The European Public Law Organization (EPLO) hosted the Final Conference of the HERIT ADAPT – Climate Change Adaptation for Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism project yesterday in Athens, bringing together partners, policymakers, and experts from across the Mediterranean. The event marked the conclusion of a three‑year collaboration aimed at strengthening the resilience of cultural heritage sites and developing sustainable tourism models adapted to the challenges of climate change.
A Shared Mediterranean Effort
HERIT ADAPT, funded under the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, has implemented nine pilot actions across France, Cyprus, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Greece. The project’s core objective has been to test and validate innovative tools that help cultural heritage managers and tourism authorities anticipate climate risks, improve monitoring, and design sustainable visitor experiences.
Through the coordinated work of universities, regional authorities, research centres, and tourism organisations, the project has produced a set of replicable methodologies that can be transferred to other Mediterranean regions facing similar pressures.
Opening Session: Heritage, Policy, and Climate Resilience
The conference opened with high‑level interventions from regional tourism and policy representatives, highlighting the strategic importance of integrating climate resilience into cultural heritage management.
Dr. Dionysia‑Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Member of the Hellenic Parliament, contributed insights on the evolving policy landscape and the need for coordinated regional action.
The Greek Pilot: Temple of Apollo Epicurius
A dedicated session focused on the Greek pilot site, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Partners presented the development of a detailed 3D model of the site, designed to support vulnerability assessment, monitoring, and long‑term preservation planning. The session also outlined future steps for applying HERIT ADAPT tools to enhance site management and visitor engagement.
Innovation Across the Mediterranean
Project partners showcased the results of their pilot territories, demonstrating a wide range of technological and methodological solutions, including:
- 3D modelling and digital twins
- XR applications for interpretation and visitor experience
- IoT‑based climate and environmental monitoring
- AI‑supported storytelling and risk assessment tools
These approaches collectively demonstrate how innovation can support sustainable tourism models that protect cultural heritage while enhancing regional development.
Sustainable Tourism and Circular Economy
A thematic discussion on sustainable tourism examined how circular economy principles can serve as drivers of economic resilience. Speakers emphasised the need for integrated strategies that balance environmental protection, cultural value, and local economic benefits.
Looking Ahead
The conference concluded with a forward‑looking dialogue on how the project’s outcomes can be mainstreamed across the Mediterranean. Participants agreed that HERIT ADAPT provides a strong foundation for future cooperation and for scaling up climate‑ready heritage management practices.
About HERIT ADAPT
HERIT ADAPT is an Interreg Euro-MED project focused on developing tools and strategies to help cultural heritage sites adapt to climate change while promoting sustainable tourism. The project brings together partners from eight Mediterranean countries and supports the transition toward climate‑resilient, culturally rich, and economically sustainable regional development.
More information is available at:
https://heritadapt.interreg-euro-med.eu/
