meaning-making.

The programme is being delivered as part of EMPATHS, an Erasmus+ co-funded European project that brings together partners from across Europe to develop new approaches, methods, and tools for participatory heritage interpretation.

The training consists of six live online sessions organised through three regional hubs in Greece, Italy, and Austria-Slovenia. Participants will engage in collaborative learning experiences that include group discussions, breakout activities, reflection exercises, peer exchange, and the practical application of participatory methods.

The programme is open to professionals working at the intersection of heritage and communities, including:

• Museum professionals
• Cultural heritage practitioners
• NGO and civil society actors
• Local authorities
• Tourism professionals
• Educators and facilitators

Participants who successfully complete the online training will become eligible to apply for the next phase of the programme: the Interpretive Community Labs.

These five-day in-person co-creation workshops will offer immersive, real-world learning experiences in collaboration with local communities. During the Labs, participants will apply participatory heritage interpretation methods in practice, co-creating interpretation outcomes while working directly within community contexts.

Each hub will host its own Interpretive Community Lab:

Greece Hub

Participants who complete the online training sessions taking place from 22–29 June 2026 will be eligible to apply for the Interpretive Community Lab hosted at the Ethnological Museum of Thrace between 28 August and 1 September 2026.

Italy Hub

Participants completing the online training may apply for the Interpretive Community Lab taking place in September 2026 at the Archaeological Park of Campi Flegrei.

Austria & Slovenia Hub

Participants completing the online training may apply for the Interpretive Community Lab taking place from 7–11 September 2026 at the Karawanken-Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark.

A limited number of participants will be selected for each Interpretive Community Lab through a second application process.

The EMPATHS programme offers participants the opportunity to develop practical participatory skills, strengthen facilitation competences, gain hands-on co-creation experience, and connect with a growing European network of heritage professionals committed to more inclusive and collaborative heritage practices.

Participants who complete the programme will also receive a certificate of participation.

To learn more and apply, visit:

https://empaths-project.eu/participatory-training-programme/

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An oral history and heritage workshop

By Denise Navarro

HerMaP Mexico, HERIΤΛGE’s major initiative to support cultural heritage in Mexico’s northern border states  is now in full motion. After crossing the six-month mark of the project, we carried out an intensive, month-long field visit across four states  of Mexico’s northern border: Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. This on-site engagement allowed us to strengthen partnerships, deliver specialized training, and continue mapping capacity needs across the region.

Throughout the visit, we engaged with a wide range of stakeholders who have been progressively involved in the project. These included representatives from local and federal government bodies, universities, key institutional partners such as the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey, and, crucially, community-led initiatives and associations working on the ground to safeguard heritage.

At this stage of the project, the numbers reflect the momentum and progress achieved so far, as well as the strong interest and commitment of heritage professionals and practitioners in northern Mexico:

• Two workshops on Oral History and Heritage have been delivered
• 40 professionals have been trained
• One formal collaboration agreement has been signed
• Two radio programs have been recorded
• Three talks were delivered to university students in tourism, arts, and social project management in the “Heritage Days” Program of Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC)
• More than 50 students have been reached through these talks
• One heritage community networking workshop was conducted
• 80+ applications have been received for the grants program
• 100 stakeholders have been mapped through the ongoing mapping process

Beyond these quantitative results, we have witnessed a deep and inspiring commitment across all sectors to the safeguarding, promotion, and sustainable use of local heritage as a driver for development.

The northern border of Mexico is extraordinarily rich and diverse. Its heritage spans marine and coastal landscapes, vast desert and sierra ecosystems, and vibrant cultural expressions rooted in centuries-old traditions. This diversity also includes significant industrial heritage: factories, railways, mining sites, and infrastructure that tell the story of the region’s economic and social transformations. Together, these tangible and intangible elements form a complex and layered cultural landscape.

Through our conversations with heritage practitioners, community leaders, and institutional actors, we have gained a deeper understanding not only of this richness, but also of the challenges that shape the region today. These include issues of preservation, resource allocation, security and the need to balance development with the protection of cultural identity.

We are excited to continue building on the strong collaborations established during this first phase. We remain deeply grateful for the generosity, hospitality, and openness we have encountered, which have been instrumental in reaching these important milestones.

In the coming months, we will expand our activities with a new series of online trainings focused on community engagement and economic development, tailored specifically to the context of the six northern border states and delivered in Spanish.

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